The iPad has revolutionized learning and has become a staple in the lives of many students. My iPad is one of the best devices I have ever used in college. It’s easy to take notes, markup PDFs, and watch online classes. Most iPads will suit most students, however it ultimately depends on your budget and what features are important to you.
Let’s take a look at our options so you can decide which iPad best suits your college’s needs. At the end of this article, you will find information about Apple’s current educational promotion, as well as the year-round education discount.
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The ninth-generation iPad is the most affordable option in Apple’s lineup, starting at $329. This is the iPad I currently use as a graduate student and I was impressed with its long battery life. And it’s the perfect size for taking notes. The dated design shouldn’t put you off as it’s great for browsing the web, making video calls with the Center Stage, taking notes, playing games, drawing and more. There are two storage options, 64GB and 256GB, which is usually enough for most users. It’s a bit slow when you need to multitask but still works with the A13 chip. If you’re not a power user, the iPad can do more than enough for you. The ninth generation iPad is the best choice for college students on a budget who only need a tablet for light note-taking.
iPad mini
Last year, the sixth-generation iPad mini finally got its well-deserved redesign. However, with this redesign, the price will go up, starting at $499. An 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display that looks like the smaller iPad Air makes it the perfect device for those on the go. Its small size doesn’t make it the most popular choice among students, but it’s easy to fit in a backpack and works with Bluetooth keyboards. The iPad mini is powered by the A15 chip, has a Center Stage for video calls, and can even record 4K video. This device can be a great option for students who need a new design for less than $500. Mini is the best iPad for college students who are always on the go and want a device that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
iPad Air
The fifth-generation iPad Air is Apple’s colorful mid-range iPad, starting at $599. When I worked at Apple retail, the Air was the most popular iPad we sold to students. It’s amazing to take notes and draw while multitasking without any problems. The device now runs on the Apple M1 chip, making it 60% faster than its predecessor.
A common issue with the iPad Air is battery life. YouTuber TechGearTalk tested the battery life of each of Apple’s current iPads late last year. Although the video was filmed before the release of the iPad Air 5, it did show the iPad Air 4, which has the same battery life as its successor. In the video, the battery life of the iPad Air came last compared to the rest of the iPad lineup. While it’s still a fantastic iPad, you need to be mindful of its battery needs.
The iPad Air will suit most students, especially those looking for a large laminated display and a new design. iPadOS 16 will also be released this fall, and with it new study tools like Stage Manager and support for external displays. The iPad Air offers 64GB or 256GB of storage, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and even a Center Stage for video calls.
iPad Pro 11″ and iPad Pro 12.9″
The 11-inch iPad Pro (third generation) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (fifth generation) are Apple’s top tablet lineups right now. The time to buy it right now is a little tricky, as all iPad Air and iPad Pro currently have the Apple M1 chip. However, we expect an iPad Pro revision this year. Find out more here:
If the biggest possible screen is important to you, check out the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It has the best display of any iPad: a 1,000-nit Liquid Retina XDR display compared to a 600-nit Liquid Retina display on an 11-inch tablet. Note that a nit is a unit of brightness. The brightness of one nit is equal to the brightness of one candle.
Storage ranges from 128GB to 2TB, and both models offer Center Stage for video calls and Face ID. The Pro is ideal for students who need a large canvas to work with, those using the Pro as a laptop replacement, or those doing creative work. Designed for Pro level users, it’s not for everyone and might not be the best iPad for college due to its price. These are expensive instruments, starting at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch model.
iPad accessories to look out for:
When choosing accessories for your iPad, make sure the one you buy is compatible with your iPad model.
Apple education discount.
Apple offers a year-round education discount for college students, parents, faculty, and employees of all levels. The discount offers $50 off the iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Pro, and $100 off the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. For Mac computers, the discount will vary, but starts at $100. You’ll even get 10% off accessories like an iPad keyboard, Apple Pencil, or mouse. Plus, purchasing AppleCare+ in full will save you 20%. You can get the discount online or in the store.
Each summer, Apple hosts a special educational promotion in store and online. This year, the promotion runs until September 26 and offers gift cards rather than AirPods as before. Students will receive a $100 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of a specific iPad. For Mac, students will receive a $150 Apple Gift Card. This promotion is combined with a year-round tuition discount.
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