Surface Ripples

A Technology Update

I’ve started using the new iPad Mini 7.  I chose this after finding that my trusty iPad Pro 11” was too awkward to carry around and hold in one hand for long periods of time.

Sometime ago, I wrote about my experiences with the iPad Pro 12.9” iPad.  I bought this when it first came out to see whether it could replace a desktop computer and concluded that, whilst it could duplicate and perform many of the tasks I do on my desktop, it lacked the functionality for full-time office work of the type I do.  As a temporary tool for going off on weekends or even week-long trips it was fine, but any “demanding” work (e.g.: creating, formatting or manipulating complex spreadsheets, documents or presentations) was beyond it.  It was also still a heavy device. 

I downsized to the iPad Pro 11” and found that it had the same limitations as the 12.9”.  Whilst lighter and less cumbersome than its big brother, it was still “just too heavy” after a while.

I then saw a video in which the presenter made a great point: when it comes to iPads, we’re either content creators or content consumers.  My eyes were opened!  I realised that, for “heavy duty” work, I used my MacBook for content creation.  When it came to content consumption, that was when I used my iPad.  So now I knew.  Creation: MacBook; consumption: iPad.

So far, the iPad Mini 7 has proved worth the investment.  This latest in the Mini series introduced welcome changes such as a faster processor (eliminating the “jelly scrolling” that many complained about with the Mini 6), more storage (the Mini 6 offered either a paltry 64GB or 128GB; the Mini 7 offers storage of 128GB, 256GB or 512GB).

It has no SIM tray, unlike its predecessor but instead is programmed for e -SIMs. For me, this isn’t a problem as I generally “hotspot” off my iPhone if I’m in a no Wi-Fi zone.  My iPhone is always with me!

So what about portability and functionality?  Well, no complaints about portability.  The Mini 7 fits in a jacket pocket quite happily (and even trouser pockets – just).  It’s also far lighter than the iPad Pro 11” for obvious reasons.  I find myself reaching it continually without thinking.

Note taking on Goodnotes is also much more like taking notes in an A5 notebook as the two are roughly similar in size.

Yes, the screen’s smaller than the iPad Pro 11”, but it still provides a reasonable amount of “real estate” to read with ease and I haven’t had a problem reading news websites, “The Economist Magazine" and our local newspaper on it (I do occasionally have to zoom in though!).  Other content (Facebook, LinkedIn, email) is also still comfortable to read.  

General web browsing and movie viewing on YouTube or Netflix is also fine (although I do miss having a larger screen here!)

What else would I like to have seen?  Apple could have integrated Face ID into the Mini 7.  The touch ID button at the top right of the screen is fine, but when one’s used to Face ID on both iPhone and larger iPads, it comes as a surprise.  Equally surprising was that they moved the volume buttons from the top right-hand side of the screen to the top edge.  I think this is because the Mini 7 takes the new Apple Pencil Pro which would get in the way of volume buttons on the side.  Obviously, they had to compromise somewhere.

Brightness is also lower than the iPad Pros and iPhone, which is a disappointment. 

Conclusion?  The iPad Mini 7 ticks the boxes for portability, weight and general convenience.  It still provides clear viewing for both readable as well as video content.

The only real criticism I have is the lack of Face ID.  Some have grumbled about the lack of a faster chip, but the current one is adequate for my modest consumption needs (I’m not a gamer so can’t comment on this).

Apple has done the bare minimum to satisfy demand for an update but could have done more.  The iPad Mini will always be the “poor cousin” to the larger models - possibly what Apple wants?  After all, why “cannibalise” the market for the Pro series by introducing a Mini that might be “too competitive”?

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. My website  provides a full picture of my portfolio of services.  

Labels: Leisure, Productivity

posted by William Martin @ 09:18