Looking for testimonials for people who have actually used one for an extended period. I'm looking to get either a new iPad or iPad mini. I'll mostly be using it for reading on the train and would prefer a smaller size for that, but I'd also like the option of using it to take notes at conferences and to carry as a bare-bones travel laptop. Is the mini realistically too small to do work on? Should I just suck it up and get the full-size version?
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iPad mini Is the iPad mini too small for a keyboard?
- Thread starter wellingtonwimpy
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I have the iPad mini, and (as I dislike touch screen writing) when I bought it, I ordered a Logitech ultra thin keyboard (recommended by a colleague) which is reassuringly solid to accompany it.
The iPad mini and keyboard combination work really well, and I love using them when I am travelling by bus/train/plane or reading, or surfing. However, I must sound a note of caution, and it is this: For serious work, by which I mean writing for hours, and serious researching, I still use my MBA.
The iPad (keyboard and all) tends to be used for surfing, reading, and so on - in other words, consumption of content, whereas the MBA is used for work and writing, in other words, creation of content. To be honest, I doubt I'd be comfortable writing for hours on the iPad, whereas I am comfortable writing extensively with the MBA.
The iPad mini and keyboard combination work really well, and I love using them when I am travelling by bus/train/plane or reading, or surfing. However, I must sound a note of caution, and it is this: For serious work, by which I mean writing for hours, and serious researching, I still use my MBA.
The iPad (keyboard and all) tends to be used for surfing, reading, and so on - in other words, consumption of content, whereas the MBA is used for work and writing, in other words, creation of content. To be honest, I doubt I'd be comfortable writing for hours on the iPad, whereas I am comfortable writing extensively with the MBA.
It depends on your hand-size and your eyesight. It's not too small to do work on. I use a Mini (tied with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Mini) at my job every day, along with freelance writing.
Now, there are two risks with smaller screens. If you've had any issues with your eyes, you should be light on the use, meaning don't spend more than an hour straight looking at it or it could strain your eyes.
Also, the keyboards available for the Mini have very small keys. Those with large hands and large fingers may find it hard to type on them. I would go to a local shop like Best Buy and test out one of the display models to see how you like it.
Now, there are two risks with smaller screens. If you've had any issues with your eyes, you should be light on the use, meaning don't spend more than an hour straight looking at it or it could strain your eyes.
Also, the keyboards available for the Mini have very small keys. Those with large hands and large fingers may find it hard to type on them. I would go to a local shop like Best Buy and test out one of the display models to see how you like it.
Just go to the Apple Store, best buy, att, verizon, sprint, etc and test it. No one can tell you if it fits your hands.