Help decide an iPad (specially Mini 6 owners). I don't have a smartphone.
Right now I'm deciding between three choices:
- Mini 6 64 GB Cellular $330
- Mini 7 128 GB Wifi $420
- Air 5 M1 256 GB Cellular $390
The thing is, I haven’t had a phone for a couple of months. . I only own a MacBook Air M4. I like the freedom and peace of mind, but I miss some mobility. The MacBook takes too much space and is heavy.
In that sense, I want a cellular iPad for having internet connection on the go (and GPS as a plus).
My first option, the Air 5, is perfect except for the size. I don't know if it will be useful for carrying or using it. For example, drawing on a bench at the park or taking notes at class. The bag would have to be a little bigger. I won't use a keyboard, but a folio btw.
Mini 7 is good, but it's expensive the cellular version. Worst, I have a physical sim, so if I want to switch the sim to a dumb phone for receiving a sms I wouldn't without going to the carrier and it costs money (I asked). Maybe I could use a portable modem or any other workaround?
Then, the Mini 6 is the one left. It has Sim tray, and the size (I think) would be nice? But it's relatively old, it has 64 GB and if I go to 256 GB it would cost like the 7. Apple Intelligence is something I use a lot (writing tools and local models), but I could set it aside.
My use cases: mainly taking handwriting notes, freeform, manage mails (not writing them that much), browsing internet, reading books, editing office (not writing itself) and maybe some lightweight design programs, like canva.
So, is the Mini 6 worth it this year? Which one do you recommend to me?