In 2024, iPads can become a versatile power in the hands of college students, providing what many will find to be a dependable cohort for classes, assignments, and general fun. Here is a breakdown of the best iPads to cover a variety of academic needs, that either use them for note taking, remote learning, creative projects, or even just a more portable option.
Best Entry-Level iPad for Most Students: Apple iPad (10th Generation)
One of the best budget student tablets is Apple’s 2019 10th-generation iPad. With an impressive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the speed of Apple’s A14 Bionic processor, this will get the job done by having essential productivity apps, note taking and media streaming handled without issue. The Wi-Fi-only 64GB model supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio for just $300. It comes in blue, pink, yellow, and silver and features front and rear cameras, microphones, and stereo speakers for effortless video conferencing.
That is especially important for students who must lug around a lot of data or media. The iPad offers two storage options: The storage on offer is 64GB, with 256GB for $450, and extra room for OS X and apps. This would make this device an affordable and simply functional entry-level choice on campuses with strong WiFI coverage.
Best iPad for Remote Learning: Apple 2024 13″ iPad Air
More than anything else, it is the new 13-inch iPad Air’s ample screen space that comes in handy for multitasking, or taking remote classes and taking notes, among other things. It’s this iPad Air, powered by Apple’s M2 processor, with a larger Liquid Retina display, plus a front camera on the landscape edge, and the Pencil Pro and latest Magic Keyboard compatibility. For $735, this model mixes portability with power and provides 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB worth of storage for students to store all their notes, research materials, and more.
The iPad Air is available in purple, blue, space gray, and starlight and optimized for FaceTime and video calls featuring features like Center Stage to keep students in the frame. The M2 processor ensures smooth processing of educational applications, while having the extra screen size facilitates productivity whether it is for assignment work or multimedia projects.
Best iPad for Note-Taking and E-Reading: Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)
The iPad Mini (6th generation) is made for students who like a mini and highly mobile device for reading and note-taking. This mini tablet has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and is powered by an A15 Bionic chip, it is perfect for people who write essays on the iDesign because you just need to carry it around to classes and libraries, also have a cup of coffee with your friends. Available in 64GB and 256GB models, with the 256GB model priced at $549 to offer further room for apps, documents, and media.
The iPad Mini can serve as a powerful notepad too supporting the 2nd generation Apple Pencil to transform your iPad Mini into a powerful notepad that allows you to jot down ideas and sketch concepts in Notability, Goodnotes, and OneNote. The lightweight build lets you hold it for so long that it becomes ideal for long reading sessions. At a small footprint, the iPad mini is a versatile powerhouse that checks all the boxes for students on the go: Front and rear cameras, inbuilt microphones, and speakers.
Best iPad for Productivity Apps: Apple 2024 11″ iPad Pro
The 2024 11-inch iPad Pro comes with cutting-edge features that make it a must-buy for all students who need high productivity needs, the first being its OLED Ultra RetinaXDR display. This iPad Pro is enhanced with Apple’s latest M4 processor that brings computing power to a level similar to a MacBook and allows it to run even resource-intensive applications like video editing, graphic design, etc., and audio production. This lightweight powerhouse is perfect for research, entertainment, and gaming, and works perfectly with both the Apple Pencil Pro and the new Magic Keyboard.
The iPad Pro’s nano-text glass screen minimizes glare for sharp, vibrant visuals. The great part about this is that students can choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and finally 1TB storage so it’s perfect for storing large files or even projects. Those running productivity apps such as word processors and digital presentations can run them alongside each other all at the same time thanks to the ultra-responsive M4 processor.
Best iPad for Creatives and Power Users: Apple 2024 13″ iPad Pro
The 13-inch iPad Pro is designed for creative students and power users, featuring Apple’s most advanced tablet, an OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, and Apple’s powerful M4 processor. With nano-texture glass and available in iPad Pro, you get lifelike colors and visuals for art, animation, and multimedia projects. Audio quality is boosted by the tablet’s four-speaker system and studio-quality microphones, creating a depth in which video and audio editing sessions can be taken to.
This is a model with massive storage available up to 2TB in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions. It is ideal for students who are going to need more processing power, and it supports “Pro” apps that fully utilize the M4 processor and make the iPad a real desktop replacement. The iPad Pro combines with accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard and is transformed into a productivity machine that caters to the student with their needs for hi-tech.
iPad Accessories: AirPods Pro and Bluetooth Keyboards
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and AirPods Max give all your Apple iPads seamless integration with spatial audio, including noise cancellation, for a great sound. These accessories auto pair with any Apple, meaning they make multi-tasking students’ lives a little easier whether it is streaming, studying, or video calls. You can pair any Bluetooth-compatible keyboard with your iPad for keyboard needs, giving the flexibility to stick to an iMac keyboard or forgo that, and opt for cheap alternatives on Amazon.
Select the right iPad to give students the power of a device that perfectly integrates into their academic routine, offering students to take notes digitally, read digitally, create media, and even attend class off-campus. All the iPad options have different features and capabilities enabling students to choose an iPad that suits them the best and suits their needs together with their lifestyles.
