New (2026) iPad mini

[Derek]

@Bmosbacker

I’m starting to feel like spending $3,500–$4k+ for Apple devices, not counting AirPods, HomePods/Mini, TV’s, watches, etc., is getting to the point of being ridiculous. Is it necessary in the modern world, or are we spoiled? I’m pointing directly at me. I’m beginning to second-guess my reliance on so many devices.

I know exactly the feeling and have had the same thought. It would be preferable to identify my needs and the devices to meet them. It’s not necessary to have every device. Only professional reviewers (and podcasters) need so many.

[Bmosbacker]

@Slickster

you gave up on the iPad only semi annual experiment

Not quite, but close. I’m still experimenting. Here are a few random thoughts based on months of experimenting with the iPad as my only device:

• I can do 98% of my work on the iPad because nearly all of my work is text-based with limited automation needed or desired. My computing needs are relatively simple, and I strive to minimize apps.
• I much prefer the iPad Pro screen to the Mac’s, though with new Macs arriving, that may change.
• The ability to switch between “laptop mode” and tablet mode on the same device is fantastic.
• The iPad is great for travel.
• Ideally, I would have one “computer” for writing, reading, annotating, drawing, note-taking, consumption, etc.: the iPad. This would save a lot of money over time.
• However, there remain infuriating frictions in using the iPad. Though most can be overcome with laborious workarounds, doing so is, to put it mildly, frustrating and time-consuming. A case in point is the few websites that do not work well or at all with the iPad. There is a site I use that I needed to copy a token from. It was nearly impossible on the iPad. I was able to copy the token, but it took multiple steps to accomplish because the site is not designed to be used with a mobile device. Such sites are rare, but when encountered, create friction and a lot of extra work. Here is how I had to deal with this on the iPad:

1. Tap the Share icon and select Find on Page, or press Command+F on the Magic Keyboard.

2. Search the text by typing the first few characters of the token I needed.

3. Lift the iPad off the Magic Keyboard, use my finger to select as much of the highlighted text as possible, then copy it.

4. Put the iPad back on the keyboard and proceed with my work.

On the Mac, I simply selected the text and copied it.

• I don’t agree with everything in this article, but overall, it expresses the failure of the iPad to be one’s primary computing device.
  (@snelly shared this article in one of his posts) MacBook Neo and How the iPad Could Be — by Craig Mod

So, where does this leave me?

I will probably move back to the Mac as my primary computer and use an 11” iPad for reading, annotating, and travel. This is disappointing, as a proper OS on the iPad would make for an ideal computer for my needs. But alas, Apple intends for the iPad to be a companion device to the Mac, not a replacement. To their credit, they have always said this was their approach.

[Slickster]

That all makes sense. I’ve given in to the fact of having three devices, Mac, IPad, IPhone. I’ve stay away from top of the line items. That saves a little cash.

[Amontillado]

I never do anything serious on my iPad. Writing on the go is always on my Macbook or, paradoxically, on my iPhone with a Bluetooth keyboard.

My iPad is so old the dimmer switch is on the floorboard next to the clutch pedal. The battery still functions well enough and I can browse the web or watch Netflix before I nod off at night.

It’s questionable whether or not I would use a new iPad enough to justify any significant fraction of its cost. iPads are cool, but the critical work always happens on my Macbook.

[Bmosbacker]

@Amontillado

My iPad is so old the dimmer switch is on the floorboard next to the clutch pedal

That made me laugh, but do you realize that many who are younger on this forum will have no idea what you are referring to?

[webwalrus]

@Bmosbacker

The above is me thinking out loud … do I/we really need all of this?

There’s a different question that’s worth considering, and that’s whether we need the level of these things that we’re buying.

I have a base iPad. “Base” like “the cheap one they sell to education”. It’s pretty good, and it supports Pencil. Is it as fancy as the Pro? Of course not. But the base model is light years ahead of where it used to be, not just in terms of processor specs but in terms of overall usability/enjoyment.

I also have an iPhone 16e. I’d purchased an iPhone 15 the previous year, and my wife got my iPhone 15 when she needed to upgrade. The 16e is a decent phone. I don’t need the fancy camera stuff, and it does everything I need it to do.

I think there’s a valid question to be asked about whether “the new shiny” actually provides significant functional benefit above and beyond the base models for both of these devices for a given person’s personal use case.