Yeah, and I'm itching to draw with the pencil, etc. I think I'm going 512 GB. I have a Creative Cloud sub already so I can try both Photoshop that I'm used to and the current version of Procreate... I'm excited now! I think I'll get a paperlike, too!
I can't decide whether I actually want the smart keyboard folio cover, or just the standard smart cover. Or maybe I should go with a Book Book or something?
I have the 256GB Pro (12.9) and I've been using it since launch...and I'm only using ~90 of 256GB...it's a LOT of storage, might not be necessary to have that much space (especially since you can easily expand it with an external drive).
For covers, I'd go with exactly neither of those, and instead get the Zugu Muse case. It's pricey, but it's also sturdy, convenient, and works wonderfully when it comes to giving you angle options.
I've tried 4 cases on my iPad, and this is easily the best one in my opinion. Charges the pen, has a separate nylon carrier for the pen (so it's not always charging), tons of viewing / drawing angles (with strong magnets to hold) and the USB opening is PLENTY large enough for things like USBC to HDMI converters, etc. Granted, I had an extra Apple keyboard from my iMac, so I just keep that in my bag and use that, so if a keyboard is essential to you, this doesn't help at all.
I use my iPad for art almost exclusively. My top apps for storage are Lightroom, Procreate, Fresco, and Photoshop, lol.