The Ultimate iPads for Creatives and Travelers Alike

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Read our comprehensive review of the iPad Mini.{
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Tablets are incredibly versatile devices, but we all have our preferred uses. If you, like me, use your iPad primarily for reading, the iPad Mini is an excellent choice. Other models, such as the iPad Air, start at around 11 inches, which can feel excessive when you want to simply flip through a book. However, the iPad Mini isn’t just a sophisticated e-reader; it remains a flexible tablet. Like any iPad, you can read on it, but you can also stream your favorite shows — offering a versatility that other dedicated e-readers simply can’t match.

When should the iPad Mini be set aside? If you’re looking for a tablet that can serve as a laptop, this may not be the right fit. Eight inches may be sufficient for reading or watching, but it can feel cramped when multitasking between email and messaging apps. Notably, when in comparison with more powerful laptops, the iPad Mini 7th generation may not perform as impressively. Additionally, it’s not compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, though it can connect to a Bluetooth keyboard if needed.
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The iPad Mini received a 2024 upgrade, featuring the A17 chip, along with the same 5-core GPU and 6-core CPU. This upgrade comes with Apple Intelligence, a particularly useful feature for reading, as it can summarize articles. In some aspects, it outperforms the iPad 11th generation. However, it lacks certain features, such as a landscape view camera and Magic Keyboard support. Considering all of this, it’s evident that the iPad Mini is a fantastic tablet, while the other iPads in Apple’s lineup have the potential to function both as great tablets and laptops.

What I appreciate most about the iPad Mini is its suitability for reading. Previously, I used the iPad 9th Generation, which was functional but felt too large. When reading in bed, using a standard-sized iPad strained my wrist. Switching to the iPad Mini was a delightful experience due to its lightweight design; it weighs just over half a pound. At 8.3 inches, it’s about an inch and a half larger than a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but the difference in hand feel is minimal.

Moreover, unlike the iPad 11th generation, it features an anti-reflective coating to enhance readability in various lighting conditions. While it’s great for reading, the iPad Mini does not possess the matte screen often found on other e-readers, which may lead to some eye strain at night. If you’re looking to enhance your reading experience, using Paperlike screen protectors can add a nice friction to the display, making it feel more like reading and writing on paper.

The iPad Mini’s compact size also makes it an ideal choice for travel. It occupies less space and weight in your bag compared to any other iPad on this list. Despite being smaller than the iPad 11th generation, it is priced higher. So, what are you investing in? Slightly more advanced technology, the convenience of portability, and an improved reading experience.