With each passing day, iPads are more powerful, and often rival MacBooks, but it is true that in order to obtain the same level of productivity on the iPad, we need accessories. Even if you just want to relax and draw, the Apple Pencil is necessary, so in today's article, I bring you theThe essential accessories to get more performance out of your iPad.
Over time, I have tried many accessories on my iPad, and today I bring you a small selection. Let's see them!
What generation of iPad do you have?
First of all, you should check which generation of iPad you have. There are a couple of ways to do it:
- First, you can check the back of your iPad, to see the model number, which will begin with an "A" and it will end with a series of numbers.
- Or you can also go to Settings for your iPad, then General and look for the model number in the top section. If you see a series of letters and numbers with a forward slash ("/"), simply tap that to reveal the iPad's true model number.
One of the most important details of the iPad to take into account before purchasing accessories are the charging port, screen size and compatibility with the Apple Pencil, and remember that most iPads now have USB-C charging.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
One of the best Bluetooth keyboards I've used recently is the Logitech MX Keys Mini. I have also had it in my setup with the MacBook (same model but larger), and it is wonderful. It is true that it is not designed specifically for the iPad, but it works perfectly.
It combines much of the ergonomics and overall look of the MX line into a compact, portable keyboard. The Keys Mini has a slim profile that's slightly raised due to its top bar, plus comfortable backlit keys that are a delight for typing at night.
The backlight is one of my favorite features because it turns on automatically when it detects that your hands get close to the keyboard. That way, it only stays lit when you're typing, conserving long-term battery life. Logitech estimates that the Keys Mini will last up to 10 days, depending on backlight use, or up to five months without any backlight use.
El MX Mini keyboard costs around 80 euros, But It can be a keyboard for the iPad or be part of your main setup. Well, it can connect to up to three devices at the same time, allowing you to quickly switch between them with the press of a key, and it also has some other useful keys, such as one that brings up the emoji selector and another that mutes its microphone.
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad
We also have another option, our own Apple Magic Keyboard. This expensive case magnetically attaches to the latest iPad Pros and keeps them "floating" above the keyboard and trackpad. The Magic Keyboard stands out for its typing comfort and precise trackpad, but has a limited range of motion.
It's easily the most stylish keyboard case available for the iPad and is one of the best keyboards to consider if money is no object.
Apple Pencil
This probably won't come as a surprise, but the Apple Pencil is the best pencil you can get for the iPad. Both the first and second generation pens are designed to work specifically with iPads and it shows in their smooth writing performance.
Apple has released several versions of its pencil, so you will have to check which one is compatible with your iPad model. The second-generation stylus has a double-tap feature that you can customize to a certain degree, and pressure sensitivity lets you add as much or as little detail as you want to the digital artwork you're making. It is highly recommended to shell out the price of the Apple Pencil if you are an artist or a student.
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S
El MX Anywhere 3S from Logitech an almost ideal travel mouse. It's lightweight at just 95 grams and the buttons are nearly silent, so you won't bother anyone in the room with a loud click.. The enhanced 8K DPI optical sensor works on almost any surface, including, for example, the upholstered arm of your sofa.
Depending on the color you choose, the MX Anywhere 3S is made from between 61 and 78 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. And the rechargeable battery lasts about 70 days on a charge. Plus we never noticed any lag in Bluetooth performance in our tests anyway.
Satechi Aluminum Bracket
El Satech aluminum bracketIt is one of my favorites because of its foldable design. You can easily use it when you need to position your iPad to watch a YouTube video, and it's surprisingly lightweight too.
We have them in different finishes and colors, so it can be the essential accessory to set up a setup with your iPad, or if you go on a trip, as it is small in size, but it is firm and does not slide on the table. Available for all iPad models.
Anker 341 USB C Hub
If you plan to push your iPad to the limit, you'll probably need more than the single USB-C port that the guys from Cupertino offer you on the iPad. Apple has provided little guidance on which USB-C hub or adapters work best with iPads, and some are not yet MFi certified, as is recommended.
Some brands advertise that their multiports specifically work with newer iPads, and if you want to be extra sure, I recommend purchasing one that comes from a reputable brand.
Not all users need, or want, to spend a fortune on a hub, or even a base with multiports, such as the brand's Magfit, which I also recommend you see.
So if you prefer to spend less, or just want something a little lighter, the Anker 7-in-1 USB-C hub it's a good option. It has most of the ports you could want, with the only exception being an Ethernet connector. The slim hub houses two USB-A ports, two USB-C connections, SD and microSD card slots, and a 4K/30Hz HDMI port.
We also like that it provides up to 85W of pass-through charging, which means you can power your iPad while using the Anker hub as the main connector between the iPad and the charging cable. Anker makes a couple versions of this multiport, including one that has that coveted Ethernet port.
Samsung T7 or T9 or SanDisk Extreme portable SSD
It can be difficult to anticipate how much storage you will need on your iPad. You may have chosen the base model, but over time the device has become your primary device, holding most of your important documents, photos, apps, and more.
If you have one of the latest iPad models with USB-C, you can use that port to connect the device to an external drive, downloading files and freeing up onboard space on your device. We like Samsung's T series of portable SSDs for their sleek designs, fast speeds, and various protection modes.
The latest Samsung T9 models support read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s, and their palm-sized designs make them easy to throw in a bag before heading out for the day.
If you want a little more physical protection, there is a very good and resistant version, perhaps more designed to be taken on a trip, and it is the model of SanDisk Extreme.
Anker Nano II USB C 45W Charger
Apple and other tech companies are increasingly leaving wall adapters out of their device boxes, so it's worth picking up a pair that can charge a couple of pieces of tech as quickly as possible. The Anker 45W Nano II GaN Adapter It's good because it can quickly charge iPhones and iPads, plus the built-in gallium nitride technology helps prevent overheating.
In just half an hour of charging, you get a 33 percent increase in battery life on the 11-inch iPad Pro when using this accessory. Gallium nitride is also a big reason why the 45W adapter is smaller than many of the competing adapters available now, including Apple's. We also like its foldable design, which will allow it to fit better in tight spaces and travel bags.
Paperlike Screen Protector
paperlike is the most popular brand in this section, with matte screen protectors for all iPad models. One set comes with two sheets and includes guide stickers to help you place the protector correctly.
The two-pack usually sells for less than 40 euros, depending on the size of your iPad. The matte finish not only helps when you draw or take digital notes, but it also reduces screen glare and doesn't interfere with FaceID on newer iPads.