In 2010, Apple announced the iPad. Despite its lack of a keyboard, I believed in the concept so much, I pre-ordered the iPad and bought Apple stock. I provide this backstory to justify why I own so many iPads (even though it’s obviously overkill).
I have a 2024 blue iPad mini; a 2024 space gray iPad Air; and a 2021 silver iPad Pro as well as a myriad of Apple and third-party keyboards. I also have two Apple Pencils I never use.
If you are in the market for an iPad, here is what I recommend. First, future-proof your purchase by making sure the iPad supports Apple Intelligence as all my iPads do. Now, in its infancy, Apple Intelligence will play a major role in the iPad future. Currently, Apple Intelligence on the iPad can write text and generate images; prioritize and summarize notifications, email, and messages; search for photos by description; and integrates with ChatGPT.
The iPad you buy depends on what you want to do with it, when, and where. The iPad is incredibly versatile. You can stream, web-browse, access social media, read, play games, take notes, draw, play music, listen to podcasts, call, navigate, email, text, capture and view photos and videos, write, calculate, and use specialized apps. You can use your iPad at home, work, commuting, or traveling.
For super portability, the iPad mini with a Smart Folio cover weighs almost nothing and can fit in a purse or jacket pocket. I am always using mine in the house for web-browsing, reading, light email and texting, simple gaming, photo viewing, and short videos.
I’m disappointed that Apple hasn’t created a Magic Keyboard for the mini. The Magic Keyboards allow me to use my other two iPads as laptops. An iPad mini Magic Keyboard would make the mini the most portable laptop available.
For between $25 and $150, you can purchase a third-party Bluetooth keyboard designed for the mini. I’m reasonably happy with the $60 GreenLaw backlit, type-c rechargeable, rotating Keyboard Case with touchpad that also works with my iPhone. With any of the diminutive keyboards, the challenge is editing—the delete key position, second-level keys like apostrophe, cutting and pasting, and going back and forth between the keyboard and touchscreen. A well-designed iPad mini keyboard would minimize the pain.
If I had to select one iPad that balances utility, price, portability, and future-proofing, it would be the $600 11-inch iPad Air with Magic Keyboard. I would choose a 13-inch iPad Air or Pro as a laptop replacement for work and traveling.
Even though I don’t need it and can’t justify it, I would love the faster 2024, 13-inch iPad Pro with its incredible display.
My name is Hal, and I am an iPadoholic.
