Recently I got an iPad Mini after thinking about it for a million years. I’m not the type of person that gets on the latest tech and generally with my camera, laptop, and phone, I’m set. But since my jobs are really flexible and I can finish assignments on my schedule throughout the day, I’ve been thinking about how freeing it would be to not be chained to my desk. But I still wanted to be able to get online and edit an article or comfortably manage social media while on the go, and I don’t love doing those things from my phone. It turns out, there are plenty of fully capable tablets that aren’t too big of an investment, and perfect for going about my day but being 100% confident I can check in on work without my laptop. Thought I’d share the best tablets I found in my research!
Wacom Draw & Art Tablets, $70-200 – Let’s start with the ones that are super handy for graphic designers, the Wacom tablets. I’ve heard tons about them, and though they’re obviously not what I was looking for, there are quite a few to choose that bloggers would love, designer or not. The pen tablets are the least expensive, but if you’re a blogger looking to explore sketching, drawing, and other graphic artwork, both the Intuos Draw and Intuos Art can be excellent options. The Art version is slightly more advanced, but I’d suggest perusing the Wacom website to really read up on these devices.
Wacom Bamboo, $78 – This pared down version of a pen tablet is actually perfect for creating fonts and experimenting with handlettering, and because Wacom is a designer’s go-to, you’re also getting a good feel for the more advanced features you might want to eventually graduate to. Here’s a tutorial on using the Bamboo with Illustrator. I hadn’t really thought of how cool this one could be for writers, but now I’m really intrigued!
iPad mini, $239 – Personally I would suggest the iPad Mini 2 over the newer version if you’re on a budget and not worried about having the latest lightest, slimmest model. The 4 does have a touch ID, which is something to consider, but overall I’m super happy with the 2 for blogging purposes. I really just wanted mine to be able to browse the internet, make edits in WP (I always feel like I’m going to mess up something via phone!), and take great photos. I’m pretty easy to please in that respect but can see why you might want an upgrade.
iPad Air, $330+ – If you’re looking something with slightly more capabilities for only $100 more than a mini, there’s the iPad Air. The big difference right off the bat is that it’s full size. Beyond that, you’re getting more of a computer experience. When researching I did see that there is an iPad Pro in addition to all these choices, but I’m not sure why you’d spend $800 on a tablet when you could get a MacBook Air for $100 more! Plus, the iPad Air already has great reviews as far as being the best tablet on the market and there are two versions now available.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2-8, $300 – This tablet is a close competitor with iPad Mini 4, and I read reviews that say it outshines in some aspect too. It’s an obvious choice if you have a Galaxy phone, as you’ll be able to sync up all your devices. Because I’m an Apple user, I don’t have a whole lot to say, but it seems like a great choice for the price.
Amazon Fire, $50 – This may be surprising, but the Amazon Fire tablet is awesome for basic on the go functions. It has a 7” display and wifi capabilities, so if you like an e reader and just want something simple to browse the internet, this is a super affordable option. You don’t get as much storage space as other tablets, but you do get access to all the Amazon perks, like tons of apps, and of course, shows and movies. You can also check email and calendars too, which makes it good for bloggers.
Would your blog benefit from any of these tablets?
Kyah says
I have the iPad mini 2 as well, but I really use it for storing music more than anything. I can’t seem to appreciate using it for much at all, especially working and blogging. Might try a little harder to find its use!
Kierra Lee says
I have the IPad Air and I bought it specifically for the blog. I use it more than my actual computer and purchasing a keyboard to go along with it makes it far more accessible. I think for girls who travel often( for me I commute to work everyday) it’s great addition to have but not neccesary. My next purchase is going to be a MacBook Air!
Lisa says
I found your blog through research because I am looking for a tablet to really just check bloglovin, my social media or even write blog posts on the go (or even when I am in bed, at night, and don’t want to have my laptop on top of me) . I wasn’t too sure if the Ipad Mini 2 would be ideal but now I have more of an idea of what to get.
I was afraid that it could be too small (since I have the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus) but I guess it is a big difference with the 7,9” screen.
Thanks for this post xx
http://www.thelisasworld.com
laurie says
I have an ipad mini4 and have used blogpress but can’t seem to upload photos onto my blog. Any comments on this? With my old ipad 3 years ago I was able to easily insert photos along with text and publish.
Pauline says
I have the samsung s2 and used the ipad mini 3. I felt very limited with the ipad mini 3 and now feel way much comfy with my s2. As u said, it outshines far more and can’t complain. Samsun s2 is the best.
Tab says
I have both iPad mini and the older Wacom Bamboo tablet. Both are great for drawing, one draw directly on the screen (like the great Wacom Cintiq), while Wacom gives better response in terms of pressure sensitivity while drawing detail artwork. :)
Growthfulsouls says
I’m looking for something to use when I’m on the go as like you I don’t want to be chained to my desktop ,m finding I’m getting a bit of a stiff neck using my phone all the time.
I think I’ll go for the iPad mini with a keyboard
🌸Thank you for this blog