4 Reasons I’m Considering Upgrading My Old iPad Pro to the New iPad mini
I’ve been the proud owner of the 11-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation for around three years and in that time, the iPad has been a valuable asset in my everyday life.
I initially purchased the iPad as an upgrade from my 6th generation iPad for studying towards my master’s degree. It proved to brilliant as a research and note-taking device, especially when combined with the Apple Pencil and PaperLike screen protector.
Since completing my master’s degree, the 11-inch iPad Pro has been at the heart of my productivity workflow. It has been brilliant for most of my computing needs, including writing blog posts, taking notes and many other things.
I think that the 11-inch screen is great, but I feel that a smaller iPad will benefit my current needs even more. Read on to discover the four reasons I’m leaning towards the iPad mini 7.
1. My needs have changed
Since getting a MacBook Air, my workflow has changed significantly, with many of the things I used my iPad for shifting to my MacBook Air. I guess I like having that extra screen real estate when connected to my dual monitor setup through the BenQ beCreatus DP1310 docking station.
I know what you’re thinking, I want extra screen real estate, but I’m looking at a smaller iPad. That’s the thing, when writing blog posts, I don’t really need a larger screen. If I have a good idea, I even start some blog posts from my phone! So even though I am losing room on the screen, in this case I don’t actually mind.
Today, I primarily use my iPad as a secondary device. When I’m at my desk, it sits underneath my monitors, ready for me to take notes with my Apple Pencil or when I require an extra screen. I also like to use it to watch YouTube videos in the background.
Outside of that, I’m also looking to upgrade my ageing Kindle, which doesn’t even have a backlight. I’ve been contemplating buying a new one for a while, but as I’m also in need of a new iPad, I might as well just get the iPad mini. I know the experience won’t be the same, but that doesn’t really matter to me.
As a whole, since getting the MacBook Air, my iPad Pro has become my secondary device and while it is a nice size, I think a smaller iPad may benefit me more. That brings me nicely onto the next section.
2. Portability and smaller size
I commute by train on a weekly basis, that gives me an hour each way to plan and write content for my blog. On top of that, I tend to commute two to three times per week and that gives me a lot of time to be productive.
The 11-inch iPad Pro combined with a keyboard case and Ulysses have been ideal for this. However, I think that a smaller iPad will benefit me more due to the portability, especially as the tray tables on some trains are pretty small.
On top of that, I want to be able to take the iPad with me more often so that I can make more use of it in my spare time.
I’m not sure why, but I think that if I had a smaller iPad, I would make more use out of it and that I will take it with me more frequently when I go out.
The smaller size would make it ideal to use as an eReader. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have used my iPad Pro as an eReader before, but it’s just too big in my view.
3. I’m In need of an upgrade
Let’s face it, release in 2020, the 11-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation isn’t the newest iPad, it won’t even support Apple Intelligence, but we’ll get into that later in this article.
As of the last few months, I have noticed a drastic decrease in the maximum battery capacity and on a normal day of using the iPad at my desk I have to keep it plugged in more often.
At this time, it’s just a slight annoyance, but I am starting to get concerned that the iPad won’t last me when travelling.
I have reset it to factory settings, but in terms of battery life that only made a temporary difference, and I really don’t have many apps running on it.
With that in mind, I still haven’t noticed a decline in performance. I find that apart from the shortened battery life, the iPad still works incredibly well.
4. Apple Intelligence
As someone who is currently daily driving the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Intelligence isn’t that important to me. But I haven’t tried it first hand, so I can’t say whether it’s something that I’ll find useful in the future.
But, upgrading to the iPad mini will give me that exposure in my everyday life which allows me to make an informed decision based on my experience.
While I have mixed feelings about it, I am actually pretty excited to see what it can do and how it can enhance the user experience and Siri.
However, only time will tell whether it’s something that people will actually use in their everyday lives. But I do think that Apple has massive potential with Apple Intelligence.
Final Thoughts
While I haven’t decided yet, I am seriously considering replacing my iPad Pro with an iPad mini. I think it will make more sense with the way I want to use my iPad Pro.
I’m also hoping that a smaller iPad will somehow enable me to get more use out of an iPad. But before I make any purchasing decisions, I will likely visit an Apple Store to actually see what it’s like and whether I can see myself writing blog posts on a screen of that size.
What are your thoughts on this?