A review for the 2017 Apple iPad? That sounds like quite the intimidating job on my part, only because there has been so much leading up to this device coming out I want to do its reviewers justice. Hence, it’s been a bit since its announcement, which was on March 21 of this year, there’s so much information out in the web-verse, I think it’s the right time to talk about it. Lucky for me, this device is actually simpler than nearly anything you have found Apple create. So far, what you need to know about the new iPad could be summed up pretty quickly: It’s good. Isn’t that nice to hear? In that, I also mean the iPad 2017, a.k.a. the 5th generation iPad, starts at a seriously low price for Apple. With that price, you can expect faster CPU processor performance than ever, and a good screen.

Straight to the goods. As far as the company’s official iPad lineup, this new iteration is replacing the iPad Air 2, officially discontinuing it. But when you look closer, the 2017 iPad is so much more like the original iPad Air in both thickness (they both weigh exactly the same, actually) and weight, while the Air 2 was thinner and lighter. The new iPad 2017 includes a 9.4 x 6.6 x .29-inch body, weighs in at 1.03 pounds, features a 9.7 inch LCD screen, and a resolution with 2048 x 1536 pixels. That ain’t bad, right? Then there’s its Apple A9 APL0898 processor, which has been getting CPU clock speed scores of 1.9GHz with its 2 cores, which is a slightly higher than average performer (the median is usually a clock speed of 1.3GHz). With this, it’s becoming known as a good multi-tasker.

Apple also gives the option of a 32GB Wi-Fi model for $329, and 128GB for $100 more; plus the addition of LTE for $130. Other features include an 8MP rear-facing camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera, two stereo speakers at the bottom of the tablet. I bet you were expecting me to list off more and more deets right about now, but this thing is pretty simplistic.

That’s why most reviews will state that its most appealing attribute is its competitive price. It’s not the bells and whistles type of iPad flagship. We are talking basic and affordable. How new of a concept is this for Apple, huh? That starting cost, $329, is $70 less than the starting price of the iPad Air 2, at $399. For a first time tablet buyer, who wants the functional goods a laptop provides, this particular tablet is really a proper choice. Oh yeah, it’s battery life is excellent, by the way, with a 32.9Whr piece, quite larger than both the iPad Air 2 and original Air batteries, all inside that sleek build. As it’s been stated, this is a “no-nonsense machine”, a budget model that really is one of a kind for the market niche it resides in. I can’t really say all of these basic functionalities are at the “cost” of sleekness and fancy pants-ness, because the machine is just so affordable, you can’t complain if it’s going to do everything you need it to. We don’t always need Apple to be Mr. Fancy Pants.