All iPads One hand usage question.

[iamsen47]

My last iPad2 was too heavy. My 2013 Nexus was perfect but it's getting a little old in the tooth (battery doesn't last whole day, touchscreen is not as sensitive anymore) so I'm looking to get either the 9.7 iPad Pro or the latest Mini.

My main issue is one hand usage in a crowded train (specifically, Tokyo's). I'll be using it mostly for reading ebooks (and some netflicks and coursera videos space permitting) while commuting and because of the squeeze, I'll usually be holding it one handed and quite close to my body.

I've tried them both at the Apple store. The Mini is the just the perfect size and weight for one handed usage. I'm not sure if the 9.7 weight/size will stand up to prolonged one handed usage, particularly holding it up for long periods and using my thumb for page flicking but I'd like to use the Pencil for work.

I'd love to hear if anyone's experiences using either the 9.7 Pro or Mini one handed for prolonged periods and any troubles you have.

 

[eeqlaehuje]

Yeah the 9.7 pro has an amazing display, but the mini 4 has a pretty good one too. For your uses and portability I'd go with the mini 4. You can save the extra cash too

 

[Newtons Apple]

No doubt the mini is more portable and if I did what you did would go with the mini for the size and weight plus the savings on money. I am a 9.7 owner and use mine a good bit in the field and would not trade it for anything, but then I am not holding with one hand for long periods of time.

 

[chscag]

My main issue is one hand usage in a crowded train (specifically, Tokyo's). I'll be using it mostly for reading ebooks (and some netflicks and coursera videos space permitting) while commuting and because of the squeeze, I'll usually be holding it one handed and quite close to my body.

LOL, I've ridden on the crowded Tokyo trains, and I know that you're lucky if you can find a seat much less be able to use an iPad while standing up. I wouldn't want to hold anything with one hand that could easily be knocked out of my hand and then stepped on. You would be better off reading paper backed books. But at least in Japan you don't have to worry about some thief snatching the iPad out of your hand.....

 

[darkarn]

LOL, I've ridden on the crowded Tokyo trains, and I know that you're lucky if you can find a seat much less be able to use an iPad while standing up. I wouldn't want to hold anything with one hand that could easily be knocked out of my hand and then stepped on. You would be better off reading paper backed books. But at least in Japan you don't have to worry about some thief snatching the iPad out of your hand.....

If you are in Singapore, you still can hold onto your iPad in one hand in crowded trains.

But in extremely crowded Tokyo trains? You are better off keeping your hands to yourself; there won't be space to even stretch out your hands once they start to pack people into the trains (especially late-night trains)

Been there, done that for both

 

[Badrottie]

You have used Nexus then you should try Samsung Tab tablet. You want cheap one then I don't know if Japan has store for LG tablet?

 

[iamsen47]

I wouldn't want to hold anything with one hand that could easily be knocked out of my hand and then stepped on.

That's a worry too. The Nexus fit within my hands just fine. The Mini's slightly larger but it's light so I don't expect it to go flying off that easily. The 9.7 Pro though...

You have used Nexus then you should try Samsung Tab tablet. You want cheap one then I don't know if Japan has store for LG tablet?

Nope, Android is not for me. Much easier to stick with just one ecosystem.

 

[DDustiNN]

LOL, I've ridden on the crowded Tokyo trains, and I know that you're lucky if you can find a seat much less be able to use an iPad while standing up. I wouldn't want to hold anything with one hand that could easily be knocked out of my hand and then stepped on. You would be better off reading paper backed books. But at least in Japan you don't have to worry about some thief snatching the iPad out of your hand.....

For one-handed, standing/crowded iPad usage, one could always opt for a case in this style:

https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-SlimFolio-Leather-Stand-Released/dp/B06XK6D87X/

Not sure of the quality of this particular one, but I was just trying to quickly find one to illustrate what I was thinking of. Particularly the strap.

 

[profets]

For that type of portability and primarily reading ebooks, the mini sounds like the best option.

 

[breaknstuff]

My last iPad2 was too heavy.

The Mini is the just the perfect size and weight for one handed usage.

A few years ago a similar situation prompted me to leave my beloved but bulky & heavy (1.5lbs!) iPad 4. I bought a refurbished iPad Mini 2 and have no regrets. Because of its smaller size, the mini is easier to hold and, at half the weight, it doesn't strain my elbows and wrists the way the iPad 4 did.

For one-handed use, at first I used a super lightweight Belkin case with a built-in handstrap but it fell apart. So I stuck two Popsockets on the back and don't miss the handstrap at all. If you're unfamiliar with them, Popsockets are flat discs that expand out as knobs so you are holding the Popsockets, not the device itself. It actually provides quite a reliable grip, much better than the handstrap was, which is good if you have a bumpy commute. I put them on my phone too and haven't dropped it since.

Because the Popsockets aren't permanently stuck on I used to move them around a lot to find a good placement for my hand size. After some experimenting I found the right spot for home button access with my holding hand. One-handed use is great now.