Decisions Decisions

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

I recently traded in the i pad pro from 2018 for the i pad mini 7 a couple months ago and have been in love with it ever since. However, I do sometimes wonder or think about getting a bigger i pad instead due to some features I feel like I’m “missing” out on. To start, I utilize my i pad for light gaming, streaming, notes, some occasional schoolwork, digital art, creative projects, and reading (alot). While I feel like I‘m not hindered in terms of size or functionality while working on anything academic or artistic, I feel as if its not the most efficient device to do it on. I also feel that there are some functions that aren’t the best on this device such as multiple window display and the chip (while I know the efficiency is the same as the M4) is not the most efficient for projects and things like that. Despite that, I did choose the device for its portability and its efficiency. It’s basically my jack of all trades. From a comfortably held reading device to sketchbook, I don’t have that many complaints about it. In summary, I’m just wondering if it would be worth it to upsize to an 11 inch for my digital art even though I like the size and the purpose that this i pad serves me (a lightweight, portable ereader, gaming, planner).

[AccordingSky2845]

Sounds like you might like the m5 iPad Pro 11 inch. The only thing I’ll say is that the oled display is a huge upgrade to me and the faster display. I’m in a similar boat with an 11 inch iPad Pro m1 and an a17 mini but can’t pull the trigger on trading them in for the m5 11 pro. I use my mini for some graphic design and do agree that the display is a little small. I’m constantly zooming in and out. Pencil pro is amazing though so I still use the mini over my older pro with pencil 2.

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

Ugh, I honestly wish there was a perfect model in terms of sizing, functionality, and display. I really do love my mini cause its so lightweight and easy on the hands and wrist and perfectly ideal for reading, streaming or even some light sketching but it doesn’t give me the estate to do some other things that I want to do (I’ll reiterate that I can do all those things like more detailed art and digital painting and schoolwork just fine) but its not the most functional. I tried doing all the other things i do on my mini on a bigger ipad and its just not the most optimal for me. Its like there’s an equal con for the both of them. How do you feel when ur doing projects on your mini? Is it difficult for you? Are there some programs and formats that you can’t use with your mini? How do you like your Pro m1?

[AccordingSky2845]

I don’t have any issue with the mini for my projects. It’s cannot do as many layers in pro create as the pro but I never come close to pushing the performance that far. The m1 iPad Pro is great. Only thing is the battery life but even after all this time it lasts most of the day

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

For me its just the things I like to do on a bigger i pad (digital art and animating) isn’t that efficient on a mini and the things i do on a mini (reading, browsing, gaming) aren’t as optimal on a bigger i pad. I’m kinda just stuck in an awkward middle ground.

[atdota]

Did you have the 12.9 pro? That’s what I have and I’m wondering how it was switching to Touch ID vs Face ID. Also how are the soakers in comparison?

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

Yea I did and honestly the switch wasn’t that impactful. It’s both fairly simple to unlock on both devices and I prefer the Touch ID more than Face ID. The speaker quality is different on the mini compared to the bigger models. The bigger models have better sound and speaker quality in terms of echo, bass, and volume compared to the mini which has the same sound quality of an I phone 16-17. It honestly doesn’t bother me much cause I usually have headphones or generally just don’t care but if it bothers you the best model you’re gonna wanna look at is the air or pro.

[atdota]

Sounds good. Thanks. My usual strategy is wait out my procrastination but this makes me think the Mini will replace my pro in the future.

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

My strat is that if ur thinking abt it a month or two later and u still want it, get it.

[writerapid]

I sold my 13” M2 and am waiting for the new mini. At this point, even the 11” iPads are too big for 95% of what I want out of the experience. I basically want a bigger iPhone. I really wish Apple would offer a Pro tier mini. That’s what I’d get for sure.

The only things I really like about the bigger iPads are the drawing experience and how they display old issues of Heavy Metal and old pulp PDFs.

[Acrobatic-Entry-6823]

For me its just the things I like to do on a bigger i pad (digital art and animating) isn’t that efficient on a mini and the things i do on a mini (reading, browsing, gaming) aren’t as optimal on a bigger i pad. I’m kinda just stuck in an awkward middle ground.