The iPad is a portable tablet from Apple with a large screen. This tablet has been available in multiple sizes and colors since 2010. In this overview you can read everything about the different generations and the most important functions, so that you know whether this tablet is something for you.
Generations
Several generations of this tablet have now appeared. In addition to the standard iPad of around 10-inch, you can also opt for the smaller iPad mini , the lighter iPad Air and the powerful iPad Pro , so that there is something for everyone. Whether you are a regular user, professional, elder or child: there is a suitable iPad for you. Do you already know what you want? Then view our overview of buying.
- Current model line
- iPad Pro 2020 in 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen
- iPad Air 2020 with 10.9-inch screen
- iPad 2020 with 10.2-inch screen
- iPad mini 2019 with 7.9-inch screen
- No longer available from Apple, but may be available in other stores
- iPad Air 2019 with 10.5-inch screen
- iPad 2019 with 10.2-inch screen
- iPad Pro 2018 in 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen
- iPad 2018 with 9.7-inch screen
- iPad 2017 with 9.7-inch screen
- iPad mini 4 with 7.9-inch screen
- iPad Pro 2017 in 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch screen
- iPad Air and iPad Air 2
- iPad 4
- iPad 3
- iPad 2
- Original iPad
As a laptop replacement
Most people use their laptop for fairly simple tasks such as replying to an email or looking up something on the Internet. That is fine on a tablet and Apple regularly emphasizes the convenience if you can leave your laptop at home. With extra keyboards you can type texts just as efficiently and with apps such as Word, Pages and Safari you can carry out most tasks. Depending on your personal needs, a tablet could even replace the Mac or Windows PC completely. If you are looking for a laptop replacement, the Pro is the most suitable model.
For watching movies
You don’t need a television screen at all to watch TV programs, films and TV series. With a tablet on your lap you have a personal screen, ideal for in bed or on the couch. Well-known providers such as Netflix and YouTube can be found in the App Store. You can also watch your own movie collection with apps like Infuse . The iPad Air 2020 is best suited for this application . If you find it too expensive, the iPad 2020 is also a good choice.
For children
A babysitter who is always ready for you, that’s how you could consider tablets. Children love it, because they can choose which movies to watch and which games to play. In addition to entertainment and keeping the kids entertained, you can also use the device for educational apps. Children often do not need the latest model: an iPad Air 2 or the cheap iPad 2019 or iPad 2020 often work fine.
For seniors
You would be old if you feel, but elderly people often use slightly different apps than young people are used to. In other words: less Snapchat and more FaceTime . One of the most popular use is video calling. FaceTime can be useful for keeping in touch with grandpa and grandma, or for having conversations when you are traveling for an extended period of time. If you are not working on it for a while, you can of course also use the tablet as a digital photo frame. Games like Wordfeud are also frequently played on it.
To read books
Do you like to read a book and do you not have an e-reader yet? Then a tablet is a good alternative to read longer texts and also have the option of installing all kinds of other apps. This makes a tablet more versatile than an e-reader. Apple includes the iBooks app, but you can also use the Kindle app. The iPad mini 2019 has dimensions that are comparable to most ereaders.
Standard iPad
The first generation iPad and iPad 2 were the first introduction to Apple’s tablet for many people. You can watch movies, listen to music, read books, play games and use the internet. From the start, you could already install thousands of apps via the App Store, many of which are optimized for the larger screen.
The devices also became popular among children for games and educational apps. Apple released a total of four generations of this early 9.7-inch tablet, with the 4 as the final model. This appeared on the market six months after its predecessor and is the only one with a Lightning connection. In 2014, Apple stopped numbering 1 to 4 and released the Air, also with a 9.7-inch screen. Apple has released tablets with 9.7-inch screens for a long time. The most recent model with this screen size is the 2018 . These are also called sixth generation and that is true, if you overlook the foray to the name ‘Air’.
Since 2019, Apple has switched to the new 10.2-inch format in the 2019 . This is a fraction larger and has a Smart Connector to which you can connect the Smart Keyboard. Furthermore, it is technically identical to the 2018. This model is called the seventh generation. In 2020 Apple released the eighth generation in the form of the iPad 2020 .
iPad mini
With the iPad mini a smaller version of Apple’s popular tablet appeared for the first time. With a 7.9-inch screen, this model can be held with one hand. Thanks to its smaller size, the mini easily fits in a bag and sometimes even in your pocket. The mini has narrower edges and therefore has relatively more screen surface.
There are five models of the mini, the first four numbered 1 to 4. The current one is the mini 2019 . All models are equipped with a Lightning connection, a headphone connection and speakers. From the mini 3 there is a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, with which you can log in securely without having to enter your pin code. We recommend choosing a minimum of 4, because it has a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a recent chip. The latest mini 2019 remains the best choice for a small iPad.
iPad Air
The first Air appeared in 2013 as a lightweight alternative to the original 9.7-inch models. Four generations have appeared, the Air, Air 2, Air 2019 and Air 2020. The name of this tablet refers to the low weight. The first two models have a retina screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels with an oleophobic coating. The Air 2019 has a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels and the Air 2020 2360 x 1640 pixels. There are even more differences: only the Air 2 and newer contain a Touch ID sensor for scanning your fingerprint. Moreover, these models have a better megapixel camera with which you can also shoot in burst mode.
iPad Pro
The first Pro was unveiled in September 2015, initially only in the 12.9-inch format. The gigantic screen got a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. This makes the tablet attractive for creative applications, such as drawing and product design. A smaller 9.7-inch Pro also appeared in early 2016. In 2017, a 10.5-inch version appeared in addition to the 12.9-inch version.
In 2018, Apple completely renewed the Pro line. Since then, there are two version with 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen that differ only in size. The internal hardware and the functions it contains are the same. A new Pro model has been announced in 2020. The Pro 2020 has a LiDAR Scanner and slightly improved chip.
Accessories
Apple has released a number of accessories, including the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard , which are now suitable for almost all recent models. In addition, Apple has made various covers of leather, silicone rubber and plastic to protect your tablet. In addition to Apple itself, there are also accessories from manufacturers such as Logitech, Incase and Tech21. Accessories to be connected to the Smart Connector are only suitable for the models with this connection. This applies, for example, to Apple’s Smart Keyboard.
For the latest Pro models (and the iPad Air 2020), Apple released the Magic Keyboard in 2020 . This is a full keyboard with scissors mechanism, key illumination and a built-in trackpad. In addition, there is a USB-C connection with which you can connect external devices. This keyboard cover works just like the Smart Keyboard with the Smart Connector, so you don’t have to charge it separately. You can read more about this keyboard in our overview page.
Add Comment