I see some chat https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/21/apple-ipad-9-7/ about the new iPad lacking a laminated screen. Our family iPads are pre Air, so I don’t think I have ever seen a laminated screen. Is it really that big a deal?
I don't think it's that big a thing to worry about. Going with a fully laminated display was the way Apple was able to thin down their iPad line. That is about the only real advantage of laminating the glass to the LED display. It makes that unit monolithic and adds to the cost if you drop the iPad and crack it. Before, it would be likely you'd only have to replace the glass, a much lower cost component than the entire display. With a laminated display, that is not an option, you have to replace it all. . . which means you have to have it done by a tech who can do a security register it to the other security registered components, otherwise it cannot be updated. Just replacing the glass doesn't require registration of the glass component.
This would be just as accurate at pointing and clicking as your iPad Air, but you'd have a Retina screen.