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All iPads Which is the best iPad to use on public transportation?

What size is optimal?

  • Total voters
    39
H

hajime

macrumors 604
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
7,951
1,315
Hi, I spend 2-4 hours on public transportation few days a week. With a 2.5+ kg laptop, I don’t want to carry my iPad Pro 12.9” 2017. Sometimes on crowded subway or bus, using a 12.9” is also not practical especially when I am standing. What size is an optimal (lightweight, easy for the eyes, good for reading university level textbooks and annotating) choice? I prefer to be able to see an entire page of pdf without the need to zoom in and out all the time.
 
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While Mini might look like a better choice, your eyes may thank you for larger fonts and more space 11” iPad Pro provides. 11” is also the perfect size that can fit lots of big jacket pockets or Similar without being too big. 7.9” fits but everything is just a bit smaller for an iPad.
 
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iPad mini. No question about it.

The 11" isn't great if you're standing - which is not uncommon in many public transportation scenarios. However, if you're sure you're going to remain seated most of the time then it's not a bad option.
 
I have been using my iPad mini for on-the-go computing (since the mini 2). With the LTE version, it’s just a nice productivity machine. I can quickly work on my ppt etc while in public transport.
The mini 5 is also a powerhouse with the A12 and extra RAM. Coupled with the Apple Pencil, it’s the ultimate mobile companion imo. The only things it doesn’t have is a phone function and Apple Watch support. If it had all that, I wouldn’t even bother getting an iPhone.
 
Mini, obviously. But with me, spending 2-4 hours on a trip. I’ll take my 12.9 iPP just to have the pleasure of having a large real estate. I take mine on various trips away from home.
 
Appl
pika2000 said:
I have been using my iPad mini for on-the-go computing (since the mini 2). With the LTE version, it’s just a nice productivity machine. I can quickly work on my ppt etc while in public transport.
The mini 5 is also a powerhouse with the A12 and extra RAM. Coupled with the Apple Pencil, it’s the ultimate mobile companion imo. The only things it doesn’t have is a phone function and Apple Watch support. If it had all that, I wouldn’t even bother getting an iPhone.
Click to expand...

Apple evil’s way to get us to buy multiple devices for each separate functions that they can put together in one device.
 
hajime said:
Hi, I spend 2-4 hours on public transportation few days a week. With a 2.5+ kg laptop, I don’t want to carry my iPad Pro 12.9” 2017. Sometimes on crowded subway or bus, using a 12.9” is also not practical especially when I am standing. What size is an optimal (lightweight, easy for the eyes, good for reading university level textbooks and annotating) choice? I prefer to be able to see an entire page of pdf without the need to zoom in and out all the time.
Click to expand...
Probably the 7.9 inch iPad mini.
 
Personal preference. I'd say iPad mini because it's the best compromise between portability and big screen. The mini would particularly shine in a crowded metro, easy to slip in and out of a purse or bag and hold.
 
this doesn’t really answer your question but I buy products based on majority use not minority use cases. I also travel daily for work. But 2/4 hours a day isn’t majorly use case for me. So if I’m just buying one device I’d have to base my purchase on my majority use case not my commute.

I‘ve been using a version of the 12.9 since launch day in 2015. It’s lighter and takes up less space than my MacBook. there have been a few times that I’ve been a little cramped on smaller airplanes, but that’s not my majority usage.

One device I buy for my majority use. if I’m buying more than one device then I’d buy the second one for my minority use case.
 
Just got the Mini, and it's as compact and light as a small pad of writing paper. Can't imagine taking anything else in the hustle and bustle of public transportation, or whether by car, air, or just plain walking.
 
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I can fit my Mini in my front jeans pockets. It is light and portable. Sure, the screen is small but it's great for consumption and it's easy to use with one hand.
 
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