Get MacBook Air with the M1 chip, or the completely redesigned MacBook Air with M2 chip. Compare MacBook Air models
Education – College Students
Notes on iPad with Apple Pencil supports every aspect of his civic engagements with board members and campus leaders, as well as his research work. “iPad is my Swiss army knife — it works for all situations, and seamlessly with my Mac and iPhone to support my full calendar of activities.” For academics, Isaac uses Mac with RStudio to crunch data sets and conduct research for his successful proposals — like writing statewide legislation that makes it easier for low-income students to apply to college with a single, universal application. The foundation of leadership and productivity that Isaac has built as an undergrad will continue to serve as a springboard for his commitment to social justice.
Best iPad for students 2022: which iPad to buy for school, college & university
Sliding an iPad in and out of a rucksack is significantly easier than lugging around a heavy laptop, it’s an instant-on affair instead of waiting for things to load up, and you can handwrite notes just as easily as type them. If you can use your phone as a hotspot or make sure you’re on Wi-Fi in lecture theatres or in the library, there’s no need to pay extra for the cellular-enabled option. It’s almost as powerful as the much more expensive iPad Pro, it has second-generation Apple Pencil compatibility for taking notes or doing artwork and the colour reproduction is superb. 1. iPad Air (2022) The best iPad for students overall Specifications Display size: 10.9 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Colourful and sleek design + Fast and slick thanks to M1 + Apple Pencil 2 compatible Reasons to avoid – Average cameras Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab)
As we said in our iPad Air 2022 review (opens in new tab): this fifth-gen slate “delivers the power of a MacBook Pro in a stylish frame and with user-friendly software”. The screen is pleasantly bright, and while it doesn’t include a 120Hz refresh rate (the iPad Pro has this though), its LCD is exceptionally easy on the eyes, with a pro-level of colour reproduction. 2. iPad Mini (6th Gen) Best iPad for note-taking and portable creative work Specifications Display size: 8.3 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple A15 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth Reasons to buy + Very light and portable + Incredibly powerful + Apple Pencil 2nd Gen support Reasons to avoid – Limited screen size Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Currys (opens in new tab) View at AO.com (opens in new tab) The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen attaches to the side magnetically, meaning it’s always ready to go when you want to take notes, draw diagrams, knock up sketches, or anything else. We wouldn’t recommend the iPad Mini as a laptop replacement, but as a way to read, highlight and take notes all on one device – and at the same time – it’s an ideal student buy. And it’s great for streaming and gaming fun, and all that good stuff, as our full iPad Mini (6th Gen) review attests.
3. iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) The best cheap iPad for students Specifications Display size: 10.2 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple A13 Bionic Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Smart Keyboard Reasons to buy + Fast software + Great all round value Reasons to avoid – Starter storage is small – Apple Pencil 1st Gen is more awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) This option has more of a classic iPad look with a home button and larger bezels compared to the latest offerings, but the screen is attractive enough with a brightness that makes visuals pop.
Also useful is the compatibility with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, so if you want to take notes or make the most of the gamut of excellent art apps, this is a great way to get creative. It’ll provide 10 hours of light browsing and activity – so you won’t need to worry about constantly finding a plug point. 4. iPad Pro-12.9 inch (2021) Best elite iPad for students Specifications Display size: 12.9 inches Space: Up to 2TB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Incredible mini-LED screen + Absurdly powerful Reasons to avoid – Face ID can be awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) 5. iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) Best iPad for portable power Specifications Display size: 11 inches Space: Up to 1TB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Incredible 120Hz screen + Exceptionally powerful Reasons to avoid – Face ID can be awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Otherwise, it’s the same, including the ridiculously powerful M1 chip, impressive cameras, 120Hz refresh rate display, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen compatibility, option for huge amounts of storage, and so on. But we think that makes it a bit niche for students – the iPad Air is pretty much the same size, offers most of the same features, and is plenty powerful anyway, while being cheaper again.
It merely props up the iPad in a regular stand set up and protects the front and back so you don’t need to worry about sliding it into a bag. iPads work with all Bluetooth keyboards from the cheapest to the most premium, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of typing at college or uni we’d strongly advise buying on comfort, not cost. The 2nd Generation also comes with a handy double tap to change tools ability which means you can quickly switch between a pen and an eraser as you’re writing. iPads without doubt lean more toward creative disciplines and general study, rather than heavy duty number crunching or processing tasks.
It’s also about screen real estate, too, as while you can hook up an iPad with attached keyboard to an external monitor, that adds expense to the setup.
How to get an Apple student discount at Apple’s Education Store
Students, teachers, and those who work for an educational institution can save money on a new Mac, MacBook, or iPad via the Apple Education Store, which offers discounts all year round. Apple throws the education net quite wide, so if you think you may not qualify, there’s a good chance you might. Between June and October each year in the northern hemisphere, and between January and March in the southern hemisphere, Apple runs a promotion for students with qualifying purchases from the Apple Education Store. Apple doesn’t offer a single, universal discount to students. The disadvantage of these deals is that they won’t come with the gift cards that Apple offers during its Back to School promotion. For the U.S. these state that the following groups are “eligible to purchase from the Apple Store for Education:”
K-12 staff : Any employee of a public or private K-12 institution in the United States is eligible, including homeschool teachers (this doesn’t include people educating their children during lockdowns). PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers are eligible.
: Any employee of a public or private K-12 institution in the United States is eligible, including homeschool teachers (this doesn’t include people educating their children during lockdowns). PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers are eligible.
Higher education parents: Parents purchasing on behalf of their child, who is a student currently attending or accepted into a public or private higher educational institution in the U.S. are eligible to purchase. : Students attending or accepted into a post-secondary education institution in the U.K. Parents of post-secondary students: Parents purchasing on behalf of their child, who is a student currently attending or accepted into a public or private post-secondary education institution in the U.K.
Therefore, this excludes sixth-form colleges, although it may be worth inquiring at an Apple Store to see if the company is prepared to relax the rules.) Anybody who works in an education environment qualifies for a discount on certain Apple products. It’s not just limited to teachers and lecturers, but also covers administrative workers and other staff members.
According to this Sales Policy document on the Australian Apple site and the same on the U.K. Apple Education site, students can purchase the following with education pricing: You may think that all you need to do is visit the Apple Store for Education and you will find the products you want at a lower price. However, before you can access Apple’s Education Store you will need to verify that you are a student or that you qualify in another way (e.g. you work in a school or college).
Beware that Apple can request to see evidence that you are a student at any point during or after the purchase and will charge an additional fee if you fail to provide it. If you have any problems, we recommend you get your student status verified with UNiDAYS or log on from your university network. Make sure you have quick access to some form of official identification that proves you qualify for the education discount. Alternatively, U.K. customers can also use the rival verification service Student Beans, which works in the same way as UNiDAYS. Once you have completed the registration process and signed in you will be able to access Apple’s student discounts. You will also want to make sure you have quick access to some form of official identification that proves you qualify for the education discount.
However, you may find you don’t actually require any sort of login or ID to order from the Apple Education Store–but beware that Apple can request to see evidence that you are a student at any point during or after the purchase and will charge an additional fee if you fail to provide it. If you have been tasked with buying new Macs or iPads for a school, college or university then Apple has a different store for you.
The student discount brings the monthly cost of Apple Music membership down from $9.99/£9.99 to $4.99/£4.99, with identical schemes in Ireland, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Denmark, each offering half off the usual price. To qualify for the student discount, you’ll need to prove that you’re enrolled at an eligible university or college.
If your college or university is eligible you’ll get a reduced subscription rate.
Best Apple Student Discount for Back to School 2022
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These deals do not require a student to be enrolled in college, making it an easy way for parents to pick up a device that can be used by the entire family — or even educators looking for learning tools within the classroom. B&H has partnered with Unidays to offer discounts on thousands of items for students and teachers, including Apple computers. Students can even use B&H Photo’s Payboo Card to save on sales tax or secure special financing.
Best Buy also has a Student Deals membership program that’s free to join and runs during the back-to-school shopping season each year. Save on a qualifying Mac or iPad with an education discount, plus get up to a $150 gift card during Apple’s 2022 Back to School campaign.
Current and newly accepted college students, as well as teachers and education staff at all levels, are eligible for the following deals: Historically, Apple gave student customers a free set of headphones with the purchase of an eligible device like an iPad or Mac. In 2021, Apple gave college students a free set of AirPods for buying an eligible device.
In 2022, Apple changed the offer from free AirPods to a gift card valued at up to $150 with select Macs and iPads. AppleInsider readers can save on AppleCare at Adorama with coupon code APINSIDER when purchased with an eligible Apple product using these activation instructions. Outside of Apple’s annual Back To School sale, the company offers standard discounts on its hardware.
Best iPad for students 2022
To make things easier, it’s good to know that you have the right tech to help you write your essays, take notes in lessons, and be able to kick back with Netflix and games when all the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy. Choosing one can be tricky though, as Apple currently offers a wide range of models with different prices and features.
Plus, if you buy an iPad (or a Mac) from Apple and you are a student you might be able to get a free gift, such as a pair of AirPods or vouchers, while a “Back To Uni” event is running (usually June to September in the US, from July to October in the UK). Here’s a link to Apple’s Education Store (in the UK you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS). Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you have a very workable laptop that should cope with most coursework demands.
Centre Stage for FaceTime calls Cons 64GB storage may be too limiting MSRP: From $499 Best Prices Today: If the most important factor to you is portability there’s one iPad in particular that you might want to consider. We think that this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil) so it may well be ideal for you if that’s what how you intend to use the iPad.
Don’t let the diminutive form fool you though, as the mini boasts an A15 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 13 Pro Max, so there’s no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is top-notch too, with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and LTE 5G networks available, depending on the model you choose. The front-facing camera is an Ultra-Wide lens, so it can track you and keep you in the centre of the frame on video-calls thanks to Centre Stage, while the 12Mp Wide camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for more media-based assignments. There are two storage options available – 64GB and 256GB – and as with the 10.2in iPad we’d recommend the larger of the two as it allows you to store more apps, downloading music and movies, plus all those photos and videos.
Lots of color options Cons Avoid the 64GB model MSRP: From $599 Best Prices Today: We think the iPad Air, last updated in March 2022, with its 10.9in display, modern design, light weight (461g), great cameras and hugely powerful processor – is a good choice for students. Unfortunately it’s not as cheap as it once was, with the new format and construction methods bringing the costs up to £569/$599 for the 64GB model and £719/$749 for the 256GB variant (which is the one we’d recommend). Because of the price increase it’s no longer our top choice iPad for students, but if you can afford it then it really is worth the investment. The only major feature it’s missing is the 120Hz Pro-Motion screen refresh rate, but that’s hardly something most people will even notice.
Internally, there’s the powerful M1 chip that is one of the fastest pieces of silicon around at the moment, and the displays benfit from the ultra-smooth ProMotion (120hz refresh rates) that are reserved only for iPads that have Pro in their name. To be honest, buying a Pro for a student that will only play a few games, stream Netflix and type up some essays would be a bit of a waste of money, as the iPad Air offers plenty of the same features and will leave you with a chunk of change compared to a Pro. That being said, when you get into these price territories, especially when you add in something like the ludicrously expensive Apple Magic Keyboard, then we’d suggest giving serious thought to whether you’d be better off with an M1 powered MacBook Air instead. You could even photograph pages from books in the library and use optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad. Not only do you not need to lug all your books around with you, an iPad is far lighter than even the lightest laptop, so you won’t be getting backache from carrying it to lectures and the library. And when you’ve finished studying there are loads of games, and apps for video calling your parents.
If you’ve got a Mac you can use an iPad as a second screen, provided you are runing Big Sur or Catalina, or, when it lauches, Monteray.
Best iPad for students 2022
The best line of tablets is Apple’s iPad – a selection of Ultra-portable devices that combine gorgeous screens, solid aluminum construction, and powerful internals in a range of different price points for every student. It packs in most of the features of the more expensive iPad Pro, such as a larger display and an M1 chip, at a mid-range price point – it’s perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
iPad Air 5 (2022) Best overall iPad for students Specifications Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina, 1640 x 2360 Processor: Apple M1 Storage: 64GB, 256GB RAM: 8GB Rear Camera: 12MP Wide Front Camera: 12MP Ultrawide Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm Weight: 461g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Verizon Wireless (opens in new tab) View at AT&T (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display + 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage + Smart Connector with Magic Keyboard support Reasons to avoid – No Face ID – Only 64GB or 256GB storage options
The display features P3 wide color and True Tone, making everything look vibrant and the fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating means fewer smudges from your fingers.
With the fifth-generation model, the iPad Air also gained 5G support for the first time, making it a great device to tote around everywhere. iPad mini 6 Best value iPad for students Specifications Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 1488 x 2266 Processor: A15 Bionic Storage: 64GB, 256GB RAM: 6GB Rear Camera: 12MP Wide Front Camera: 12MP Ultrawide Dimensions: 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3mm Weight: 293g (WiFi), 297g (WiFi + Cellular) Today’s Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Verizon Wireless (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Redesigned body with 8.3-inch display and USB-C + Still retains Touch ID on top button + A15 Bionic Reasons to avoid – No Face ID – Smaller screen than the other iPads – More expensive than previous generation With iPad mini 6, you’re getting an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display in a newly redesigned body with flat edges, which means no more Home button! Apple also eliminated the Lightning port and replaced it with USB-C for faster charging and data transfers.
Its data speeds aren’t quite as fast as those offered by the iPad Air 5 which uses a newer USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, but it’s still enough for most folks. The only bad thing about the new iPad mini 6 is that it starts at $100 more than its predecessor, making it $499 for Wi-Fi-only models and $649 for Wi-Fi + Cellular.
iPad (9th Gen) (2021) Best iPad for students on a budget Specifications Display: 10.2-inch Retina, 1620 x 2160 Processor: A13 Bionic Storage: 64GB, 256GB RAM: 3GB Rear Camera: 8MP Front Camera: 12MP Ultrawide Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm Weight: 487g (WiFi), 498g (WiFi + Cellular) Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Apple (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Most affordable iPad + 10.2-inch display + 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage Reasons to avoid – Uses older A13 chip – No Face ID and still has bezels – Only has 64GB or 256GB capacities As noted in our review, it has a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display that should be plenty big for reading and marking up your digital textbooks, annotating documents, and sketching diagrams.
The front-facing True Depth camera has also been bumped up to 12MP Ultra Wide, with a 122-degree field of view with Center Stage. iPad Pro (2021) – 11-inch Most powerful iPad for students Specifications Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina, 1668 x 2388 Processor: Apple M1 Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB RAM: 8GB, 16GB Rear Camera: 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultrawide, 3D LiDAR scanner Front Camera: 12MP Ultrawide Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm Weight: 466g (WiFi), 470g (WiFi + Cellular) Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Verizon Wireless (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Comes in 11 or 12.9-inch sizes + Face ID + Has Apple’s M1 chip Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Only comes in two colors There is also a 12MP camera on the front, so you can chat with schoolmates and brainstorm for group projects and have Center Stage keep you in the frame the whole time. Stage Manager organizes your apps and windows as tiny screenshots along the left side of your screen, allowing your iPad to work more like a Mac than ever before.
M1 provides oodles of power for anything you need to do for school, with lightning-fast USB-C speeds, 5G support with the cellular models, and Center Stage camera setup for face-time calls back home.
Best iPad for students 2022
To make things easier, it’s good to know that you have the right tech to help you write your essays, take notes in lessons, and be able to kick back with Netflix and games when all the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy. Choosing one can be tricky though, as Apple currently offers a wide range of models with different prices and features. Plus, if you buy an iPad (or a Mac) from Apple and you are a student you might be able to get a free gift, such as a pair of AirPods or vouchers, while a “Back To Uni” event is running (usually June to September in the US, from July to October in the UK). Here’s a link to Apple’s Education Store (in the UK you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS). Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you have a very workable laptop that should cope with most coursework demands.
Centre Stage for FaceTime calls Cons 64GB storage may be too limiting MSRP: From $499 Best Prices Today: If the most important factor to you is portability there’s one iPad in particular that you might want to consider. We think that this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil) so it may well be ideal for you if that’s what how you intend to use the iPad. Don’t let the diminutive form fool you though, as the mini boasts an A15 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 13 Pro Max, so there’s no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is top-notch too, with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and LTE 5G networks available, depending on the model you choose. The front-facing camera is an Ultra-Wide lens, so it can track you and keep you in the centre of the frame on video-calls thanks to Centre Stage, while the 12Mp Wide camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for more media-based assignments. There are two storage options available – 64GB and 256GB – and as with the 10.2in iPad we’d recommend the larger of the two as it allows you to store more apps, downloading music and movies, plus all those photos and videos.
Lots of color options Cons Avoid the 64GB model MSRP: From $599 Best Prices Today: We think the iPad Air, last updated in March 2022, with its 10.9in display, modern design, light weight (461g), great cameras and hugely powerful processor – is a good choice for students. Unfortunately it’s not as cheap as it once was, with the new format and construction methods bringing the costs up to £569/$599 for the 64GB model and £719/$749 for the 256GB variant (which is the one we’d recommend).
Because of the price increase it’s no longer our top choice iPad for students, but if you can afford it then it really is worth the investment. The only major feature it’s missing is the 120Hz Pro-Motion screen refresh rate, but that’s hardly something most people will even notice. Internally, there’s the powerful M1 chip that is one of the fastest pieces of silicon around at the moment, and the displays benfit from the ultra-smooth ProMotion (120hz refresh rates) that are reserved only for iPads that have Pro in their name. To be honest, buying a Pro for a student that will only play a few games, stream Netflix and type up some essays would be a bit of a waste of money, as the iPad Air offers plenty of the same features and will leave you with a chunk of change compared to a Pro. That being said, when you get into these price territories, especially when you add in something like the ludicrously expensive Apple Magic Keyboard, then we’d suggest giving serious thought to whether you’d be better off with an M1 powered MacBook Air instead. You could even photograph pages from books in the library and use optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad. Not only do you not need to lug all your books around with you, an iPad is far lighter than even the lightest laptop, so you won’t be getting backache from carrying it to lectures and the library. And when you’ve finished studying there are loads of games, and apps for video calling your parents.
If you’ve got a Mac you can use an iPad as a second screen, provided you are runing Big Sur or Catalina, or, when it lauches, Monteray.
Which iPad should you buy for college students?
My iPad is one of the best devices I have used for college to date, making it easy to take notes, mark up PDFs, and watch online classes. The majority of iPads will work for most students, however, it ultimately comes down to your budget and what features are important to you. It’s the iPad I currently use as a graduate student, and I have been impressed with its long battery life. The outdated design shouldn’t deter you as the device is plenty capable for internet browsing, video calls with Center Stage, note-taking, gaming, drawing, and much more. The ninth-generation iPad is the best for college students on a budget and who purely want a tablet for non-extensive note-taking. Basically looking like a smaller iPad Air, its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display makes it the perfect device for those who are on the go.
Its small stature doesn’t make it the most popular choice among students, however, it’s easy to fit in a backpack and works with Bluetooth keyboards. The mini is the best iPad for college students who are always on-the-go and want a device that doesn’t take up much space.
When I worked in Apple retail, the Air was the most popular iPad we sold to students. YouTuber TechGearTalk ran a battery-life test late last year with each of Apple’s current iPads. The iPad Air is good for most students, especially those looking for a larger, laminated display and a newer design. The iPad Air offers either 64GB or 256GB of storage, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and even Center Stage for video calls.
Storage sizes range from 128GB to 2TB, and both models offer Center Stage for video calls and Face ID. Each year in the summer, Apple holds a special education promotion in store and online.
Best iPad for students 2022: which iPad to buy for school, college & university
Sliding an iPad in and out of a rucksack is significantly easier than lugging around a heavy laptop, it’s an instant-on affair instead of waiting for things to load up, and you can handwrite notes just as easily as type them. If you can use your phone as a hotspot or make sure you’re on Wi-Fi in lecture theatres or in the library, there’s no need to pay extra for the cellular-enabled option.
It’s almost as powerful as the much more expensive iPad Pro, it has second-generation Apple Pencil compatibility for taking notes or doing artwork and the colour reproduction is superb. 1. iPad Air (2022) The best iPad for students overall Specifications Display size: 10.9 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Colourful and sleek design + Fast and slick thanks to M1 + Apple Pencil 2 compatible Reasons to avoid – Average cameras Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab)
As we said in our iPad Air 2022 review (opens in new tab): this fifth-gen slate “delivers the power of a MacBook Pro in a stylish frame and with user-friendly software”. The screen is pleasantly bright, and while it doesn’t include a 120Hz refresh rate (the iPad Pro has this though), its LCD is exceptionally easy on the eyes, with a pro-level of colour reproduction. 2. iPad Mini (6th Gen) Best iPad for note-taking and portable creative work Specifications Display size: 8.3 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple A15 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth Reasons to buy + Very light and portable + Incredibly powerful + Apple Pencil 2nd Gen support Reasons to avoid – Limited screen size Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Currys (opens in new tab) View at AO.com (opens in new tab) The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen attaches to the side magnetically, meaning it’s always ready to go when you want to take notes, draw diagrams, knock up sketches, or anything else.
We wouldn’t recommend the iPad Mini as a laptop replacement, but as a way to read, highlight and take notes all on one device – and at the same time – it’s an ideal student buy. And it’s great for streaming and gaming fun, and all that good stuff, as our full iPad Mini (6th Gen) review attests. 3. iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) The best cheap iPad for students Specifications Display size: 10.2 inches Space: Up to 256GB CPU: Apple A13 Bionic Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Smart Keyboard Reasons to buy + Fast software + Great all round value Reasons to avoid – Starter storage is small – Apple Pencil 1st Gen is more awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) This option has more of a classic iPad look with a home button and larger bezels compared to the latest offerings, but the screen is attractive enough with a brightness that makes visuals pop.
Also useful is the compatibility with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, so if you want to take notes or make the most of the gamut of excellent art apps, this is a great way to get creative. It’ll provide 10 hours of light browsing and activity – so you won’t need to worry about constantly finding a plug point. 4. iPad Pro-12.9 inch (2021) Best elite iPad for students Specifications Display size: 12.9 inches Space: Up to 2TB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Incredible mini-LED screen + Absurdly powerful Reasons to avoid – Face ID can be awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab)
5. iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) Best iPad for portable power Specifications Display size: 11 inches Space: Up to 1TB CPU: Apple M1 Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd Generation Keyboard compatibility: Bluetooth, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Reasons to buy + Incredible 120Hz screen + Exceptionally powerful Reasons to avoid – Face ID can be awkward Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Otherwise, it’s the same, including the ridiculously powerful M1 chip, impressive cameras, 120Hz refresh rate display, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen compatibility, option for huge amounts of storage, and so on. But we think that makes it a bit niche for students – the iPad Air is pretty much the same size, offers most of the same features, and is plenty powerful anyway, while being cheaper again. It merely props up the iPad in a regular stand set up and protects the front and back so you don’t need to worry about sliding it into a bag. iPads work with all Bluetooth keyboards from the cheapest to the most premium, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of typing at college or uni we’d strongly advise buying on comfort, not cost.
The 2nd Generation also comes with a handy double tap to change tools ability which means you can quickly switch between a pen and an eraser as you’re writing. iPads without doubt lean more toward creative disciplines and general study, rather than heavy duty number crunching or processing tasks.
It’s also about screen real estate, too, as while you can hook up an iPad with attached keyboard to an external monitor, that adds expense to the setup.
Best Apple Student Discount for Back to School 2022
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These deals do not require a student to be enrolled in college, making it an easy way for parents to pick up a device that can be used by the entire family — or even educators looking for learning tools within the classroom. B&H has partnered with Unidays to offer discounts on thousands of items for students and teachers, including Apple computers.
Students can even use B&H Photo’s Payboo Card to save on sales tax or secure special financing.
Best Buy also has a Student Deals membership program that’s free to join and runs during the back-to-school shopping season each year. Save on a qualifying Mac or iPad with an education discount, plus get up to a $150 gift card during Apple’s 2022 Back to School campaign.
Current and newly accepted college students, as well as teachers and education staff at all levels, are eligible for the following deals: Historically, Apple gave student customers a free set of headphones with the purchase of an eligible device like an iPad or Mac.
In 2021, Apple gave college students a free set of AirPods for buying an eligible device.
In 2022, Apple changed the offer from free AirPods to a gift card valued at up to $150 with select Macs and iPads. AppleInsider readers can save on AppleCare at Adorama with coupon code APINSIDER when purchased with an eligible Apple product using these activation instructions. Outside of Apple’s annual Back To School sale, the company offers standard discounts on its hardware.
Best iPad for Students 2022
Owning devices like laptops, smartphones, or tablets to use for studying and taking notes has become the norm for the majority of students. While a laptop or a smartphone might not be the most convenient for the classroom, tablets like iPads have proven to be quite useful for college students.
Nowadays, it is virtually impossible to finish school without some technological device you use on a daily basis, be it a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
If we needed our PCs and laptops to write and turn in assignments, or research, now these gadgets have made their way into the classroom, and students use them for classwork and note-taking as well.
If you already have a laptop or PC you use for classwork or homework, and it meets all your requirements, then you probably don’t need to invest in an iPad. If, however, an iPad and its features would seriously lighten your workload as a student, then investing in one might be the smartest thing to do. Check out the features of different kinds of iPads to find out what it is they do and if you absolutely need one or if a cheaper option will do. If you want to contribute to saving the planet and using less paper, you can use your iPad for studying and reading e-books instead of physical copies.
And since you can store all of your study materials on your iPad, you will cut down on the weight of your school bag. An iPad is a relatively lightweight device to carry around campus and during lectures compared to the weight of your books, notebooks, and other supplies. Furthermore, anytime you plan on traveling home and want to brush up on a course while away from school, all you need to bring with you is your iPad. Furthermore, you can add your personal notes and annotations to your pdf files and have them ready for when you need to revise.
An iPad is an investment that will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to get new notebooks and planners as soon as you fill out your current ones. If you have gone through the benefits of having an iPad during College and are convinced owning one would make your life as a student easier, it is time for shopping. Processor Storage Display size Weight Battery life 8-core Apple M1 128 GB/ 1 TB 11/12.9 inches 2388 x 1668/ 2732 x 2048 1.03-1.5 pounds Up to 10 hours This iPad model is quite expensive and considered a luxury for most college students who aren’t able to afford it. The price of the iPad pro depends on the display size and whether or not the model you are purchasing has cellular connectivity. Furthermore, the iPad Air has an oleophobic coating that resists oil penetration and adhesion, i.e., fingerprint smudges.
Processor Storage Display size Weight Battery life 8-core Apple M1 64 GB/ 256 GB 10.9 inches 2360 x 1640 1.02 pounds Up to 10 hours Its reasonable price is especially attractive considering it doesn’t fall behind on features compared to the more expensive models such as the iPad Pro.
It has a great display resolution, a powerful Apple M1 processor, and a battery that will last up to 10 hours. Last but not least, the iPad Air is available in five different colors and is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
Processor Storage Display size Weight Battery life A13 Bionic chip 64 GB/ 256 GB 10.2 inches 2160 x 1620 1.02 pounds Up to 10 hours It has a perfectly sized 10.2-inch display, big enough for reading and studying and small enough to carry around.
The iPad mini (2021) has a 12 MP front and rear camera for high-quality pictures and is compatible with Apple Pencil. Processor Storage Display size Weight Battery life A15 Bionic chip 64 GB/ 256 GB 8.3 inches 2266 x 1488 0.65 pounds Up to 10 hours
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