I need to replace my 5 year old laptop this summer for the fall semester and I’ve decided that instead of a new computer I should just upgrade to a tablet. I’ve always loved the iPad mini for its size. It’d be extremely portable and I would honestly get a lot more use out of it other than just school work, but I’m nervous about having to type notes or papers with it for how small it is. I’ve considered the Air because it’d be easier to use it as a computer, I know I could write papers and type/write notes easily with an Apple Pencil. It would be a great school computer, but I don’t know if I would use it casually like the mini. I’d love to buy both but can’t afford that. Which one would be better?
Air. You want the screen real estate. Also, while it is super nice, it is not a laptop replacement. You will be missing laptop functionality if you only have a tablet.
Although it also depends on what kind of laptop functionality they need. If they’re only doing things like typing, or writing notes/looking at PDFs/Emails, they might be able to get away with just an iPad.
If they’re doing anything more complicated with it, such as if they’re studying anything that uses software (maybe they need to do data processing), they might have more trouble.
If they need to do anything with spreadsheets, it’s usually better to just have a computer for it. The mobile and web versions of Excel just aren’t as good as the actual software version.
Spreadsheets and word processing are just not the same on a tablet. Don’t get me wrong, you can do a lot with an Air. But when it comes to writing papers etc for school, you still need access to a real computer. Maybe there’s a computer lab that can be used for those instances.
I mainly need it just for notes, pdf textbooks, and writing papers on google docs
Even then I’d consider something like a used M1 MacBook Air. iPad user interface and screen sizes are limiting.
As someone who has both an M1 MacBook Air and an M1 iPad Air I’d say if possible get the MacBook as you’ll almost certainly get more out of it.
That said the iPad Air is a great device when paired with the Apple Pencil 2, GoodNotes 5 and a Bellemond Matt screen protector (it makes writing feel nicer).
I’d always choose a laptop over a tablet though personally.
I personally would get the Air for the bigger screen real estate. And keyboard accessories , if you decide to get one, would be more roomier to use.
I also use my Air for media consumption so a bigger display is a plus.
def the iPad air. iPad mini’s screen size is too small.
I bought the M1 iPad Air for note-taking and college and it’s been very good for portability and screen real estate. It’s cheaper than the iPad Pro and there’s not much of a difference except for the screen size.
Also like others have said, you can’t replace a proper laptop with a tablet. I own a MacBook Pro and use the iPad for hand-written note-taking especially for math classes. You’ll need a laptop to do your work whether it’s Windows or Mac.
Get the Air and put a Paperlike screen protector on it. Takes handwriting on tablets to another level.
To replace a computer I would definitely suggest the Air. Note that though handwriting seems awesome at first glance sometimes you need the consistency (in output) of typing.
Don’t forget that in real use the Mini tends to have slightly worse battery life as well
I believe you may want to focus more on school than casual use, pushing the balance towards the Air
Your experience may vary, but I couldn’t use my iPad Air as a replacement for my MacBook Air in a school setting. Im picturing college but maybe that is not where you are at yet.
I agree with this. I have a MacBook Air and an iPad Mini, and both devices are great.
But I wouldn’t be able to have just the iPad. The hardware is great - better than the MacBook Air in pretty much every way - but iPadOS is just nowhere near as good as MacOS and Android is even worse.
OP You should replace your laptop with a new laptop. If you have money left over for a tablet, then get one as well but do not try to save money by just getting a tablet. That’s a waste of money - they are not good enough.
As for iPad Mini vs iPad Air - pretty much the only difference is the screen size. I prefer a small screen, but you might prefer a bigger one.
iPad Air. You’ll want more screen real estate and it comes with the M1 Chip. The newest Mini uses the A15 so you’ll likely get fewer years of updates with it.
But for school, I’d really recommend getting a laptop. Some classes require certain programs that may not work on an iPad or even an Apple Silicon Mac. For example, a lot of engineers recommend Windows laptops so they can use their school’s preferred 3D/CAD modeling software.
If you are going to buy an iPad on the online Apple store don’t forget to buy it as a student. You get a few percent off the original price so that’s always nice.
Well, fwiw, you can use the Pencil on a Mini. First-gen on a Mini 5 (my setup) or second-gen on a Mini 6.
I take notes, journal, and draw on my Mini 5, but I don’t know if I’d use it for school. The portability, however, is amazing. Fits in my satchel without the need for a full backpack. So I’d lean toward the Mini were I in your shoes.
You’ll want an Air, and you can save money here: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad/ipad-air.
They come with a full one year warranty just like a new one. Plus the $80 (or more) dollars you save can get you the accessories you’ll need.
So I have an iPad Air 2022 with the Smart Folio floating keyboard/trackpad thing and also a mini.
iPad Air is brilliant for work when I am travelling, compact enough to carry but also only 11inch so good to us for Nessus and games etc also.
Mini is an e-reader, browser and tv shows in bed more often than not.
For note taking etc it’s the fair for me, hands down.
My god so many spelling errors. Media and Air.
Prob out of budget, but iPad Air plus Magic Keyboard is very very close to laptop functionality.
I want a mini after having a iPad Pro 12 inch one, it’s too big
If you’re using it for any length of time or for regularly creating content then screen real estate is king so go for the bigger device. I’d even consider the iPad Pro if you’re using it a lot but obviously budget may constraint that idea.
Replacing a computer with an iPad is already difficult and will be frustrating at times. I would definitely get the air. Imagine wanting to reference a web page or pdf while you type in another application, in split screen mode your app window will be half the size and on an air that’s already going to feel very cramped.
