Look at the role of the iPad mini in education

The iPad mini has had an interesting story. When Phil Schiller showed us for the first time a preview in 2012, I became hooked immediately. Although I do not have a Retina screen, I am in love with it. It was an ideal size for reading books, watching videos and browsing the web. In some ways, he showed us the way forward for larger iPhones. Fast forward to 2018, and we are only on the 4th generation of the iPad mini. The iPad mini 4 was released more than three years ago and we still have no replacement. Despite his three years, it's still an excellent iPad.

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About the quality: Every Saturday, Bradley Chambers publishes a new article on Apple in the field of education. He has been managing Apple devices in an educational environment since 2009. With his experience deploying and managing hundreds of Macs and 100 iPads, Bradley will highlight the work methods of large-scale Apple products, storytelling trenches of computer management and the means used by Apple. could improve its products for students.

I would like to review the iPad mini in the field of education in this early 2019 and rumors of a 5th generation version are commonplace. I have three (for my kids) and my eldest said he preferred it to the big iPad that he uses at school. The iPad mini 4 certainly does not have the most power compared to other iPad range (A8 chip and 2 GB of RAM), but it does not matter. For people who want this form factor, this is the ideal device. While rumors are talking about the upcoming mini iPad 5 next year, we are moving towards the Christmas season with the iPad range as follows: iPad mini, 6th generation iPad and iPad Pro (3 sizes ). Where is the iPad mini in this range? Is this something that primary and secondary schools should consider?

eBooks

Although I prefer a Kindle Paperwhite for long periods of reading, the iPad mini is the best iPad to read eBooks from the Kindle application and Apple Books. Its 7.9-inch size makes it easier to take one hand compared to the 6th generation iPad. Although the iPad Pro can run rounds around the iPad mini 4 with its hardware power, I would prefer to use the iPad mini for books.

In the future of the iPad mini 5, a revolutionary application for Apple would be a hybrid mode of electronic ink in which the iPad looks much more like a Kindle. When you read for long periods, the Kindle is more comfortable for the eyes.

Videos

If I go on a plane for five hours, it's always nice to watch a few episodes of a TV show. Which iPad is best for this task? It will be a personal preference, but I would almost go to the mini because it is easier to handle in tight places. The last thing I want to be on my fragile board is the big iPad. Like ebooks, the iPad mini 4 can easily play movies, but the screen will certainly not be as beautiful as a recent model.

Take notes and draw

At the moment, the iPad mini 4 will be the worst device for these tasks. It depends on the Apple Pencil support. When the release of the iPad mini 4, the Apple Pencil was announced at the same time. It was however exclusive to iPad Pro models. People have long dreamed of using the iPad mini at a meeting to take notes using the Apple pencil, but it's just impossible. If the iPad mini 5 supports the new Apple pencil, I think it would be a hit. Whether it is to take notes or to draw, it may appeal to students and teachers.

What should I expect from the iPad mini 5?

Although I have no knowledge of the interior, I think the iPad mini 5 will look a lot like the current 6th generation iPad announced at Apple's spring educational event. I would expect it to include an A10 chip supporting Apple Pencil (all models). Would it be as beautiful as the iPad Pro? No, but it does not matter. On the price, I could discuss several angles. I could expect that it would come at a price of $ 329 alongside the 6th generation iPad, but I could also see it at $ 399, which is the price of the mini current iPad.

What is the role of the iPad mini in education?

The iPad mini is Apple's most wearable iPad, but the trend of recent years has been geared towards larger devices. I think my answer will ultimately depend on the price and your particular application. If your school plans to use it in specialized applications and if Apple is the cost of the 6th generation iPad, it will be an excellent choice.

If Apple wins the price of $ 399, it will be difficult to justify it with the 6th generation iPad. If Apple lands somewhere in the middle, I'll let your students and teachers help you make a decision. You can also consider a split deployment in which the younger classes get the iPad mini, while the upper classes get the iPad with a bigger screen.

The iPad mini, although not appreciated by some, is one of my favorite iPads in the lineup. It's extremely portable, easy to hold in one hand, but still offers the same experience you've experienced with an iPad. I hope Apple will give it the attention it deserves in 2019. My school is considering a possible refresh of the iPad in the spring, and a 5th generation iPad mini would be some something that I would consider.

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