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Hands-on: iPad mini review – my go-to device for reading and note-taking

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A long-term review of the iPad mini 6 after using it for the last month and a half. Read the full review: https://9to5mac.com/2021/11/26/ipad-mini-6-extended-use-review-theres-no-substitute-for-portability-video/

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0:00 Introduction
1:32 The obvious things
3:52 An excellent electronic reader
4:54 Writing, note-taking, and artistry
6:27 USB-C flexibility
7:43 Camera & Video
10:00 Everything else
12:00 Conclusion

I’ve been using the iPad mini daily for the last month and a half. Although it’s not perfect, it’s hands-down my favorite way to read and take notes. It’s also a competent Apple Arcade machine. Downsides are the lack of storage options, no Face ID, and by far the biggest downside, no ProMotion support. Watch my hands-on unboxing and review for the details.

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32 Comments

  2. Edge of box got a little beat upon arrival, but everything inside was 100% fine, came with all the cables. Arrive early on shipping, over in speed and quality are my factors in giving 5 stars

  3. I don't get why everyone cries so much about 60hz refresh rate. I went from a phone with 120 to one with 60. Do I notice the difference? For sure. Does it dramatically change the experience? Not at all. And after a couple days I didn't even notice anymore. Even now, I have an iPad pro with 120hz and a 60hz phone (pixel 6a) and it doesn't bother me at all when I bounce between the two.

  6. You are blaming jelly scrolling on the lack of ProMotion which is erroneous. I have a ton of phones and tablets with 60hz display panels that don’t exhibit jelly scrolling. The Mini 6 has a cheap panel.

  7. Thank you for comparing the starlight vs gold color! Every other comparison is starlight vs silver which makes it look gold. However, when you put it next to gold, it’s a very nice silver! I guess I’ll go with starlight instead of purple. I’ve seen purple in person and it’s barely purple, too grey imo

  8. I got an iPad Mini and love it. I’m an artist and it allows me to takes great notes, scribble ideas, draw pretty seriously, and because of its size I find myself reading the news and books more on it. I also was surprised how immersive it actually is when watching videos and editing on it for long periods. I also find it being my go to tablet most days. That said, I have a surface pro 6 that at the end of the night when watching youtube or hulu, I find myself gravitating towards that now because the screen is far more immersive and I haven’t used it for drawing yet but I assume if I ever feel I need more real estate, I can just go back to using the surface.

  10. Received my mini6 yesterday afternoon only started using a few hours ago. Immediately noticed screen distortion on one specific spot on screen with mild pressure added. I’ve had my mini5 since launch and it still works perfectly. Will be returning my iPad tomorrow.

  11. Thanks for the review! The conclusion of your video is that there's a perfect opportunity for Apple to release a iPad Mini Pro (or is it iPad Pro Mini?). I'd love to see it happen!

  19. Thanks for bringing up the headphone jack…I just ordered it yesterday and I didn't realize it didn't have the jack (kinda didn't think about it) it's okay tho I have my airpods so it won't be a big deal

  23. The iPad mini should be about $550-$600. I have an iPad Pro 2019 11 inch. I would only go to a mini if it was a lot cheaper than the 11 and 13 inch models. On top of this, if you have an iPad from the last 5 years and you read a lot on your iPad, then a must have is the new mini led displays or oled.

  27. 60hz is fine since 120hz will just drain the battery especially for its small form factor. I’m just surprised loyal Apple users want 120hz on everything all of a sudden since Apple never just started lol

  28. This is completely off topic but, about a year ago my friend downloaded iOS 14 beta on his iPhone 11 from a website (not Apple). Now his iPhone is stuck on iOS 14.7 and can’t even upgrade to iOS 15. What should he do? Someone pls answer, he’s freaking out

  29. hii I really hope that you can help me, I use ip 11 …. but icannot open my phone even correct pass, i've already reboot it, but it's becomes more the time of the disabled…. i really hope that you can help me

  32. He keeps on saying how great it is for note taking, but I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe he means “notes” like a grocery list or something. I use my iPad for actual note taking (grad school) and the screen is just way too small. I’m constantly having to make new pages and struggling to fit a lot of text in each line. I returned my mini and upgraded to an 11” pro and couldn’t be happier.