The iPads have advanced so much in these years that it is already possible to give them a professional use. Even going to a range other than the iPad Pro, you can find very interesting options to handle these devices in many terrains. If you are looking to use the iPad for office use, keep reading because we will tell you which is the most recommended iPad in this regard. We also discuss various accessories and applications that can be very useful.
The cheapest iPad is enough
Whether for your work, studies or leisure time, we understand that the use of office tools will be the main one on your iPad and therefore you will not need the most powerful processor or the most avant-garde design. The most basic iPad, known as the “Student iPad” is possibly the best value for money recommendation. The last one released to the market is the one for 2019, presented in the same session as the iPhone 11 Pro. This 10.2-inch device has the same design as the classic Apple tablets with its home button and the latest features of iPadOS , an own operating system that is increasingly distancing itself from the iOS of the iPhone and focuses on more professional fields.
The official price of this device at Apple is as follows, depending on the capacity and version:
- iPad 32 GB WiFi version: 379 euros.
- iPad 128 GB WiFi version: 479 euros.
- iPad 32 GB WiFi + Cellular version: 519 euros.
- iPad 128 GB WiFi + Cellular version: 619 euros.
Of course, there are portals such as Amazon where you can find it cheaper because it usually has a discount on one or more of its versions and capacities. To know whether to choose Between the WiFi or WiFi + Cellular versions you must take into account the type of connection you will use and especially where you will do it. If you are going to work with the iPad at home or other places where you have access to a WiFi network, the normal version may already be more than enough for you. In case you go to work in places without this connection, you might be interested in WiFi + Cellular, although you will have to contract a data rate for the device with your phone company.
In specifications we find the following:
| characteristics | iPad (2019) |
|---|---|
| Colors | -Silver -Space gray -Gold |
| Dimensions | 25.06 x 17.41 x 0.75 cm |
| Weight | -WIFI version: 483 grams -WIFI + Cellular version: 493 grams |
| screen | 10.2-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display with IPS technology |
| Resolution | 2,160 x 1,620 pixels |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Processor | A10 Fusion |
| Capacity | -32 GB -128 GB |
| Rear camera | 8 Mpx with f / 2.4 aperture |
| Frontal camera | 1.2 Mpx with f / 2.2 aperture |
| Speakers | Two stereo speakers |
| Connectors | Lightning |
| Others | -Touch ID -Smart Connector -Compatibility with 1st generation Apple Pencil |
As you will see, it is not characterized by having the best specifications of the entire iPad range, but we insist on emphasizing that it is perfect for office use given its price and that with these specifications you can perfectly execute any process related to your tasks. It also has an autonomy of up to 10 hours of uninterrupted use in multimedia content playback.
Recommended accessories for office automation
Keyboard
This iPad is made even more recommended by the fact of having a Smart Connector that allows it to have compatibility with accessories such as the Apple Smart Keyboard . This is the official keyboard of the apple company for this iPad and although its appearance may seem simple, the truth is that it allows you to carry out typing actions in a very comfortable way. In the end it would be of little use to have an iPad for office use if you don’t have a keyboard. The keystroke is smooth and it is also fully integrated into the system, so that you can take advantage of shortcuts and an instant connection as soon as you put it in one of the two positions it has.
If you are not convinced by the official option, the Logitech Slim Folio is the perfect alternative to it. It has a greater wingspan that makes it less comfortable to carry than the other, but you win when it comes to experience with a mechanical keyboard. It has a more pleasant keystroke for different audiences and with function keys on the top to control aspects such as screen brightness or volume. In addition, its price is lower than the Smart Keyboard, so it is another important aspect to take into account.
Stylus
If you also like to take notes manually or are distracted by drawing, a stylus can be a great option to achieve this. The most recommended is the first generation Apple Pencil , fully compatible with this device. Its functions can be very good for productivity, with a really low latency and that gives the impression of using a real pen on paper.
Again we find the official alternative with the Logitech Crayon and that is that we could say that this brand is one of the best when it comes to iPad accessories. This stylus has a different design than the Pencil, more similar to the classic carpenter pencils. However, it has similar functions at a lower price, also allowing you to enjoy a great experience of use that will allow you to carry out actions such as writing by hand in a really even way as you would in your paper notebook.
Mouse
Since new mouse management functions were incorporated in iPadOS 13.4, we have found new possibilities for managing the iPad. Far from looking like an article sponsored by Logitech, the truth is that it is again this brand that has convinced us the most when deciding on a mouse for the iPad. The Logitech M330 Silent Plus is one of the most outstanding in the mid-range and provides a truly simple and comfortable user experience. Of course, you must have a Lightning to USB adapter to connect it.
In any case, if any of these accessories does not convince you, you should know that in the market you can find a multitude of options that will also give you a pleasant experience in using the iPad as a work tool in the office area.
Recommended apps for office automation
Beyond the iPad and its accessories, a third part is required for office use. Which? Well, the applications, obviously. Beyond specific apps that you have to use for your work or studies, there are a series of apps focused on this area that can be very useful to you and that will help you make the iPad a kind of digital notebook in which you can have everything at hand when you need it.
Notability
- Weight: 248.8 MB.
- Compatibility: iOS 11 and later.
- Language: Spanish and 14 more.
- Description: App that will allow you to carry all your notes related to work or studies easily and intuitively. It includes tools to personalize your notes with different ink styles among many others. All the notes that you are collecting with this application will be totally safe since it is integrated with Touch ID so that only you can edit or consult them.
Evernote
- Weight: 104 MB.
- Compatibility: iOS 11 and later.
- Language: Spanish and 24 more.
- Description: One of the most popular apps that allows you to bring together different functions of tremendous utility. From note taking and task management to the ability to create your own calendar or scan documents. One of the most recommended if you also want to have everything on multiple platforms beyond the iPad.
Pages
- Weight: 507.6 MB.
- Compatibility: iOS 12 and later.
- Language: Spanish and 33 more.
- Description: It is the official Apple app for document management, like the company’s Microsoft Word and which is 100% free on all platforms. In its latest versions, it has incorporated interesting improvements that allow creating pre-defined templates, placing texts and images in many ways, creating PDFs. Endless possibilities in an app more than perfect for office use.
iA Writer
- Weight: 44.7 MB.
- Compatibility: iOS 10 and later.
- Language: Spanish and 10 more.
- Description: One of the most recommended when it comes to writing without distractions. It allows creating an optimized personal workflow, being able to export the text to other platforms. The way to organize is very intuitive and you will fall in love from the first moment because it is perfect if you want to focus solely and exclusively on what you are doing.
