8 Reasons I Switched Back to a Full-Sized iPad

As you probably know, I am a big fan of Apple devices and how they drive my productivity.

They are simple. They just work. And they get the job done.

So, you might be surprised to hear that I recently traded in my iPad Mini. No reason to panic, it was to upgrade to the latest iPad Air 2.

This is the first time in years I have used a full-sized tablet and it has been a game changer.

Full Size, Full Productivity

I have been a fan of the iPad since its inception.

Yet, the iPad still seems a bit ahead of its time. It is still not a full laptop replacement. As well, apps, capabilities, and software are still catching up with the iPad’s now wafer-thin user experience.

There are many tasks that are better on the iPad:

• Email – I love the ability to touch my email. This leads to better efficiency processing email.
• Writing – It may sound silly, but the iPad is a great typewriter. With an external keyboard, the iPad is the ultimate mobile writing device. Long battery life, and a single purpose view.
• Reading – I love reading books via the Kindle App on my iPad.
• Productivity – My iPhone is great on the go, but productivity apps like Trello and Wunderlist shine on the iPad’s large screen.

Several years ago, I moved to the iPad Mini because I like the portability. I thought the ability to carry it in my jacket would lead me to use it frequently. However, over time, I found myself using my iPhone more often. The increased screen size of the iPhone 6 made the Mini seem just that… mini. There wasn’t as much reason to carry the small iPad.

When the new iPad Air 2 was released I saw the potential of using the larger screen for my time management. And with the reduced weight, the iPad Air was almost the same weight as the Mini.

So, I decided to take the plunge and switch back to a full-sized iPad.

Here are 8 reasons I switched from my iPad Mini to a Full-Sized iPad Air 2:

1. Better Visual Sharing – Other than photos, showing people information on your phone isn’t a great experience. In meetings, I often share information, documents, and more with my iPad. The iPad Air 2 shines in this area, the new screen technology and larger form factor make for a great in-person sharing experience.
2. Speed – The new A8X chip in the iPad Air 2 is even faster than the iPhone 6 processor. Apps pop. Graphics fly. I dare you to compare this experience with any other brand of tablet. They are jumpy, laggy, and just don’t let you touch your work in a fluid manner.
3. Screen Size User Experience – In addition to #1, I find the real estate of the full-sized iPad to be better for working. For me, there is just more room to work, move things around, and interact with your information. The iPhone 6 made this apparent. Mini was just too small. It is true that the Mini and Air both display the same resolution, but the larger screen makes for a better user experience.
4. Camera – The new camera on the Air 2 is 9MP and takes amazing pics. The iPad camera had lagged in quality compared to the iPhone until this iteration. I don’t use it for social settings, but it is great in a business setting. It excels in capturing white boards, scanning documents, and yes, even taking photos.
5. iPhone 6 – As I mentioned previously, the iPhone size increase changed when/where I carry my iPad. This was particularly noticeable with the Mini. There just wasn’t as much of a difference with the iPhone 6 vs. the Mini. (For those curious, I use an iPhone 6, not the Plus.)
6. iOS 8 – Software and apps are still catching up to the concept of the iPad as a productivity device. iOS 8 was a major step into the future. Extensions let me more fluidly interact between apps. Continuity lets me switch between devices with ease. And iCloud allows me to work with my documents seamlessly.
7. Weight has changed – Shaving a few millimeters off the thickness of the original iPad Air made the new version so light, it is amazing. It just feels good, and doesn’t get too heavy with one-hand viewing.
8. TouchID – TouchID is perfect not only for unlocking the device, but also for securing apps such as LastPass, Evernote, Day One, and more. ApplePay functionality will be convenient as more online stores support it.

Full Sized iPad, Full Sized Productivity

Switching back to a full-sized iPad has been a big productivity driver for me.

I carry my iPhone everywhere and it gets the job done on the go. However, I love the larger screen experience of the iPad Air 2.

If you are considering a new iPad, I recommend you go for the full-sized screen.

Question: Which tablet do you use to drive your productivity? You can leave a comment by clicking here.