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This page is for “iPad Mini” - my reading companion that replaced my Kindle after I outgrew it.
Commentary
I transitioned from using a Kindle to iPad Minis when I outgrew the Kindle’s capabilities. The iPad Mini became my perfect reading companion, offering a larger screen, better versatility, and access to a broader ecosystem of applications. I’ve used both the iPad Mini 5 and iPad Mini 6, each serving as my primary device for reading, note-taking, and various productivity tasks.
Technical Specs
iPad Mini 5 (2019)
Display: 7.9" Retina display (2048 x 1536 pixels)
Processor: A12 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB or 256GB options
Connectivity: WiFi, Cellular options, Lightning port
Operating System: iPadOS
Accessories: Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Battery: Up to 10 hours of use
iPad Mini 6 (2021)
Display: 8.3" Liquid Retina display (2266 x 1488 pixels)
Processor: A15 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB or 256GB options
Connectivity: WiFi, Cellular options, USB-C
Operating System: iPadOS
Accessories: Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Battery: Up to 10 hours of use
Useful Applications
Reading and E-books
Apple Books - Native e-book reader with excellent typography
Kindle - Amazon’s e-book platform
Google Play Books - Google’s e-book service
Libby - Library e-book borrowing
Audible - Audiobook platform
Pocket - Save articles for later reading
Instapaper - Read-later service with clean formatting
Note-taking and Documentation
GoodNotes - Digital note-taking with Apple Pencil
Notability - Note-taking with audio recording
Apple Notes - Simple, integrated note-taking
Bear - Markdown-based note-taking
Obsidian - Knowledge management and linking
Notion - All-in-one workspace
Productivity and Organization
Things 3 - Task management
Fantastical - Calendar and scheduling
Drafts - Quick text capture and processing
Shortcuts - Automation and workflow creation
1Password - Password management
Dropbox - Cloud storage and file sync
Development and Technical
Working Copy - Git client for version control
Textastic - Code editor with syntax highlighting
Termius - SSH client for remote connections
Prompt 3 - Terminal emulator
Code Editor - Lightweight code editing
Creative and Media
Procreate - Digital art and illustration
Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
GarageBand - Music creation
iMovie - Video editing
Sketchbook - Digital drawing
LumaFusion - Professional video editing
Communication and Social
Messages - Text messaging
Mail - Email client
Slack - Team communication
Discord - Community chat
Twitter/X - Social media
Mastodon - Decentralized social media
Tips and Tricks
Reading Optimization
Use Dark Mode for comfortable night reading
Adjust text size and font in reading apps for better readability
Enable True Tone for natural color temperature
Use Split View to read and take notes simultaneously
Set up reading shortcuts for quick access to favorite books
Productivity
Use Apple Pencil for precise note-taking and annotations
Enable Slide Over for quick app switching while reading
Set up Shortcuts for automation and quick actions
Use external keyboard for extended writing sessions
Enable Universal Control with Mac for seamless workflow
Organization
Organize apps by category using folders
Use the Dock for frequently accessed reading and productivity apps
Set up Focus modes for different reading environments
Use Handoff to continue reading between devices
Enable iCloud sync for seamless access across devices
