My New Bouncing Baby iPad
I had a chance to set up my new iPad mini. Having had a Mini before my 11" iPad Pro, I’d kind of forgotten a few things that I’m still getting used to again.
Face ID vs. Touch ID
First, using Touch ID. The iPad Pro uses Face ID while the Mini uses Touch ID. An extra step, but only if you think you can tap the screen anywhere and it will recognize you. I need to wake the screen by getting used to putting my finger over the power button on top. Not a huge deal, something to get used to again.
Tiny and Light
It’s due to the size that I tend to reach for and carry around the iPad Mini. I used to think the 11" iPad Pro was the sweet spot in size. Yet last night I used the Mini for reading and video watching and loved how compact and lightweight it felt. With the iPad Pro, I would have to rest it on my chest to watch a video. This time, I was able to lie there, gripping the right side to both read and watch a movie.
Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil Pro
For a time, I was sure drawing on the iPad Pro provided the best experience. Since I’m still vetting this part, that may still be the case. The iPad Mini has the advantage over my iPad Pro because it uses the newest Apple Pencil Pro. The new hover feature is a game-changer for sketching and simple navigation. This little change makes it feel like I have not only a drawing tool but also a portable mouse. One of the reasons I got rid of my original iPad Mini was that it still used the Lightning charger connected to the base. That made it clunky to carry and charge. Then the iPad Pro came out with the new Apple Pencil that magnetically charges. I could finally see myself using my iPad Pro as a giant sketchpad because of it. With the next iteration of the iPad Mini, Apple added the same new Apple Pencil capabilities. But by then, I had my swanky new iPad Pro.
Screen Quality and Brightness
My iPad Pro has a glorious screen. No candy coating that. The higher brightness levels, pro-level color, and high refresh rates are amazing. Yet I usually use a screen protector on all my iPads, and it mutes some of that glorious color. The iPad Mini also received a screen protector. Since I now expect the color shift, it doesn’t bother me much these days. Plus, I’m finding myself sketching more but doing less finished art. The color situation isn't too much of an issue for me now.
To sum it all up, I'm enjoying this little wonder more than I ever thought I would.