All iPads 2nd iPad as non-driver

subroutines

subroutines

macrumors member
Do any of you have a second iPad that you use for a non-driver, like a secondary device? I have been thinking of getting an iPad mini as a non-driver iPad for my 12.9 ipad pro (3rd gen). Just curious if anyone has a workflow reason or lifestyle reason for having two iPads.
 
subroutines said:
Do any of you have a second iPad that you use for a non-driver, like a secondary device? I have been thinking of getting an iPad mini as a non-driver iPad for my 12.9 ipad pro (3rd gen). Just curious if anyone has a workflow reason or lifestyle reason for having two iPads.
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When I upgrade, my older devices pretty much become “non-driver”. My most common use is either beta testing or kept on older firmware for legacy/abandoned apps.

Right now, I’ve got two that I both consider primary: Pro 10.5 & Air 3. They’re basically clones and I switch off between them when one needs charging.
 
subroutines said:
Do any of you have a second iPad that you use for a non-driver, like a secondary device? I have been thinking of getting an iPad mini as a non-driver iPad for my 12.9 ipad pro (3rd gen). Just curious if anyone has a workflow reason or lifestyle reason for having two iPads.
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I have an iPad mini 2 that I sometimes use as a secondary iPad. It is beginning to show its age though.
 
When I got my iPad Pro (2020) in late June, I was going to keep my iPad mini 5 as a secondary iPad. However, the iPad Pro is so much better than my iPad mini 5 was and I use the Pro all the time. It would have been a waste to keep it around so, I sold it.

Unless you have a real need for 2 iPads, I wouldn’t buy another.
 
I never keep an iPad after I upgrade, either it gets sold or passed down to one of the kids if theirs is getting too old. Currently they have good iPads so I’ll end up selling the 10.5.
 
I repurposed my old iPad as an engine monitor for the diesel in my motorhome. Had previously used an old, cheap Lenovo laptop but find the touchscreen easier when driving. I can also use it for navigation.
 
subroutines said:
Do any of you have a second iPad that you use for a non-driver, like a secondary device? I have been thinking of getting an iPad mini as a non-driver iPad for my 12.9 ipad pro (3rd gen). Just curious if anyone has a workflow reason or lifestyle reason for having two iPads.
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why not. I had the 2018 12.9 but upgraded to the 11 2018. 12.9 wasn’t practical for me for entertainment uses which is what I used it for. But with work from home I would love to get the 2018 12.9 when the prices further falls as a second device. The 12.9 would have been great for note taking and researching. The 11 I use for note taking and planning but the second screen is too small for concurrent researching. But the 11 is perfect for the couch and all my other uses aside from using it for work.

And yes I know my use doesn’t really require a pro but I like the look and I love the speakers. lol
 
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For a couple years now, I have been wanting to own a second iPad—preferably an iPad mini—solely for reading books, magazines, and the news in bed. It would be kept on my nightstand pretty much all the time and wouldn’t be used for much else. The problem is that I just can’t justify owning two iPads when I already have a top-of-the-line iPad Pro and a top-of-the-line iPhone 11 Pro Max. I might seriously consider it again once they lose the home button on the mini.
 
Pro 12.9 + Mini Pro

The 12.9 is great but very often I just need a smal iPad. I was considering the biggest iPhone 12 but I don’t want a crippled “tablet” experience so what I really would like is a redesigned iPad Mini Pro.
 
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I’m using a 2018 12.9 Pro as my main device alongside a 2019 Mini. I think the double iPad setup gives you the maximum amount of flexibility. My old setup was a 2019 10.5 Air and it was suboptimal for both heavier workloads and reading in bed and on the go. In the first case, having a larger, 12.9 inch canvas for full-sized (essentially 9.7 inch) app multi-tasking is much more useful compared to the 10.5 Air. In the latter case, holding the 10.5 Air (while quite light at 1 lb) got tiring quickly in bed and the 10.5 form factor required a bag when taking it outside. The mini is perfect in bed and fits in most jacket pockets and even some mens pant pockets! (Sadly many lady pockets are faux...)

I‘m likely a unique case however as I use a Samsung phone so the Mini is essentially my iOS portable companion and document reader. I’m not sure if I would have picked up the Mini if I owned a large display iPhone. Perhaps others can comment on that use case.
 
spiderman0616 said:
For a couple years now, I have been wanting to own a second iPad—preferably an iPad mini—solely for reading books, magazines, and the news in bed. It would be kept on my nightstand pretty much all the time and wouldn’t be used for much else. The problem is that I just can’t justify owning two iPads when I already have a top-of-the-line iPad Pro and a top-of-the-line iPhone 11 Pro Max. I might seriously consider it again once they lose the home button on the mini.
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Justify to whom? Seems to me you just laid out a perfectly fine justification for you. I don't worry about what other people may say or think.
 
subroutines said:
Do any of you have a second iPad that you use for a non-driver, like a secondary device? I have been thinking of getting an iPad mini as a non-driver iPad for my 12.9 ipad pro (3rd gen). Just curious if anyone has a workflow reason or lifestyle reason for having two iPads.
Click to expand...

I have three iPads. iPad Pro 12.9, iPad Pro 10, and an iPad mini. And an iPhone 11 Pro Max.

iPads are very portable, but I don't feel the need to always carry them with me wherever I go. the iPad Pro 10 is at work along with the new keyboard. It's great for setting to the side to watch for critical email or news while I work on my main screen (MacBook Pro), or to take to meetings. and when I leave for the day, plug it in to charge.

At home I have the iPad Pro 12.9 for downstairs on the couch content consumption. Replying to email. I like the split screen when it's my only screen.

Upstairs I keep the iPad mini in a water proof case. I like to sit in the hot tub and read. It's also great for just laying in bed and absorbing content. And it's small enough to sit on my nightstand.

I am not a big fan of prolonged reading news or replying to long emails on my phone. But it's great for surveying the world at a glance no matter where I am.
 
I also have a mini 2 that I use for reading in bed and not much else. My daily driver is the 4th gen. 12.9 Pro. But it is too big for reading in bed. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for an all-screen mini 6 that will work with the same Apple Pencil as the Pro.
 
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