iPad mini SO impressed with 6th generation iPad mini.

[spiderman0616]

I picked up an iPad mini recently as a total splurge purchase. I'm one of those weirdos who CAN fit a device like this into his day to day workflows, even though I own the iPhone 13 Pro Max and an M1 MacBook Air, so I went for it and got a fully loaded model and even went ahead and added it to my Verizon plan. I have to just come right out and say that this device has been an absolute revelation for me and I feel it deserves some major praise and positivity.

To be clear, I can work fine in iPadOS or macOS for most things. I love Macs, I love iPads. Give me a modern version of either one, and either one will power through any of the things I ever do with a computer. I'm not here to argue about which one is better for which things or which model is better for who. Different strokes and what have you. Do your thing.

I think, though, that there is something special about this new mini. I know people have their gripes about the screen quality or don't think tablets this small are useful anymore, but I think those people might be wrong, because this is a "digital sketchbook" like I've never had before, not even in the iPad Pro. I don't even mean that in the sense of just being a small, light object you can sketch on or just jot things down for later. That's all there too, but I mean in the sense of it being a 21st Century reimagining of what a sketchbook even is: a thin, light, portable computer that you can slip in a hoodie pocket or bag as a more enjoyable or versatile stand in for your iPhone or Mac or gigantic iPad Pro.

The redesign is really what made this all possible--the Pencil 2 support, USB-C connection, and removal of all the chin and forehead space made this device the modern day sketchbook I always hoped it would be, and has also changed the way I use my iPhone and Mac YET AGAIN. It's definitely a device I feel I can take somewhere INSTEAD of my phone or MacBook in some situations, it can plug into my USB-C monitor and used with my keyboard and mouse, it can be my e-book, my newspaper, my conference room, etc. all in that tiny chassis. It has the power for all that.

I feel like I finally got the iPad mini I've been waiting for. I can see hanging on to this thing for years and am super pleased with it so far. Anyone else just absolutely thrilled with this thing? Again, no need to reply with iPad hate or trolling. I actively ignore that drama these days.

 

[sparksd]

I'm happy with mine as a 5G mobile companion to my 2021 12.9.

 

[cthompson94]

I am also happy with mine also, and glad someone else has added it to their arsenal of tech! I also have the 11" ipad pro and still got the mini as it is nice to throw in my jacket pocket and bring everywhere especially with the added cellular connection. The mini is certainly underrated because of the size, but it really does hit a sweet spot of occasionally wanting something bigger than the largest iphone, but still easily portable. I love to use mine at work like on lunch and watch content and still have my phone to communicate with people and the added apple pencil 2 support was amazing.

On a side note i got the ESR magnetic case for mine which makes carrying around a little easier since the closing flap can either magnetically close with or without the pencil charging.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

For me it is the perfect complement to my 12.9. It has totally replaced my phone for reading eBooks, light web browsing, emails, FaceTime and YouTube. It is perfect note-taking size.

My 12.9 is more for word processing, multitasking, annotating PDFs and research. Although because of Mini LED I do enjoy watching streaming content on the Pro.

Sometimes I use them side-by-side, with the Mini as an extra screen while the Pro is in split view, or the Mini for a video call while I consult information on the Pro.

 

[Jonr515]

I got my wife the Mini 6, she does everything on her phone so I thought a little bigger screen, but still palm size. I was pretty impressed with how it performed, she hasn't spent much time on it yet.

 

[yellowbunny]

I think it’s absolutely amazing. I’ve been using mine when commuting and then plugging into a hdmi monitor and using with mouse/keyboard at work. It really feels like a proper computer now. Today i plugged it into an old 30” Cinema Display and copied something off an old usb stick! I can do 90% of my work on this with most of the old iPad frustrations gone... we’ll done apple

 

[gregpod9]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

 

[cthompson94]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

I only really see it in mine if I scroll fast, but I rarely feel the need to scroll fast enough to see it. When I do see it, it doesn't bother me personally, I always will recommend someone try it at a store that has it before buying it (I know everyone has a return policy) because it really is hard to tell if it would bother you just reading peoples comments online or even through video like youtube

 

[spiderman0616]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

It is AN issue but not a deal breaker.

 

[sparksd]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

I think some people are more sensitive to it than others so for them it definitely could be a major issue - I wouldn't just dismiss it even though it doesn't bother me in the least. Like fingernails on a blackboard - it drives some people absolutely bonkers, others it doesn't.

 

[Cosmo M3]

It's my favorite Apple Device in the past year and my 5G Cellular version is my constant companion and permanently a part of my EDC. I use it more often than my iPhone 13 mini, which was my plan.

 

[spiderman0616]

It's my favorite Apple Device in the past year and my 5G Cellular version is my constant companion and permanently a part of my EDC. I use it more often than my iPhone 13 mini, which was my plan.

So far, I use it more than my 13 Pro Max, which was NOT the plan! ?

 

[cthompson94]

So far, I use it more than my 13 Pro Max, which was NOT the plan! ?

Haha same here with my 13 Pro Max, I actually may just get the 14 Pro instead of going to the larger phone (still deciding on that)

 

[dgdosen]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

I've always said that the appearance to ones (my) eyes of the refresh rate (60Hz) is way more noticeable than the effects of jelly scrolling. So if, you're OK with non-promotion displays, you shouldn't be bothered by the jelly scrolling. However, if you are, you should probably get a pro.

 

[synicalx1]

I've been very impressed with mine after using an Air for a year or so. The smaller form factor makes it far easier to just pick and use, I honestly didn't think it would make a huge difference but I find myself using it WAY more often than my "old" Air. The screen seems a bit worse somehow but since I mostly use it for reading, watching stuff, and occasionally fiddling with Lightroom I don't really notice it - the colours and brightness (indoors) are both perfectly fine.

Personally I didn't bother with the cellular model since I don't often go out with it, and when I do I always have my phone with me so I can just hot spot off that. I figured saving a few taps every now and then isn't worth the extra $$.

 

[iPad Bro]

I definitely want to pick one up eventually. I was scared off initially because of jelly scrolling, but I had my Pro already too to keep me happy.

 

[archi penko]

Why did you and others get the 5G version? I have struggled to find a use case and extra cost for the cellular model when I can just tether to my iPhone.

 

[sparksd]

Why did you and others get the 5G version? I have struggled to find a use case and extra cost for the cellular model when I can just tether to my iPhone.

I like the convenience, but I also wanted the GPS chip.

 

[RatedRSuperstar_Edge]

First iPad since 2013. Had the first gen mini and loved the form factor. The new one is even better and love the new jelly roll. Brilliant feature and hope to see more of it on other devices in the future.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

Eh. The jelly scroll, poor UI scaling, 60Hz, no Face ID and 64GB base model. It’s over priced and not worth it. I sent mine back and ended up with a 12.9 iPad Pro M1. No regrets. It’s so much better in every way.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Eh. The jelly scroll, poor UI scaling, 60Hz, no Face ID and 64GB base model. It’s over priced and not worth it. I sent mine back and ended up with a 12.9 iPad Pro M1. No regrets. It’s so much better in every way.

Nothing beats the ultralight handheld form-factor of the mini IMHO.

 

[TechRunner]

I'm curious: Has anyone bought the cellular version and used it in their car as a music/navigation device?

 

[DMG35]

Thanks for the review, I've been thinking about picking up one of these.

 

[ikir]

So is the Jelly Scroll effect on the iPad mini 6 a major issue?

It is paranoia and intentional bashing, as always, and sadly users believe it.

 

[spiderman0616]

I'm curious: Has anyone bought the cellular version and used it in their car as a music/navigation device?

I got the cell model and have been able to test it out in the wild a bit. Works great. I don't use it specifically as that though, as we have CarPlay. Would be really cool to find a mount for it in our other car that doesn't have CarPlay though.