iPad mini How do you guys even use an iPad Mini?

[Zest28]

So I bought a 11” M4 iPad Pro today (I always had the 13“ iPads historically) and I really find this 11” iPad Pro too small with the Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s only when I remove it from the keyboard and use it in “tablet mode“ that I appreciate the 11” size.

And the iPad Mini is even smaller than the 11” iPad. You guys with the iPad Mini are really fine with such a small tablet? I don’t think I would be able too since I’m already struggling with the 11” size.

 

[sparksd]

I'm fine with it (cellular Mini 6) as my portable, out-and-about device; I rarely use it at home. For that, it's a perfect size for me.

 

[coffeemilktea]

The mini is a fabulous gaming device.

It's pretty good as an e-reader and for watching videos too. But as a handheld gaming device, it's top-tier for sure.

 

[StringHawk]

I have been using an iPhone 13 Pro Max as my only device for nearly a year, both personal and running my contracting business. I use my desktop computer approximately once per month to back up files and the odd website that doesn’t work correctly on my phone.

I’d really like a little bit larger iPhone, I wish they made one. Since they probably won’t, I’m going to take a look at the newest iPad mini that is hopefully released next month.

There’s a lot of people who essentially only use phones nowadays, so there’s no reason why an iPad mini can’t also work.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I traded-in my 2020 11" iPad Pro last year because I got tired of having to pinch and zoom. I also didn't like that the built-in keyboard was cramped as was the MKB, and I found it frustrating to use a lot of times. I am much happier with my 13" M4 iPads, as I don't have to regularly adjust the screen to see and do what I want, nor do I have to deal with a smaller keyboard. Granted, the 13" is heavier to carry than the mini 6 etc., but I appreciate the constantly ability to see a website as it was intended, as well as having a good size built-in keyboard to use when I don't have my MKB handy.

My mini 6 has been my out and about iPad, as well as night time reading. Now that I have the M4 iPads, the mini 6 will see less use. With the Zugu iPad case, it makes using the 13" iPad in bed, on the couch, or on the go very nice and for the reasons mentioned, I am willing to deal with carrying a larger iPad in and outside the house.

 

[ericwn]

I suggest you try one and see for yourself. I really like mine.

 

[StaceyMJ86]

I love my Mini 6. I use it for pretty much everything. I use my 15PM at work and switch to my mini 6 once I’m home. I browse social media, read my books on my kindle, watch movies and shows in bed, type documents and text, FaceTime, answer phone calls via WiFi calling, and it’s the perfect size to use in bed and on public transportation one handed. Even though I bought mine last year, I plan to keep my mini 6 until Apple stops updating the OS and then I’ll wait for the next mini upgrade.

 

[Richard8655]

For me, the Mini was a good solution for commuting to work downtown by train everyday. It doesn't overwhelm the limited space for passengers sitting next to me. I could read online newspapers, magazines, and other information sources, and some entertainment via blue tooth headphones. Its light weight and small size tucks away neatly into the backpack upon arrival. I keep it especially for travel and commuting.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Mine doubles as phone (VOIP app + buds)... thus it's a much bigger "phone" than all of the hundreds of millions iPhone users... which begs a variant question: how do you guys even use an iPhone/smart phone?

Not too long ago, Apple clung to "perfect" screen sizes for phones at 4" and 3.5" before that: how did you guys even use those iPhones?

And today Apple sells this much tinier screen for the wrist to millions: how do you guys even use an Apple Watch?

And yes, there is a point to this (if not very obvious already).

The screens of my Apple tech is an iPad mini (doubling as phone), a 16" laptop (how do you OP get by with only 13"?) and a 40" desktop (screen). When I need bigger, I switch to bigger. When I need more portable, I step down to more portable.

 

[masotime]

So I bought a 11” M4 iPad Pro today (I always had the 13“ iPads historically) and I really find this 11” iPad Pro too small with the Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s only when I remove it from the keyboard and use it in “tablet mode“ that I appreciate the 11” size.

And the iPad Mini is even smaller than the 11” iPad. You guys with the iPad Mini are really fine with such a small tablet? I don’t think I would be able too since I’m already struggling with the 11” size.

1. You’re not supposed to use the iPad mini with a keyboard. Such keyboards exist, but the experience is terrible.
2. Use it in portrait. The form factor more closes matches ebook readers and should be used as such.

Typing using the on-screen keyboard on the mini is fine - it’s definitely better than the iPhone since it has more width. Physical keyboards won’t be as convenient because the standard layouts are often too squeezed and doesn’t leverage all the learnings Apple incorporated into narrow onscreen keyboards like on the iPhone.

 

[sparksd]

1. You’re not supposed to use the iPad mini with a keyboard. Such keyboards exist, but the experience is terrible.
2. Use it in portrait. The form factor more closes matches ebook readers and should be used as such.

Typing using the on-screen keyboard on the mini is fine - it’s definitely better than the iPhone since it has more width. Physical keyboards won’t be as convenient because the standard layouts are often too squeezed and doesn’t leverage all the learnings Apple incorporated into narrow onscreen keyboards like on the iPhone.

I actually prefer using my Mini 6 in landscape, usually in a Zugu case. I use it in combo with a folding keyboard (if I want to use one) that opens up to almost full size.

 

[Surfsalot]

You don't need a keyboard on the 11" it's not a laptop

 

[masotime]

I actually prefer using my Mini 6 in landscape, usually in a Zugu case. I use it in combo with a folding keyboard (if I want to use one) that opens up to almost full size.

Nice! Didn’t mean to come off so strongly, a folding keyboard is actually a great way to solve the narrow keyboard issue.

Otherwise what I mentioned is generally how I tend to use the iPad mini - more as a consumption than creation device so usually I don’t use the keyboard as much compared to the larger sized iPads.

 

[muzzy996]

Love my mini 6 as well. It all depends on what one uses it for. For me it’s just general browsing, online shopping, banking and content consumption. Any iPad would do that just fine, and the form factor suits my needs when I travel. Around the house I use my old 12.9 which of course is nicer for media consumption.

 

[LibbyLA]

I use my cellular Mini 6 (in a Zugu case) a lot. It’s in my purse when I go out, it’s my in-bed device, and it’s with me when we’re out and about at our camp. Can’t imagine toting a larger iPad when we’re in our side by side or when I’m operating heavy equipment (during wait times, answering questions on FB from cellular trail cam users). I use it when I’m setting up my cameras in the field.

I have a cellular 2024 iPP 11 with Magic Keyboard that I use during the day, an Air 13” in a Zugu case, and I kept my 2021 iPP 11 (was in a keyboard folio, now in a Zugu case) as a backup.

 

[EmanuelF]

I'm in the opposite boat.
For few days I had both the air and a mini and I noticed that both would show content identically.
Apparently mini has a higher DPI so both get almost the same resolution - is just that one needs to hold mini closer.
Also the on-screen typing experience is effortless on mini so never considered a keyboard.

I like the mini for what it is, a compact and stealthy companion. iPad 11/13 goes more towards PC direction.

 

[StringHawk]

1. You’re not supposed to use the iPad mini with a keyboard. Such keyboards exist, but the experience is terrible.
2. Use it in portrait. The form factor more closes matches ebook readers and should be used as such.

Typing using the on-screen keyboard on the mini is fine - it’s definitely better than the iPhone since it has more width. Physical keyboards won’t be as convenient because the standard layouts are often too squeezed and doesn’t leverage all the learnings Apple incorporated into narrow onscreen keyboards like on the iPhone.

I don’t use the keyboard at all on my iPhone. And if I got an iPad, I doubt I would use it there either. The once a month that I sit down at my desktop computer, I hate having to use the keyboard. I wish I could dictate into it the same way I do my phone. The same way I’m making this post right now. The only time I use the keyboard is when I need to correct something.

 

[thefourthpope]

I use my mini all the time at work. It’s the perfect size to hold in one hand while I teach, a great portable notebook in meetings and during field observations, and I attach it to my MacBook for additional screen real estate. NotePlan is my most-used app. I sketch on procreate when I’m thinking or bored.

It’s not for everything.

I have gradually let some of my university’s more traditional work apps onto the mini. Slack, Teams, Workday… but the mini isn’t the device for them. At least the way I use them, they are terrible on the mini. Much easier to thumb out an answer on my iPhone or triage things with a proper computer.

Apps like Word I also have on there just to be able to read documents properly, but I don’t do any meaningful writing on the mini.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Apparently mini has a higher DPI so both get almost the same resolution - is just that one needs to hold mini closer.

Yes, using the mini out of the box is like using an 11" at a distance, which requires good eyes or good glasses, and perhaps some fiddling with text sizes.

 

[3rdiguy]

I mount my cellular version in my truck right where I used to put my iPhone. Fits perfectly, paired as primary device and Maps look amazing and even more easily viewable at a glance than iPhone. My Ram 1500 is 2016 so it doesn’t have CarPlay. Plus it’d be $1000+ to swap for OEM radio.

 

[leifp]

So you find the 11” iPad to be too small… except when using the tablet as a tablet? SHOCKING

Smartassery aside it’s the very reason I switched from the 12.9” to the 11” and still miss the 9.7” size… for now I use my iPad as both a tablet and a touchscreen laptop… once I “retire” I will switch the keyboard case for a Smart Folio and when it comes time to replace it, the mini will loom large…

 

[masotime]

I don’t use the keyboard at all on my iPhone. And if I got an iPad, I doubt I would use it there either. The once a month that I sit down at my desktop computer, I hate having to use the keyboard. I wish I could dictate into it the same way I do my phone. The same way I’m making this post right now. The only time I use the keyboard is when I need to correct something.

I’m not saying the onscreen keyboard is needed, but it is sufficient. The OP is considering the 11” iPad being useable only without the physical keyboard. I’m saying the physical keyboard isn’t a necessary consideration when evaluating the iPad mini and the on-screen one is sufficient.

 

[StringHawk]

I’m not saying the onscreen keyboard is needed, but it is sufficient. The OP is considering the 11” iPad being useable only without the physical keyboard. I’m saying the physical keyboard isn’t a necessary consideration when evaluating the iPad mini and the on-screen one is sufficient.

Yes, I understand and agree with you. I was just adding a little of my own onto it.

 

[Kelly the Dude]

I’ve been a mini user since the mini 2 with a break with the first 9.8 iPad Pro in between. Currently have a mini 5. Conceptually, I don’t feel like a keyboard should be the primary or even secondary input for it, so that’s probably part of the reason. I use it as a tv around the house, light web browsing, and note taking with its pencil. The great thing about the mini is it can be held in one hand which is perfect for being an in-between device of the Mac and iPhone. I think often users try to use there iPad as a Mac replacement. I have a laptop, and honestly I has for more utility than any iPad in the keyboard form factor.

I think the mini is perfect for the original concept of the iPad as an in between device and I don’t see Apple hinting at big plans for it to be much more than that.

 

[toobravetosave]

i prefer the mini’s portability but it’s almost always less functional for doing actual things

drawing, typing, even reading is just small and cramped and significantly impacts any potential productivity

it’s nice for watching videos while i carry it around tho i guess