Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Adelphos33

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 13, 2012
1,785
2,401
I just took my new iPad on my first business trip since I bought it, and I loved it. The iPad 12.9” works best when multitasking, using Word plus some other apps, texting, Safari, etc. I am increasingly using it to organize my Photos, documents and other things. However, with the keyboard folio, I’m noticing I am using it less in bed, on the couch or in other “casual settings.” With the new iPad Mini and Pro now available, does it make more sense to pick up one of those devices for casual, media consumption?
 
12.9 and mini seems like a good combo. One for more heavy lifting and one for casual use. I felt the 12.9 was too large for casual use and opted for the 11 myself. Best of both worlds and I prefer to only use two devices. iPad and iPhone.
 
12.9 + mini works awesome for me, but that’s me. I carry around the mini all day at home, casually reading and browsing, watching a short video (long videos on TV), quickly replying to an email, text, calls, other quick tasks. It’s just small enough that I never get tired of holding it—using a pop socket though. I grab the 12.9 iPad when I want to be productive for more than a moment, particularly with the Smart Keyboard or pencil. So the 12.9 is not really a “traditional tablet” for me, but a digital sketchbook/laptop alternative. For me, having one device to use both productively and casually is too much of a compromise. Again, that’s me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marlon DLTH :)
In theory, this combo would work extremely well. For about a month I owned a 10.5 inch iPad Pro alongside an iPad mini five. I planned to get the larger iPad Pro at some point. What I found is that for me personally the devices had so much overlap and I felt bad with my lack of justification for having two similar devices.

For me it felt too excessive, I am very happy with an iPhone + iPad Pro + iMac combo, but every person situation will vary.
 
  • Like
Reactions: snipr125
You have a 7th gen iPad on your sig. Why aren't you using that one for casual consumption?

If the reason is it's still too big, then the Air 3 will be the same. In this case, mini might be a better fit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Adelphos33
Old post from just after the Mini 5 came out. Perhaps the OP went with the 7th Gen for casual consumption. Budget wise, the 7th Gen would be the easiest way to justify having two iPads to those struggling with the multi iPad question.
 
Old post from just after the Mini 5 came out. Perhaps the OP went with the 7th Gen for casual consumption. Budget wise, the 7th Gen would be the easiest way to justify having two iPads to those struggling with the multi iPad question.
Didn't notice the year on the OP. Looks like the OP has already found a solution, then. :p

Yeah, budget-wise, the 7th gen is an affordable option for a casual consumption iPad.
 
Picked up an iPad 7th gen on sale from Amazon. I use it in bed, for reading, etc. With the low price, Amazon sale and promotions, I could justify the cost.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rui no onna
Even with the iPP as my main/only computing device, I can’t justify a second iPad. I feel like the 11“ is a good middle ground to do what I need at the desk with the MK (which I am LOVING), but also light enough to pull off and use in my chair to read and “farm.” ;-p
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cosmo M3
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.