I’ve used many tablets but never considered getting an iPad Mini.
Also: Your iPad is getting 4 big upgrades for free. Here are the top features in iPadOS 26
However, my perception changed when I began using the latest iPad Mini 7. I’ve always loved a big display on a tablet, but I underestimated just how convenient a compact iPad would be in my daily life. I’ve taken the iPad Mini 7 everywhere the past month, able to slip the 8.3-inch device into my purse without it weighing down — or sticking out of — my bag.
As a result, I’ve used the iPad Mini in different situations where I’ve found myself looking for entertainment, including during long medical infusions that required me to sit in a chair for nearly five hours.
Also: I skipped the pricey iPad Pro for the $299 base model and have no regrets. Here’s why
Unfortunately, that’s where the iPad Mini 7 hits its limits: entertainment. This small tablet isn’t a power user’s dream or a remote worker’s take-anywhere solution. Truthfully, it’s easier to work on my cheaper iPad 10th Generation
The iPad 10th Generation’s larger screen gives me more real estate to edit photos and videos, and there are many reputable keyboard options for writing and editing documents. However, the iPad 10th Generation doesn’t support the Apple Pencil Pro 
The iPad Calculator’s Math Notes will make calculations for you and tell you when you make a mistake (in red).
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
The iPad Mini 7 features the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, and is also compatible with Apple Intelligence.
I tried Apple Intelligence features in the iPad Mini 7 as soon as iPadOS 18.1 was released, and ever since. This software update included Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos. More updates have added extra tools, like ChatGPT in Siri, and I really like having text conversations with the virtual assistant now.
Also: I replaced my Kindle with an iPad Mini as my ebook reader – 8 reasons why I don’t regret it
I found more glitches in Apple’s Game Mode than I did using Apple Intelligence, but I wasn’t wowed by the iPad Mini’s generative AI features. In the iPad Mini’s defense, the Game Mode glitches appear to be an iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 issue rather than a device-specific issue. I’ve encountered the same ones in my iPhone 14 Pro Max since updating to iOS 18.
Also: I did not expect this $300 Android tablet to be as impressive as it is
Apple appears steadfast in making Apple Intelligence its future, but the road has been full of obstacles and stumbles. While Apple promises a great generative AI toolset, the company currently has a lot of balls in the air. If you’re on the fence, buy the iPad Mini 7 for the entertainment tablet it is, and not what Apple promises it could be. If you’re a power user looking for a more capable tablet, you’d do best to look elsewhere.
While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire at any time. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we are in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don’t worry — we’re continually sourcing new savings opportunities at ZDNET.com.
Source : ZDNet