It’s been a while since I owned an iPad — a Gen 3 version way back in 2012. And I started with the first generation in 2010. The tech part of me bought that out of curiosity, especially with all the hype and mixed press reviews then. Some media even made fun of the name “iPad” after Steve Jobs introduced it. And critics wondered if there was even a place for such a product.
That first iPad proved to be a useful tool. It was nearly a notebook replacement, sans the keyboard.
Two years later, the third generation (marketed as “The New iPad”) was more powerful, sporting a dual-core Apple A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a retina display that made individual pixels indiscernible at normal viewing distances, resulting in sharper text and more detailed images.
It lasted me for years before more powerful smartphones emerged and slowly, I did not see the need for a tablet. Plus, Apple stopped supporting that model.
After a prolonged hiatus, the tech part of me itched again and I decided to try one of the new iPads. I went for the iPad mini A17 Pro 128GB late last year.
One month later and the device has become part of my daily life — complementing my Andriod smartphone and Windows notebook.
Here’s what I like about the iPad mini:
Faster performance: The A17 Pro chip is fast. As I don’t have a previous version to compare (and it would be unfair to pitch it against the third generation version that I last had), I cannot give exact figures but it reportedly offers about 30 percent speed bump over the previous generation. Browsing and messaging work smoothly. And my current favourite app TikTok runs flawlessly on the device — it starts immediately.
Improved connectivity: With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, wireless connectivity is faster and more reliable.
Sufficient storage: My iPad mini comes with 128GB base storage, which is sufficient for apps and documents. Also, it helps that it’s not my primary device for taking photos and videos.
While the iPad mini’s display is generally good, its 60Hz refresh rate may disappoint those used to smoother scrolling experiences in higher end models. An upgrade to a higher refresh rate display would significantly enhance the user experience. There again, it could be because of Apple’s product positioning strategy.
Ideal users
After all is said and done, I’d recommend the iPad mini A17 Pro 128GB for:
- Frequent travellers who value portability but need full iPad functionality. The size is a big plus as it fits my messenger bag, which I use on flights, nicely.
- Note-takers and creative folks will appreciate the compact form factor and Apple Pencil support.
- Casual users who need a powerful device for web browsing, e-reading and light productivity tasks in a highly portable yet powerful package.
In conclusion, the iPad mini A17 Pro 128GB (priced at S$699 in Singapore) provides a nice balance of power and portability. Its performance improvements, enhanced connectivity and increased base storage make it an attractive option for those who prioritise mobility. While the display’s refresh rate could be better, the tablet doesn’t disappoint. Overall, I have regained my appreciation for the iPad.
101reasons.blog 