Wednesday March 13, 2024; 10:36 AM EDT
- Any day now we should see Apple announce new models to their iPad line of tablets and the announcement is highly anticipated because it was unusual of Apple to not announce new models during 2023. Even though the iPad has existed for more than a decade, there are still debates of its usefulness, mostly when framed in the context of replacing legacy personal computing devices that have keyboards, mice, and large monitors. #
- Twelve years ago I wrote about the tablet style of personal computing and its emphasis on simplicity and mobility, and I think what I wrote then still holds up. I've been a tablet user ever since Apple started selling the iPad, buying several models of iPads through the years along with Android and Chrome OS tablets. For a period of time I even owned a Windows Tablet PC "convertable." #
- In recent years I've mostly used two tablets, the iPad Mini (fourth through sixth generations), and the iPad Air (second and fourth generations). I am not typical in my ability and willingness to buy and use multiple models. The iPad Air is used for work related notetaking using OneNote and the Apple Pencil and for watching video, but I use the iPad Mini the most every day for reading eBooks and RSS feeds, reviewing email, and social networking. #
- Over the years I've thought about what I would do if I only could afford one iPad, and given how often it used, that answer is the iPad Mini. I could write notes on it with OneNote if wanted and it certainly can play video. The one use case in which the Mini is not good is for sheet music, and for that alone I imagine hanging on to my current iPad Air for some time, but if I am to buy another iPad, which one? #
- Right now the most likely answer is another iPad Mini, but I honestly find nothing wrong with the sixth generation that I am currently using and so I doubt I will be buying a replacement soon, except for one reason, which is that I could get enough trade in value on the iPad Mini 6 to make the replacement nearly a no brainer. Replacement value of iPads decrease as they age so it is reasonable to think how much Apple would pay today is greater than how much they will pay next year. #
- Even still, given that the iPad Mini 6 is only two years old, I am wondering whether a new model will have enough changes to make it worthwhile. I honestly don't think an improvement in the screen is enough to entice me and I double that Apple will ever produce a Mini with an M-series chip, I expect Apple will also pair the iPad Mini with the higher end iPhone, A-series chips. Most likely the new iPad Mini will come with the A16 BIonic chip that is used in the iPhone 14 and 15. #