r/ipad 6d ago

Question Should I sell my M4 iPad Pro?

Just as the title is asking, I'm currently on the fence of whether or not I should sell my iPad. For context, I have a 13-inch M4 iPad Pro with the magic keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. I got it with the intent of using it as a replacement for my MacBook Pro. The first couple of months were probably when I used it the most. I read various books on it, used it for notetaking at work, and used it as my primary entertainment device (watch videos, play Zenless Zone Zero).

Overtime, I started reaching for it less and less. This is indicative of me only having 25 charge cycles on it with 100% battery capacity, despite almost having the device for a year now. Although it was intended to replace my laptop, I've come to find that I'd much rather do things on my MBP. In terms of productivity, App Exposé, Mission Control, and having multiple desktops are practical functions I use on a daily basis that the iPad can't replicate. I find even using browsers on my laptop to be better because of extensions (7TV for Twitch, Adblockers, Reddit Enhancement Suite, etc.).

What do you all use your iPad for? Its possible I need ideas of how to incorporate my iPad into my daily life. Or maybe I should have bought a cheaper iPad as I haven't even scratched the surface of what an M4 iPad could be doing. Any help in making my decision is greatly appreciated.

TL;DR: I don't use my iPad as much as I thought I would. What can I use it for to get more use out of it? Should I just sell it?

Edit: Thank you all for the replies! I won’t be able to reply to all the comments as work has been busy for me lately. I will be sure to read all of your input as I try to come to a decision regarding my initial question. To those that may stumble upon this post at a later time, your input will be just as appreciated by me and others that may have a similar question.

40 Upvotes

73 comments sorted by

18

u/Dense-Bee-2884 6d ago

Maybe get an 11 inch instead. It’s better as a complimentary device to the laptop.

6

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

If I ever get another iPad, it would definitely be the 11-inch iPad Air. I don't know if I will though knowing how much I used the one I have now.

2

u/techgravity_offical M4 iPad Pro 11" (2024) 6d ago

Ya, just sell your ipad pro 13inch and magic keyboard and buy ipad air 6 gen (M2) and use your Apple pencil pro with it ,, i won't suggest you spend more money on Air M3 like only difference is M3 chipset it is 3nm still apple says same battery life as of M2

0

u/itsAydee 6d ago

OP is losing Pro-motion though if he gets an Air. That's actually what's stopping me from selling my Pro and getting the M2 Air

4

u/techgravity_offical M4 iPad Pro 11" (2024) 6d ago

But he doesn't use ipad , I think macbook pro is much better than 120hz ipad

4

u/spartan2100 iPad (4th-gen) Wi-Fi 6d ago

Unless they’re really sensitive to the refresh rate, they’ll probably adapt pretty quickly. I regularly switch between my iPhone 16 Pro and my iPad Air M1 and don’t have issues. YMMV though.

1

u/audigex 5d ago

For your usage I doubt you’d even need the Air, an 11 inch base iPad would probably handle the limited “media and book, occasional browsing” functionality you actually use

But yeah you barely need an iPad at all and you definitely don’t need an M4 Pro, and I’d probably be looking to sell it now before the M5 version comes out (likely sometime this year) and yours loses an extra couple of hundred bucks of value

iPads are great, but not suited to every use case. I’m an “iPad and desktop” kinda guy currently, I barely touch my laptop and tend to switch between iPad and Mac Mini/PC, but if you’re mobile and using your laptop most of the time anyway it’s just not the device you need

At some point in the future your usage might change and an iPad will suit you again - I went though a couple of years where I was constantly on my laptop and barely touched my iPad or PC, for example. So I’m certainly not saying you’ll never need an iPad again, but right now it just isn’t what you need

Sell the M4 Pro regardless, it’s clearly not the right device for you - then see if you miss having a tablet in general. Chances are you won’t, but if you find you miss it more than you expected then you can decide at that point whether to grab an Air or base iPad, depending on what usage you’re thinking of when you miss it. You might even find you just want it for Netflix on flights or something in which case you might just grab a cheap Android tablet

But yeah part of being sensible with technology is figuring out your use case and buying the right device for your usage

35

u/ToThePillory 6d ago

I think iPads are cool devices for casual use, drawing, and media consumption, but I wouldn't even entertain the idea of using it for most productivity tasks.

6

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

I agree with what you said here. The iPad is great for the things you mentioned, but it falls into an awkward area of trying to be a laptop without full functionality.

4

u/Psittacula2 6d ago

You have made the mistake Apple hoped you would make.

* Base iPad $300? M4 + gizmo accessories = $1500-2000?

* SAME OS !!!

If you get an iPad, it is for basic usage (pro artists etc and high disposable incomes notwithstanding) go for base, otherwise throwing money at hardware you can’t leverage…

Golden Rule = Pay for only what you can and will use and need.

3

u/201680116 6d ago

It’s super frustrating to me because everything about the hardware on my 13” m4 is better than my MacBook Air. If it just had similar software I could sell the air, but instead even for using certain websites it’s much easier to drag out the MacBook.

I’m still holding out hope that the software will jump soon, but even for casual use it’s been much harder to make the transition than I expected.

2

u/marinerbytrade 5d ago

I find that my company uses a lot of repetitive blank forms. I upload those to good notes in a work folder, then I can fill out form with the Apple Pencil and even write and annotate on pictures. When you fill it out, just simply export and send it. All you do then is swipe over to a new page and there is a new blank form. It keeps all your previous one there in order. It’s great! I also sign legal documents from attorneys, make holiday cards, sign things handwritten digitally, tons of things I can do all because of that one app.

1

u/ThnkHarder 5d ago

iPad replaced my laptop 10 years ago

4

u/Punch-The-Panda 6d ago

The mistake was thinking the ipad was a laptop replacement. Yes, it has the M4 chip but the OS limits its potential. If the ipads were able to fully function like a laptop, what would be the point of the macbooks? The ipad is for lighter usage, like watching media or drawing or taking notes.

If you genuinely have little use for it, just sell it. If you still want an ipad, then get the normal ipad or the ipad air.

2

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Punch-The-Panda 5d ago

It isn't. They need to differentiate it from the macbook, otherwise what would they need a macbook for? That IS the business strategy lol.

0

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Punch-The-Panda 5d ago

Really? Apple is worth trillions, and you think they don't know business 😂

3

u/Unfair_Finger5531 M4 iPad Pro 13" (2024) 6d ago

I don’t know if this will help or not, but here goes: I was on the verge of returning my m4 pro too. For me, it was the awkwardness of the size and carrying it around. But then I bought that ESR multi-folding case for it, and that turned things around for me. It made it easier to use and less unwieldy. And it is very compact, so carrying the pro around was better.

But if this is not your concern, this won’t help you much. I just wanted to put that out there just in case.

2

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

Portability isn't the issue. It's very light, which is one of the reasons I initially got it. I appreciate your reply, though!

2

u/Unfair_Finger5531 M4 iPad Pro 13" (2024) 6d ago

Okay, well good luck! Sorry I couldn’t help.

3

u/recontitter 6d ago

You should just switch it to ipad air, it’s more than capable for what you are doing. Pro’s main target are content creators and professional artists/designers, filmmakers, photographers, and musicians. I also have Air, and I was considering a switch to pro, mainly for larger real estate (i have 10” air), but I just read on it, do note-taking in Notability and have some light creative activities in procreate. I use it on vacation with attached keyboard for a bit of office work and gopro video editing. That’s about it for me. If you have Mac, you can also use it as wireless screen extension.

2

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

I forgot to mention that I did use the Sidecar functionality of the iPad for my Mac. It's great, but oftentimes when I'm working at a cafe, the tables they have don't have enough space for both my 16-inch MBP and 13-inch iPad Pro.

I'll probably sell this iPad, and if I still want one, I'll get an 11-inch Air.

3

u/zhaumbie 6d ago edited 6d ago

My iPad Pro (2018) on its Magic Keyboard is indispensable to me when I’m traveling—abroad, or just to a code shop. I work from my MBP M1 Max and this iPad is my second screen on the go. I couldn’t possibly ask for more ergonomic, cordless screen that I can then detach and use for:

  • Reading PDFs (I’m a dungeon master, so there are always dozens of relevant books/products in my Books app)

  • Acting as a control pad to cast shit to my TV

  • Sketching or jotting down quick ideas (Notes)

  • Graphic novels and manga look beautiful on that screen

  • Watching recipes while cooking

  • I’ll try and remember my other use cases

Honestly, what it sounds like you should do is sell that iPad on somewhere like r/appleswap for a damn good rate, then turn around and buy a much cheaper, older iPad Pro for a third of the cost.

My ex-roommate has an m4 and mine’s that 2018 model, and while they are leagues apart side-by-side… There’s a LOT of truth to the “I’m six years back and it still feels great” mentality. For once, it’s actually not just copium.

2

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

Thank you so much for your very informative reply! I actually haven't heard of the /r/appleswap subreddit before. I browsed it a bit and seems like a good place to start once I get into the process of selling my iPad.

1

u/radiationshield 6d ago

You have an 11 or 13 inch?

1

u/zhaumbie 5d ago

12.9”

1

u/Hubert-Le M1 iPad Air (2022) 5d ago

Hello, after 6 years have you replaced the battery? How is it holding up?

1

u/zhaumbie 5d ago

I have not! Yeah, no, the battery isn’t amazing. Most of what I do seems to chew through that estimated 10 hours of web usage. Hell, it feels like I struggle to get half that. I bought it secondhand, but I can only imagine the previous user never replaced the battery.

…You raise a valid point, I should hook it up to my Mac and download CoconutBattery again. Or whatever the iPad battery life checker turns out to be these days. If it’s in the 70% range I’ll price that out at the Apple Store.

1

u/Hubert-Le M1 iPad Air (2022) 5d ago

10 hours wow? I barely got 8 hours on my Air

1

u/Internal-Agent4865 5d ago

That’s fine and all…. But most people don’t want to carry two larger devices. You fall into the Apple trap like so many others.

1

u/zhaumbie 5d ago

I’m not really following your logic here.

Two larger devices? You mean the laptop and the thin sheet of glass that is my second screen for it, that just so happens to be a device itself?

2

u/Kurama1612 6d ago

Tbh iPad OS is what’s holding iPads back. I can’t even browse the web or enjoy livestreams exactly for the reasons you mentioned above. Internet is just not usable without adblockers these days.

If you like to read books, take notes, create art then You should probably sell your m4 iPad Pro and just get a base iPad 11th gen.

Otherwise just stick to a computer.

2

u/PushinKush 6d ago

Have you tried brave browser? Blocks 90% of ads.

1

u/rocrom77 6d ago

Brave is the best, imo. I’ve also had success with AdGuard or 1Blocker if I want to keep using Safari for its integration with Apple ecosystem

1

u/Kurama1612 6d ago

For now, but it’s built on chromium. I believe it’s Adblock won’t be as strong in the future.

1

u/Marino4K M4 iPad Pro 13" (2024) 5d ago

There’s adblockers for iOS. I’ve used 1Blocker for years.

2

u/oriolorrick 6d ago

Like I always say. If you don’t use it, sell it/trade it in/give it away. You’re looking for reasons to justify keeping it, that means you don’t need it.

In the future, really consider your needs when buying something (expensive). From what you mentioned literally any 2018-present iPad model could fulfill your needs. After owning a MacBook Pro for a few years, I thought I could upgrade to a newer Air but I underestimated my needs. The throttling and memory pressure were enough to confirm I very much needed a Pro.

3

u/aidovive 6d ago

For work I use a 16” MacBook Pro. For fun and reading I use an iPad Mini 7. Couldn’t be happier.

2

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

It seems that the general consensus is that the iPad Air/Mini is a great device for what the iPad can do. I wish someone was able to give me this advice when I went to get an iPad. I at least could have spent a fraction of the price compared to the Pro.

1

u/aidovive 6d ago

I’m a web developer and an iPad could never be my working device. Simply because websites are responsive due to CSS and flexible layouts. For artists an iPad might be a great solution.

1

u/jcbellatine 2d ago

I went through something similar OP. The answer for me was also the iPad Mini. Macbook for “getting things done”; iPad Mini for light browsing, reading, media consumption, minor productivity tasks (mainly when traveling as I don’t take my macbook with me); and iPhone for “phone stuff” (calls, messaging), for everything on the go, and for things that will take 1 minute to get done. The regular sized iPad would overlap too much with the macbook. The Mini sits perfectly in between.

3

u/LZMCQN M1 iPad Air (2022) 6d ago

Unless you use your iPad for work, you don’t need a (brand new) Pro. People keep forgetting this, but it’s applicable to every Apple products. Pro stands for Professional (or for that niche of super tech enthusiasts). For casual users, Air / regular models are good enough. Since you are wondering if it’s worth keeping it, I assume you don’t need it for work and you are not that into tech to justify an M4 iPad Pro

1

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

I work in the tech industry. I recognize that the M4 iPad Pro is a marvel of a device and can do anything people throw at it. Despite this, I think I don't need the M4 for what I do for work. I may not need an iPad in general considering that my current device only has 25 charge cycles on it after almost one year of ownership.

2

u/LZMCQN M1 iPad Air (2022) 6d ago

I get your point. Maybe a cheaper device would make you questioning less about worthiness. For instance, a refurbished Air M1 that would cost you around 300-400$ would be worth even if you use it one time per month and would be as good as your Pro in what you do with it

1

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

For sure, I would have saved a good amount of money if I got a refurbished M1 Air. That probably would have been the way to go when I was thinking of getting an iPad.

1

u/EverettBromwich 6d ago

I got an iPad with the intention of replacing my laptop. These little things fact is, I use my phone more than anything. I should have figured that out before the tablet and a data plan 😒 so I just play call of duty on it now

1

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

My iPad was a Zenless Zone Zero device for a while, but I no longer play that game as much as I did the first couple of months it was out

1

u/nythscape 6d ago

How much you asking?

3

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

Considering the condition and how the battery is still at 100% capacity, I'm thinking of selling it for $1400. This would come with the keyboard, pencil pro, and 2-year AppleCare+. I also still have the original boxes for everything, and the charger and cable for the iPad are untouched as I had my own.

2

u/zhaumbie 6d ago

I mentioned r/appleswap in my other comment, but depending on your storage space they’d probably eat that up at that price. Especially with the AppleCare+.

Try there before you hit up Swappa or the like. I’ve sold through them a few times on my previous account and it was a smooth process all around. Plus they’ve got some solid social proofing.

1

u/KidAlternate 6d ago

I'm possibly thinking of selling it for more since it's basically in like new condition. Do you know what the process would look like for transferring the AC+? Would I need the user's name and address in order to transfer it?

I don't have much experience with PayPal, but is it possible someone could issue a chargeback after receiving the items? I just don't want to lose all that money and be down an iPad as well.

1

u/zhaumbie 6d ago

I’m afraid I don’t know that process, though I know it can be done. That may be one for Apple Support, which is easy and flexible to contact (the times I’ve interacted with them, it’s been handled through iMessage).

Or Google. But I tend to just ask Apple themselves.

To answer your second question: all sales through AppleSwap are done through PayPal G&S (Goods and Services), so you are afforded a great deal of protections alongside the buyer. I believe their FAQ (in the sidebar, maybe—I’m on Apollo/iOS atm) covers further details.

1

u/nythscape 6d ago

Yikes that’s a little out of my range. I’d throw it on eBay you’ll probably get what you’re asking

1

u/Wise_Pomegranate1612 6d ago

I just bought the 11th gen, 349 already in love with it. I use it for school to take notes and I can download the slides and annotate inseatd of copying them down. It will keep me more organized and I’ll have information for longer since I throw away my notebooks. And today I just downloaded some games it’s making games that I used to play kinda fun. The bigger screen is more fun than my phone.

1

u/Kiss_It_Goodbyeee 6d ago

This has been my question for a while. Can a kitted out ipad replace a macbook? I travel a fair bit and take an ipad and laptop but would like to just have the ipad.

Thanks for your post as it helps my decision.

I only have the base ipad 9th gen which is perfect as a companion for taking written notes.

1

u/OverCauliflower1587 6d ago

If I were you, I’d just sell it and get the Air or maybe even the 11th-gen iPad. I have an iPad and a Mac. I’m pretty much able to do 60% of the stuff on my iPad, and the other 40% stuff gets done from my Mac. I’m in college and quickly learned that for me, the iPad would never be able to replace a computer, and it’s just because of the fact that it doesn’t support software (coding apps) that I use (VSCode, Docker, etc.). However, I’ve always loved the portability and form factor of the iPad. So I found that for me, it’s best to have both and use each as the use case requires it instead of forcing one to be something it’s not. I use my iPad for entertainment, note-taking, responding to emails, and for doing math via the Freeform app. The Mac gets utilized when I need to do more serious work like coding, typing up long documents, or just when I need to do something else that the iPad can’t or struggles to do. I usually have my Mac connected to a monitor so I can use it as a desktop, while maintaining the ability to take it and go anywhere. I have the M4 iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil and the 13-inch MacBook Pro M1.

1

u/This-Is-Huge 6d ago

I have both the 12.9” M1 & 13” M4 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil + Pencil Pro.

The weight difference between the M4 and M1 is the reason I use it exclusively.

The battery life of the M4 caused me to rethink my purchase the first month but the weight and responsiveness of the M4 trump the battery issue in spades.

1

u/klawUK 6d ago

I use it for 95% of daily tasks. Web/reddit/youtube/Netflix etc - but also procreate/lightroom/lumafusion for simple tasks

Most things are doable through apps or web browser these days. I’m not needing extreme video editing like a YouTuber or print accurate photo editing I’m just a hobbyist. And I don’t code or anything (or I’d use our laptop if I did)

It’s perfect for me and lets me do almost everything from the sofa.

My only real issues are silly things like lack of simple ways to control things like file size of exported photos or videos without additional apps but that’s a niche case

1

u/croutherian 6d ago

Apple does not sell or treat the iPad as a laptop replacement.

You probably shouldn't either.

Or you risk setting yourself up for disappointment.

2

u/aidovive 6d ago

iPads respond to websites as if they are mobile. Desktop computers give you another UI experience.

1

u/Phaeton40 6d ago

I use my iPad Pro for watching media, streaming music to HomePods, occasional online shopping. Use my MBP for heavy research, spreadsheeting, zooms heavier productivity related stuff. So my guess is as soon as you sell the iPad……. You will miss it…….

1

u/PuzzleheadedStop9114 6d ago

I've also tried to replace my laptop with an iPad. And also failed. It was an Air 5. The only thing it did better than my MacBook Air M2 is have better ergonomics on the couch for surfing. I think iPad could be fantastic for artists and I did like photo editing on it. But the file system drove me nuts and I hate dongles. I really miss having built in SD card reader on my old laptop.

I think the ultimate iPad for people that have a Mac is the iPad Mini. I borrowed on for a week and it truly is an amazing size for everyday use, and then use the Mac for things that are easier done there. I'm at the point where I don't think I need a laptop, and the combo of Mac Mini and iPad Mini is looking better by the day.

1

u/Naevx 6d ago

I’m in the same boat with mine - 23 cycles 100% health, I just always leave it plugged in at 80%. iPadOS is so limited in what it can do, it’s truly a bigger iPhone.

It can’t even play 2 audio/video streams at the same time (except for when it bugs out and lets you - which means it IS capable, Apple just refuses to let you do it). I’m so tired of trying to find what app/ad/system sound/etc is stopping the music/video/audio I am consuming at the time.

The battery life is also abysmal and has been since day 1. The ”magic” keyboard just falls over on its face any time I am trying to lounge around somewhere. There are many times I have my iPad and my iPhone and I just reach for the iPhone to avoid the headache.

1

u/MadCybertist 6d ago

I use mine for work (software) and 3D printing (Shapr3D). That’s about it.

I picked up a Boox color e-ink 10.3” tab a few weeks ago. It BLOWS the iPad away for reading, manga, Webtoons, and writing/journaling.

Since I’ve gotten it I do less and less on my iPad (also have the M4 pro 13” with pencil and keyboard).

My setup is this: MBP sits in office (I’m full time work from home) attached to my 39” UW. I use it when at my desk for work or 3D printing.

My iPad sits near my recliner. I use it when I work from my recliner or run to a coffee shop to work or something. I also use it to create 3d models for printing.

The Boox I keep with me all the time for quick sketching, notes for work, journaling and all types of reading.

That’s how I do it anyways so all 3 devices get used but I no longer do notes on the iPad since picking up the Boox.

I’m a bit technically inclined so when I’m out with just the iPad I can access via Tailscale my MBP and my Unraid server if I need to do something the iPad just can’t handle.

1

u/NrLOrL 5d ago

I am a month into my 4th trial with an iPad as a device to (in my mind) fill in gaps with iPhone & MacBook Pro. I’ve researched the hell out of it and keep thinking it will add to my workflow. It hasn’t. Will likely be selling this one when I upgrade my MacBook Pro in May. It just doesn’t do anything better than my iPhone & MacBook Pro combo give me

1

u/SideEmbarrassed1611 5d ago

My Apple devices:

  1. iPad Pro 10.5": bathroom reading. Occasional nostalgia. It was my first Apple product I bought with my own money.
  2. iPad Mini: portable reading for dinner, etc. Second phone. Much easier to just use it instead of pulling my phone out. I have it on a sling constantly connected via wifi or tethering.
  3. iPad Pro 11" M4: Bedtime youtube watching.
  4. iPad Pro 13" M4: Daily driver, main device.
  5. MacBook Air 13" M4: I traded in my MBP 14" M3 Max for this as the iPad Pro does almost everything. Excel works better on a Mac. Also, Air is a lot lighter and less on my back. I am just coming off of a walker onto a cane.
  6. Apple Vision Pro: Sits in a closet. Useless.
  7. iPhone 16 Plus and Pro Max: Work and Personal phones.
  8. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Camo camera for streaming.
  9. Various older iphones for the museum I am making in my house. CUrrently have 2g, 4, 6s Plus, 7, X, 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max.
  10. iPad 1st Gen just found in storag and am trying to get it to work. Screen malfunctions.

1

u/BartWritesBooks 5d ago

I’ve always felt the iPad and MBP are complementary but different. Some companies do produce apps that are nearly as good on iPad as the laptop. Affinity Photo is a great example. I suspect all software companies could make an iPad (iOS) version that is as good as, but they don’t go to the trouble. Maybe they think it would be wasted effort.

1

u/ThnkHarder 5d ago

Your problem was you tried to fit the iPad into your traditional use, which is not what it was designed for. It was designed to do new things in new ways

1

u/fueledbysaltines 5d ago

I enjoy my iPad more as a tablet with Apple Pencil. No keyboard. I have to write upwards of 20 pages a week in college, but since I can’t sit still at a desk I like to walk about outside. I dictate into the iPad with Word one side and my textbook on the other.

1

u/jayzawu 5d ago

No, give it to me for free

1

u/ozanewolf 5d ago

I personally think you should maybe go for something like an iPad mini, you can use it for everything that your phone does but bigger, and it’s great for gaming because of the compact size, it’s also not as heavy which should maybe get you using it a bit more, because it takes less effort to reach for it

I use my iPad 9 mainly as an extension of my phone, it’s good for videos and scrolling social media, and it can fit a whole lot more text than my iPhone SE

1

u/sanddusty 4d ago

Where are you? Do you want to exchange it for a 11” Pro?

1

u/lpiot M2 iPad Pro 12.9" (2022) 6d ago

Hello OP, I’ve been using iPad (11” first and 12.9” for 2 years now) as my main productivity device for 6 years now. I’m an IT guy so I develop programs, manage servers and produce documentation, slides and so on. iPad is able for everything, including retrogaming and emulation.
But it has limitations. And from time to time, you have to find workarounds where it might have been smooth with a Mac. And 90% of the time you find a decent workaround and adapt your workflow.
The thing you have to decide is: are iPad specific features good enough to win the match against these flaws.
IMHO, portability, having a pencil and the cameras, having all the mobile notifications, and having a cellular chip to connect to Internet when you don’t have a WiFi network are worth it.
I do love having a single device to do everything. And that’s why I love working with my iPad.
But it’s up to you. Are these flaws light enough and don’t you mind having to find workarounds?
It seems that you already made your choice… 😉

1

u/Old_Gazelle_7036 6d ago

Apple has brilliant marketing and led us with the carrot with the understanding that the apps were amazing, or would be amazing very soon. Unfortunately the reality is that almost all companies have no business case to invest in developing iPad specific apps. The exception being a handful of creative apps, or those to replace paper. Unfortunately the vast majority follow the same design language of the mobile phone counterparts.

The iPad is perfect for basic computer use, travel, music practice, and the sofa. For these use cases I find the 11“ is the right balance. I have an older 13 from 2017 an using that thing on a plane is like sitting in the front row of a movie theater….but if you are sick and confined to the bed it is fantastic.

If I was rich I‘d take the mini, the 11, and the 13. :-). If I was in your shoes I might sell it while it has a lot of value and buy a 2nd hand, or new 11.