Totally agree. The mini has always been my favorite form factor. I have and love a 10.5” Pro now, but would probably go back to a mini if they add things like pencil support, promotion, a camera flash, etc.
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New iPad Mini 5 Could Support Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
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Totally agree. The mini has always been my favorite form factor. I have and love a 10.5” Pro now, but would probably go back to a mini if they add things like pencil support, promotion, a camera flash, etc.
I am really interested to see what Apple does with the regular 2018 iPad. This $329 offering is the sweet spot for everyday consumers, so they need to be careful to maintain an affordable price. I think Apple would have a winner if they:
1. updated the processor to A11
2. provided base 64 GB storage
3. provided Apple Pencil 2 support
4. offered an "affordable" keyboard case for $125
5. kept bezels and touch ID.....no Face ID to keep cost down
6. kept current 9.7 inch display and form factor....no laminated display to keep cost down
7. kept entry price below $399
The challenge will be how to charge the Apple Pencil 2 using the current 9.7 inch iPad form factor.
1. updated the processor to A11
2. provided base 64 GB storage
3. provided Apple Pencil 2 support
4. offered an "affordable" keyboard case for $125
5. kept bezels and touch ID.....no Face ID to keep cost down
6. kept current 9.7 inch display and form factor....no laminated display to keep cost down
7. kept entry price below $399
The challenge will be how to charge the Apple Pencil 2 using the current 9.7 inch iPad form factor.
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Because, frankly, I don't miss it. Kindle gives me more bang for the buck (portability, batterylife, ... WAY cheaper...). We have an entire Apple Ecosystem. For casual browsing, I use my iPhone, for mobile work I use my MBP. For reading I use my kindle - they've become extremely good. When I started out, they were too slow for my taste, but they've really caught up.
A Pro Mini would be an INSTANT buy for me, though, just because I could do so much more with it. I love the idea, style and versatility of the new Pros, I LOVE the Pencil 2, but it's just too big for me. And I'm not going to put (a lot!) of money into old designs and castrated features for no other reason than "just because" and to push people to buy the more expensive versions (take a hint, Apple: I'm more than willing to spend $$$ on a small-sized Pro. It's not about having a cheap entry-level iPad but about a SMALL version for SMALL people).
Yeah, but what Apple pencil? Gen 1 or Gen 2? I certainly hope it’s gen 2. I can’t see Apple continuing to sell the 1st gen pencil for too much longer. Not only is it confusing, it’s very un-apple like compared to the 2nd gen. Phase out the 1st gen apple pencil.
This and a better camera. The ipad mini is probably the best ipad candidate for a better camera equal to that of the iphones. It’s the least ridiculous looking ipad to hold up and take a picture with.
This and a better camera. The ipad mini is probably the best ipad candidate for a better camera equal to that of the iphones. It’s the least ridiculous looking ipad to hold up and take a picture with.
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I would love it if the new 10" base model can use the Smart Keyboard. My wish is 128 GB base storage Smart Keyboard compatible 10" around $400. If that is the case I will be joining the "post PC" era and would never need a laptop again. At current prices to get what I want in an iPad it gets too close to the price of a MacBook.
I don't think the same user who owns an iPad Pro would want to use an iPad mini.
I can see Apple keeping the Gen 1 only for the non-iPad Pro iPads.
This will likely just be an iPad mini 4 casing with the innards of the 2018 iPad (or 2019 iPad).
I am really trying to understand how a smart keyboard would work on the mini. Even the 11 iPP keyboard is crunched (hence why I ended up in the 12.9) unless they go some sort of extendable thing (width). I could see the pencil because the mini is tall/wide enough but a keyboard ... not so sure.
A larger screen that can still fit into a pocket? Multiple apps on screen?
No empirical data, but based on feedback from family and around the office along with public generally the 4.7" and X/XS models are preferred not due to screen size, but because that is the better of the two options when upgrading. Older folks especially prefer the SE size since it was the last of the one-handed design. When I was in college a lot of students complained about the bigger sized iPhones being difficult to fit in their pants pockets. Majority of the feedback I've gotten with my XSM is that it's "too big" and "heavy" and "might as well get an iPad mini." I had a mini and it is the the ideal size for most of my family and friends. Easiest to carry along and get directions or read in bed.
I would consider one if it was nice and thin. Something has to cover the screen for protection when traveling, and a tablet sucks without any kind of kickstand. I couldn't see the keys as being smaller than the onscreen keyboard.
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Give him a break, the concept of "larger" is very difficult. My 2 year old is still having difficulty understanding that.
Touch ID? Pilots who use the mini will be rejoicing! Face ID does not work with polarized sunglasses, so Touch ID makes sense.
It's not a mess.
If you are interested in the new iPad Mini...And, if it requires the improved new pencil (because technology marches along). Then, if you need a pencil, simply purchase the newer pencil.
Easy.
I can see Apple keeping the gen 1 pencil for maybe another year but phasing it out at some point. It uses a ridiculous charging method and the cap is so easy to lose.
It's large enough to use without squinting and small enough to carry. I bought the 1st Gen Mini over the normal sized iPads because of this. Probably less interested in one now that iPhones have barely smaller screens.
I have one and think it is the perfect size for me. Big enough for web browsing, easy to carry, and a great size for using it for gps in a car.
Don’t think that this coil to charge the pencil is so expensive....So they might drop the old pencil....
I hope so.
I've been waiting for an update to the iPad Mini for years now and I would love for it to have pencil support. I don't know how great the keyboard would be with a device that small, but I'm sure some would appreciate it. I've found that having a separate, larger keyboard on the side works better.
An iPhone XS Plus and an iPad Mini used to be my every day when I didn't need the Macbook Pro.
p.s. unpopular opinion here, but we need pencil support in the next iPhone as well. Just take the L and copy off of samsung.
I've been waiting for an update to the iPad Mini for years now and I would love for it to have pencil support. I don't know how great the keyboard would be with a device that small, but I'm sure some would appreciate it. I've found that having a separate, larger keyboard on the side works better.
An iPhone XS Plus and an iPad Mini used to be my every day when I didn't need the Macbook Pro.
p.s. unpopular opinion here, but we need pencil support in the next iPhone as well. Just take the L and copy off of samsung.
I use mine for my daily commute. I have an iPad Pro 10.5 but way too big to be comfortable outside of the house. The mini is the perfect size.
I've only just stopped laughing!
Why is this so absurd if 6th gen iPad cost only $329...
Maybe they can introduce TouchID trough the display as other vendors already do. I don’t need FaceID with an iPad...