Getting an iPad and can’t decide on the screen size? Get the 11-inch one, nothing else. Let me explain why in the fewest possible words.
Available in Three Sizes, the iPad with 11-inch Display is Perfect for Everyone
Buying an iPad is easy, but which size you should get it in is the tricky part. Sure, the bigger display looks nicer, but it’s not portable at all.
Did the iPad mini pique your interest? Of course it did, but it doesn’t offer great productivity value.
As someone who has owned an iPad mini, a 11-inch iPad, and a 13-inch iPad for way too many years, I’ll make your buying decision easier.
Just Go for the 11-inch iPad
Get the 11-inch iPad, nothing else. Whether it’s the standard iPad, iPad Air, or the iPad Pro, the 11-inch one simply works in whatever situation.
The 3 Best Compromises
The three things that make the 11-inch iPad perfect are: it is the right size for consuming content, it has enough screen real estate to keep you productive, and you can hold it in one hand easily.
My Simple Formula for Buying an iPad
Over the years, I’ve made a formula for buying an iPad. It goes like this: the iPad mini offers great entertainment value, offers the best portability, but sacrifices productivity. The 13-inch iPad goes above and beyond when it comes to productivity, but sacrifices portability.
Basically, the smaller the screen, the better it is for entertainment. The bigger the screen, the better it is for productivity. Both are inversely proportional to each other.
The 11-inch model offers great entertainment, good productivity, and is portable for most people. And when it comes to apps and games, developers target the 11-inch screen size as well. That’s why apps look either stretched out or absolutely squeezed in on the other two sizes.
Don’t overthink it. You are fine with the 11-inch model for everyday use.
