Your sketchbook just became smaller...and smarter

Apple has finally updated the iPad mini and iPad Air including Apple Pencil (1st Generation) support. This makes the iPad mini or the iPad Air a great device for portability and functionality! It can be your go to sketch pad, note-taker and reader – all in one! The iPad mini has the better portability, but if you need screen real estate, go with the iPad Air. The specs are about the same, but the iPad Air has added Smart Keyboard compatibility.

We are so happy to see the iPad mini get a nice update. The processor has a great upgrade from the iPad, going to the A12 Bionic chip (from the A10 Fusion chip). This extra speed bump makes it 3x faster than its predecessor, mini 4. 

We haven't tested yet, but Apple boasts that it will run the upcoming Adobe Photoshop CC for iOS. That will make this little iPad a great compact tool to carry around. 

The Retina screen is a beauty and makes reading and doing work a treat. With its antireflective coating and sharp detail, each crisp pixel renders super-sharp text.  

Apple Pencil comes to the mini The Apple Pencil support is where the iPad mini shines! The ability to easily carry around a device that powerful and functional gives you the freedom to create anywhere. Full support of the 1st Generation Apple Pencil means you can sketch how you like and get full benefits of apps that are designed with the Apple Pencil in mind. Because this is the mini, your screen size can be a bit of an issue. But with apps like Adobe Draw and Sketch, you can start your work anywhere, then pick it up once you get back to your desk and import the projects into Illustrator or Photoshop. Once Photoshop CC for iOS (and Project Gemini) is released, that will change things once again!
Check out the new iPad mini 5th Generation	The Retina screen makes for a great drawing experience	The Papaya color cover with a white Stylus Sling

For your Apple Pencil, the Stylus Sling for Apple Pencil now comes in iPad mini size, so you can attach your Apple Pencil to your cover and hit the road. The Stylus Sling will keep your Apple Pencil secure and easy to access when inspiration strikes you. The great part is, it also holds the USB adapter for you - keeping it close for when you need to charge you Apple Pencil. We found for the iPad mini, the best placement for the Stylus Sling is on the far left panel of the cover. This helps to keep the magnet in the smaller cover on the iPad mini. There is also a Stylus Sling for Apple Pencil to fit the 10.5-inch iPad Air.

To sum it up, if you are looking for a nice digital sketch pad or notebook, the iPad mini 5th Generation is a great choice. With Apple Pencil support, you can mark up PDFs and notes or illustrate your next masterpiece. It's sized to fit easily in your bag, so you can always have it with you. Make sure your Apple Pencil stays on the cover with a Stylus Sling and you'll be all set to go!

Products and links:

Apple iPad mini:

https://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/

Apple iPad Air:

https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/

Apple Pencil 1st Generation:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0C2AM/A/apple-pencil

Apple Smart Covers:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MVQG2ZM/A/ipad-mini-smart-cover-papaya?fnode=9e

Stylus Sling for Apple Pencil:

https://www.stylussling.com