There are now five different iPads with two different sizes, the choice of mobile data or Wi-Fi only and three different storage choices.  This brings the total number of different iPad configurations to sixty. Yes, sixty. But don't worry, as intimidating as that number might sound, it isn't too hard to narrow your choices in buying an iPad down to a more reasonable number based on how you will be using the iPad.

The iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air vs iPad Mini 3 vs iPad Mini 2 vs iPad Mini

The iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3 are the two newest iPads in the mix.  Starting at $499, the iPad Air 2 is a good upgrade, gaining a 40% increase in processing speed and a 250% increase in graphics compared to the iPad Air.   It also has much improved cameras and Touch ID, which allows you to sign into the iPad using your thumbprint.  Touch ID also means you can use the new Apple Pay payment system, though you can only use it online with the iPad.

The iPad Mini 3 starts at $399, but rather than have an upgraded processor and graphics when compared to its predecessor, the Mini 3 simply adds Touch ID to the mix.  In most other regards -- including processor speed and graphics -- the Mini 3 is the same as the second generation iPad Mini. 

Last year's iPads continue to be sold at a $100 discount on the price, which puts the iPad Air at a $399 starting price and the iPad Mini 2 at a $299 starting price.  Apple is also keeping the original iPad Mini in the lineup at a reduced price of $249.

How to buy a cheap iPad

Which iPad is right for you?

The two iPads to focus on are the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 2.  

The iPad Air 2 is the best iPad available, with the fastest processor and the best graphics.  The upgraded back-facing camera is 8 MP, and this is the first major upgrade to the iPad's camera since the iPad 3 upgraded the iPad 2's pitiful excuse for cameras.   Touch ID is also a nice addition.  

But if you are looking to reduce that $499 price tag, the iPad Mini 2 may be the iPad for you.  It is my best reviewed iPad, mainly because it is an iPad Air packed into a 7.9-inch device.  This isn't a scaled down version of the iPad Air.  It has the same generation processor and the beautiful Retina Display.  With a price tag of $299, it is by far the best deal of the bunch.

If you are set on getting the bigger iPad, but don't want to pay $499, the original iPad air isn't a bad deal.  It was a significant upgrade over the previous iPads and has a long life in front of it.  The iPads most will want to avoid are the original iPad Mini, whose cheap price tag doesn't cover the fact that it is slowing down, and the iPad Mini 3, which is just an overpriced iPad Mini 2.

And if the reduced price on the iPad Mini 2 or the iPad Air has caught your eye, you can get an even better deal by shopping Apple's refurbished iPads.  These iPads come with the same 1-year warranty as a new iPad, so you need not worry about getting one and having it break the next week.

Read more on deciding which iPad is right for you.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

The last thing you want to do is get stuck with an iPad with too little storage. But due to great features like Home Sharing, you actually don't need near as much Flash memory as you might think, especially if you are mainly going to use the iPad in the home. The ability to stream music and movies to your iPad from your PC means you can use most of your iPad's storage on great apps and games and still not use the full 16 GB of the low-end model.

The biggest reasons to go with more than 16 GB of storage are high end games, which can easily surpass 1 GB these days, a very large photo collection, though you can use cloud storage such as Dropbox for these, or storing a lot of movies for when you travel.  

If you are going with the iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 3, the 64 GB model is hard to pass up.  Apple has scratched the 32 GB model from the lineup and put the 64 GB model in its place, which means you'll get a lot of extra elbow room for $100 more.  

Still undecided? Find out more about which iPad model is right for your storage needs

Do You Need 4G or Just Wi-Fi?

The 4G versions of the iPad don't just come with the ability to connect to a 4G network. They also contain an A-GPS chip, which allows for more accurate location services than the iPad with Wi-Fi only. They also cost $130 more.

Is it worth it?

Most hotels come with free Wi-Fi, and it is easy to find a Starbucks or other coffee shop with Wi-Fi access, so getting on the Internet without 4G won't always be a problem. The main areas where the data connection comes in handy are in the car and at places without Wi-Fi hotspots, like at a picnic or at a park. 

For families that are going to enjoy road trips, the 4G version is great as a source of entertainment for kids. It can also act as a GPS device, thus saving you from buying a dedicated GPS.

You also may be able to tether your iPad to your iPhone or Android smartphone, using the phone as a hot spot.  

Read more about 4G vs Wi-Fi

Must-Have iPad Apps

Once you decide on the right model, you'll want to load it up with some of the great apps available for the iPad. Here's a few you'll want to move to the top of your download list:

iBooks. The iPad makes a great eReader, and Apple's iBooks is the best app for it on the market. The iPad also supports Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook.
Pandora. A great way to turn on the music without using up a lot of memory on your iPad.
IMDB. For couch potatoes, IMDB is the best app ever invented.

More Must-Have iPad Apps

Still undecided? The 16 GB iPad Mini 2 offers the best combination of features. It is powered by the 64-bit A7 chip, which set a new standard in mobile devices. With home sharing, you don't need your entire collection of music and movies on your iPad, but the 16 GB storage model does have enough for thousands of songs. You'll also have plenty of space for apps, which don't tend to take up nearly as much space.  And you will only pay $299 for it.

Need help with buying accessories for your iPad? The options for cases, keyboards, speakers and other fun accessories can seem daunting. Check out the best of the best in our iPad accessories guide.