iPad mini 2 Years Later as a Minimalist | Review

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My iPad mini has been my go to device for most of my creative and work related pursuits. Today I share why it's been so good for me as well as my overall opinion for someone looking to possibly get their own.
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Hey everyone. My name is Nicholas and I make videos most about my experiences with minimalism, frugal living, tech, and things of that nature 🌱. So if that sounds good to you consider subscribing and I'll see you in the next one ✏️

[@NicholasGarofola]

Sign up for Morning Brew completely for free using this link: morningbrewdaily.com/nicholasg

[@JimFantazzia]

where can we see these wallpapers that you create?

[@NicholasGarofola]

@@JimFantazzia ko-fi.com/nicholasgarofola

[@raerae1630]

I’ve been on a decluttering journey lately, and my iPad and Kindle always stand out as both essentials and sparkers of joy

[@kairon2157]

❤اللهم وفقني بحق اهل البيت عليهم افضل الصلاة والسلام روحي لهم الفداء ❤

[@dannyjarratt5414]

I read 'Kindle' as Knife. haha.

[@Huevos_Rancheros]

IDK why, but watching your videos are not only super insightful but extremely calming

[@Poolmanvr]

I think it’s the tone of his voice. Calming.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks so much

[@MikeSanchez88]

Word.

[@jiwoosan2911]

I agree!

[@michadudkowski6681]

I bought one over a year ago because of you and I totally love this tiny device, it totally made me stop using my laptop after work hours. Total game changer.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Very nice!

[@station-7]

Total.

[@johnwayne7196]

The iPad with a keyboard was a game changer for me no more computer/laptop needed.

[@nutmeg9593]

This! I feel like my days of having bulky computers and consoles are in the past now. Handheld devices are just so good anymore. Plus no need for wires sticking out every which way all the time.

[@Benci17]

Great video! You are so right, you just need a specific use case for the iPad and then it becomes essential. I used to own one and had a great use case for it - I used to leave my laptop in the office overnight and just use the iPad at home to read, watch some KZbin/Netflix etc. But after covid happened I switched to mostly remote work. I also bought a dedicated ebook reader, which is lighter and easier on the eyes. And so my beloved mini got decluttered.

[@KeyzDesignzLLC]

The video I've been waiting for 😊

[@rueyusof]

watching this with my ipad mini...love it ❤

[@adlerz5433]

Apple should put you in the release trailer of the next iPad mini 😂

[@NicholasGarofola]

How do I make this happen?

[@shmoolicious]

@@NicholasGarofolaPray hard

[@CheeseLovingGuy]

​@@NicholasGarofolaWith effort but start with a reach out to their marketing department You might get lucky

[@nishantsaloki8490]

Good video. I absolutely love my mini 6 because of its size and comfort of use .

[@jcaiwa185]

I still rock my ipad mini 5. I use it primarily as an e-book reader and most importantly as a photos album, plugged in with my Fujifilm mirrorless camera, as I barely use my iphone for taking pictures. Am waiting for the ipad mini 7 and see what it can do.

[@nutmeg9593]

As someone who loves physical media (dvds, books and video games) I’m having a hard time decluttering that stuff. The one minimalist change I have made and stuck to is using an iPad over a traditional computer. You can do so much with them now that it kinda blows my mind.

[@sold9948]

Def consider getting your books and DVDs and CDs professionally digitized. Games are hard, but you can actually digitize cartridge games pretty easily. There is also piracy...

[@ByronHeart]

Clear and concise, realistic, brief and really interesting video, you’re VERY TALENTED 👏 ! I own an iPad Mini 6 and it’s an amazing device, I love it 😍!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you!!

[@guinnevereschronicles2225]

I have the IPad mini 6 as well and I have never used an iPad or tablet this much on a daily basis and I don’t miss the bigger IPads. I hope they make the next Mini with the specs of the bigger ones

[@j.faye4114]

I have used my 1st ipad mini for 10 years, I got a new ipad 6 in Dec. 2023 and gave my 10 year old ipad to my grandson to watch cartoons -still work very well

[@MinimalisTech]

I use my iPad mini 6 daily as well - absolutely love my mini 6. Legit perfect.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Agreed man, love this thing.

[@greyATK]

In the future I'll have to consider one of these. I got the Air 5 but when it's not resting on a surface it's too large and heavy to bring around. Sure, it's really enjoyable to take notes zoomed out and on portrait mode, but the portability of the Mini is enviable!

[@Tiffs-bookshelf]

my iPad mini 6 is the best thing ever! I had the 5 for several years before I got the 6, but the 6 is my daily driver. I used it for entertainment, social media, digital planning and note taking, I use my kindle app and/or my audible for book reading and listening. I take it with me everywhere! love love it. I also have the data version so it can use it outside of the house as well.

[@froufou100]

may i ask how confortable is it to read books on the ipad vs Kindle tablet because it used to strain eyes a lot on the Ipad but things may have changed. That would help me decide if I should ditch the Kindle and upgrade my old iPad mini :)

[@CheeseLovingGuy]

What did you find the upgrade gave you ?

[@JosephDickson]

Having a practical use case is important. I thought I'd use my iPad Air a lot more than I do. Honestly, it gets the most use as a Apple Notes notebook. But I can go weeks without using it because I perfer an A5 notebook and a good pen.

[@kummiekins]

This is gold. I mulled over almost all the considerations you listed and finally decided upon the Ipad Pro for myself, which i also got about 2 years ago with zero regrets. Took me a good year and a half to decide which device to upgrade to since, like you, most of my productivity and entertainment happened on my then Ipad Air 1st gen. A full size ipad still ticked all the boxes. I would wholeheartedly advise anyone considering any device to have a listen to what you have to say when making the investment.

[@nathan6899]

Great video. There’s only one thing missing from the iPad mini 6 that’s stopping it from being the full package (for my use case) and that’s FaceID. I had the previous iPad Mini 4 for 6 years before upgrading to this one. I use it mainly for KZbin, Kindle and for preventing me having to pick my phone up (and get distracted by other notifications) to access calendar, reminders, apple notes. Fantastic little device.

[@MonsieurZine]

Love your videos,and my Ipad Mini too 🎉

[@babie.desk-]

This video is so timely! I’ve just purchased a used iPad mini as I am trying to use it for reading and probably ‘downgrading’ from a bigger screen

[@NicholasGarofola]

That’s awesome!! Buying used is so underrated.

[@systemofababysas]

I did made a comment about it but need too ask, which case do u plan to buy?

[@braxtonbisceglia5195]

Love it dude, I’m still using an iPad Air 2 it’s finally showing its age but still they are great tools

[@acostadavid91]

Just bought since the new iPad isn’t mini 😢 When u have a iPhone/MacBook book what’s the point of having a large tv in your backpack 😂❤ Mini just makes sense to carry around 😊

[@Tfrank22]

Great video as usual! I’m still enjoying my iPad Mini 6, and looking forward to the next iteration. Ps. I’m loving the Wonder Tote 😊

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy it!!

[@saacchha]

i love the wallpaper with a plant

[@babyboybams4628]

I was iffy on getting a iPad mini but I’m happy I pulled the trigger the other iPads I felt were way to big, my job has me constantly looking at prints and marking them among other things even though I have a MacBook sometimes it’s a pain to haul around sites, also editing photos and watching movies for the heavier work load I definitely go MacBook but for quick simple tasks I love it

[@fredro833]

Nice video, only things I’d recommend is what size storage you have and if it was enough or you’d recommend getting more or less and if you have wifi only or wifi/cellular and if you wish you would’ve got the other etc

[@omermuneer]

Such a good video, man!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Appreciate it!

[@Vinicius-qr5vv]

aesthetically pleasing video

[@eliaslayng]

i use a kindle about the same size as an ipad mini, what great devices these are

[@YukalayleeGames]

Need them to release the new one crikey This one feels so expensive now for how old it is

[@QWEEKEN73]

I’m a big fan of my iPad! Aside from coding, it completely supplements my need for a laptop

[@Simone.Alexxis]

This was the first time I’ve actually been influenced by someone’s sponsored content. Also … I think I love you ❤

[@jedohu_]

I own an iPad Air 5 and I am considering to switch to an iPad Mini. I’m just waiting if there will be a refresh for this year 😅

[@reschar77]

6:03 shout out Incubus - Make Yourself is a GOAT record Also, excellent vid as always man

I’ve been becoming a digital minimalist since 2019. Love the transition. Love ur videos !

[@ppprismaaa]

I bought my first one five years ago and same here. Bought a new one and never regret it. Reduced my time on social media, read tons of more meaninfigul content and sure, watching more videos like this here on KZbin.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Love that!

[@mananparekh_]

What a production - I'm thinking the mini is the way to go for me in the future too, coming from a 12.9" lol

[@AgentThursday]

My own primary use case for the mini is as a reader. I have a Pro 11.9 that’s perfect for writing, sketching and other things but is just too massive to use practically for reading. For that, the mini is perfection.

[@InterwebsNomad]

I feel the same about my Lenovo duet Chromebook. I use that for everything and for some it might be something they upgrade after a year or 2. but I have had it for 4 years and I dont plan to upgrade anytime soon

[@Ducky_logan]

I’m getting one!

[@Thetinyfit]

I wish I’d gotten the mini. I got mine when I had a useless laptop so I had anticipated it needing to pull double duty but I use it less because of the size. It still does go with me everywhere, but I’m thinking a smaller size might be better.

[@brian_voll]

I’ve used a 12.9” iPad Pro as my only computer for the last few years. Sometimes using Shadow PC when I needed a desktop OS for something. Limitations aside, I loved using it. At some point, I decided to sell it and buy a MacBook Air M2, even got a little bit of money back from this. The MacBook fits my needs perfectly, but I’ve been missing the iPad experience. My iPhone 14 Pro fills in the mobility just fine, so I’ve been putting off getting an iPad mini. I’ve been wanting one for a while, but couldn’t really justify it. Between my MacBook and iPhone, just about everything is do-able. I can read ebooks on either, read the news, play a game, watch videos, work on spreadsheets or word documents, whatever. If the next iPad mini has external display support like the M1/M2 iPads, it’s very possible I may make that my main computer and sell my MacBook. The current iPad mini has been around for a while, I’d hate to pay almost full price for one.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Yeah you've got to find your use case. I've heard of so many people using iPad to just replace their laptops.

[@electrictao5180]

Thank you Sir.

[@LookAtJonathanYT]

What type of bag do you have ? Looks amazing ! Keep up the good content ! OG subscriber 🎉

[@ewanmcdonagh2827]

I’m currently 5 years into owning my iPad mini 5, I used my 1st gen for 6.5 years before. I am however going to be upgrading to an 11 iPad Pro as the screen, whilst perfect for almost everything I use my iPad for is limiting for the large mind maps and note taking I do for university. I will miss the mini form factor for sure, but will still have the mini for taking on trips etc where I won’t be note taking.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Use whichever you prefer! The Pro for sure has same advantages.

[@SeanOulashin]

Love this! I currently have the iPad Air, and I’m curious as to how you find the battery life!

[@formula1dude531]

Wow I think they made a mistake and put a good battery in mine , because my iPad Air has a crazy good battery in it , it last a very , very long time

[@barbr8220]

Great video. I love my mini 6 but notice the battery life isn’t so great anymore. Even if I’m just using it for notes it seems to drain pretty quickly.any tips? I have a lot of the notifications and location etc off

[@amymaude5798]

Hi there Nicholas, Thanks for the 2 year review. Are you using Steam with a wireless controller with the mini? Or is it all still connected to your gaming system? Oh yeah, one more thing... More cowbell (kitty cat), please. Thanks!!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Hey! Using an Xbox controller for Steam. And more Cat on the way!!

[@gardriel8208]

I hope we will get a iPad mini with an oled screen soon.

[@cellularrepublic1]

Please do a video about how you pay bills on the mini.

[@sayeednmb]

When my old AirBook finally stopped working, I’ve switched everything over to my iPad mini and never looked back. I do still use a paper planner but 99% of everything else is done on the iPad mini. Always enjoy your content!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thank you!!

[@Muhammed.Yaseen]

@sayeednmb How do you organize all the things on iPad? If you want a more specific question, what is your top-level folder structure? Mine doesn't make any sense, and I'm too lazy to rearrange everything. (I'm a graphic designer among other things, so I have too many files.)

[@sayeednmb]

@@Muhammed.Yaseen I don’t use my iPad mini for anything work related. All of work gets done on my work stations at home and in the office and on my work laptop. I use Microsoft Office for everything on the iPad mini. I have a folder for everything. My core folders are personal for me only, family folder, faith, personal growth, heath, planning, financial(daily to day), wealth & retirement, volunteer projects, projects(additional subfolders), and entertainment. Every project has a folder. When the project is completed, that folder gets moved to the cloud and my backup storage drive, and I time stamp it so at the end of the year 3 years later, I will review the folder to delete it or keep it. I review all the other folders at the end of year to see what can be deleted. It’s a system that works for me.

[@Muhammed.Yaseen]

@@sayeednmb That's so cool! Thank you Sayeed! I do freelance work, so my first two core folders are 'People' and 'Orgs'. People includes lists of names of People who I have helped (making a cv for example), or clients for whom I've done a project. Each person folder has project folders inside. I'm going to start implementing your idea of adding the date the project finished. That is awesome! The Orgs are similar, but for organizations. It has clubs, company-clients, and all sorts of organizations I made things for. Then I have a folder for books, because I read a lot. Then I have an organized folder called 'Stocks' which has stock footage/resources I have downloaded from the internet for projects. I organize (ideally) my downloads folder to this Stocks folder. I don't have a family folder. They are individuals inside the 'People' folder 😅. Then I have a folder with my name. And inside is a mess. That I seriously need to work on. Will definitely take inspiration from your ideas!

[@KK-ob3gc]

you change your watch? what type of the watch? nice

[@jarodshea]

Rey mysterio 619 is my new favourite!

[@colonelsanders8320]

do you use keyboard on it? if you have, is it decent?

[@00kx]

Despite the lack of potential that device is messing, Hands down when it comes to small device with great performance. Since i've been watching most of your videos im looking forward to start my journey as minimalist. keep up the good work.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Totally agree!

[@danielvee2441]

This is the best iteration of any iPad, thus far.

[@NicholasGarofola]

Agreed

[@MatthewVlossak]

Watching this video on my iPad Mini 6 😊

[@terminatorman619]

I also do budgeting on my ipad mini

[@ppprismaaa]

I really don't miss any physical books at all

[@eryxsonfonseca9155]

Nice video! I've had my 1st Gen 11-inch iPad Pro for a while, and I've been considering buying an iPad mini for two years. I almost made the purchase a couple of weeks ago but hesitated. I'm concerned about buying one now, only to have Apple release a new model in the coming months. 😅

[@leemanwrong]

Its rumoured they will release the 7th gen ipad mini in the second half of 2024, if your current ipad still works i would keep it until the new mini comes out.

[@digitalchemist3867]

i had the ipad pro 2021 for school, but now that ive been done w/ school i really want the mini. but to trade in my pro i would still have to pay for a mini which is lowkey a downgrade in terms of specs-so im trying to hold off in hopes of them making a new mini

[@vladimiro.6067]

I loved my ipad mini but I realized everything I did on it I could also do on my phone and having to think about charging a third device was a hassle so I sold it. The perfect device for me would be an ipad mini that behave as a mac when plugged on a monitor...

[@whathehec]

Interesting kinda basically the Mac mini but iPad… that would be perfect honestly.

[@staremind4]

which version of the iPad mini is that?

[@MalikNZ]

Loved the product, thanks for sharing the idea still do not understand how "Minimalist" is related!!

[@maaz2505]

I already have an MacBook m1 & iPhone should I go opt for an iPad or not but iPhone battery health degrades like hell in my phone it’s increasing my anxiety level a lot 😢is it same with the iPad ??

[@kjaustin1]

I was hoping for a new Mini when Apple announced iPads last week. I have a Mini 5. Could you maybe do a video on how you do budgeting on the Notes app? And other uses you have for the Notes app as I’ve seen several times you say you use that app for stuff

[@NicholasGarofola]

I plan on it!

[@pcbh9789]

hey great video, just wanted to let you know those sandisk ssd's are prone to failure w irretrievable data loss. backup or switch to an alternative if at all possible 👍

[@NicholasGarofola]

Yeah I just found out about this recently, thanks for the heads up 👍🏻

[@kjaustin1]

What SSD do you recommend instead? I’ve had that exact SSD for about a year

[@pcbh9789]

@@kjaustin1 i've heard good things about samsung t7 ssds 👍

[@rashalstudio3101]

Whos watching this on an ipad mini?! I cant be the only one

[@agusm7743]

How do you use it to track finances? And how do you take advantage of ‘Notes’?

[@NicholasGarofola]

I have a whole video dedicated to using Notes app!

[@Uthur]

I feel like ultimate minimalism is the Samsung fold you can use it as a phone a really good tablet or even as a PC and all you need is a keyboard mouse and monitor

[@SoloNomadicMonk]

Is there an app you use for your finances? I wanted to use mint but discovered it’s not worth using anymore

[@Juli-vc9kq]

I bought an iPad mini and I tried to love it but I just couldn’t… so my husband and I switched iPads since he has the 11 pro and I used it in the past and loved it. Maybe I didn’t give it enough time but idk it was just very small made me feel claustrophobic😢

[@jerome5969]

As a minimalist

[@Jkr2260]

I read the tittle as my iPad Mini 2 - years later I tought “wow this guy took care his old gadget so well, he still uses iPad Mini 2 in 2024” and then I realized that I read it wrong. Good review tho!

[@sylvainalain6637]

Did you upgrade your watch 0:16 ? What happened to your Timex Expedition?

[@NicholasGarofola]

still have it! I’ve had my g shock for years as well.

[@parrishdays]

on g the ipad mini is in its own paradigm 😎

[@ReachtheThirdLevel]

your hair is getting so long and luscious

[@fdracup]

quick question: which model is your ipad mini? Thanks!

[@NicholasGarofola]

iPad mini 6, 256gb, starlight

[@MarkBandala]

Rey Mysterio 619?!?Subscribed. Good stuff in the channel!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks!!

[@migu-loza]

Might just upgrade to a Mini after my Air dies, but that will be a long time.

[@qazeks]

Watching this on mi iPad mini

[@drwigglechin]

You might be a good canidate for a foldable phone in the future. I'd highly recommend a Z Fold, but I know it's not for everyone at this point. Everything on one device is nice.

[@leemanwrong]

The other advantage is it can be plugged into an external monitor and used like a computer. A phone, tablet and desktop computer all in one sounds like the ultimate minimalist device.

[@spencers-adventures]

Wow, the Rey Mysterio got my on the sub. Nice video!

[@NicholasGarofola]

Thanks Spencer!!

[@systemofababysas]

Where can i buy this case? It looks like it is not attached to the sides?? Pls Help, i buyed a mini today and im looking for a minimalistic case for the mini, that doesnt make it feel bigger. Yours seems Perfect. Love the Video, was chill and it gave a really relaxing vibe.

[@NicholasGarofola]

It’s Apple’s smartfolio case

[@densitydad]

Gosh I hope they bring M-Series this year. I'll finally cave.

[@augustochocobar780]

Good Charlotte 🔥

[@mauricioflores3732]

I am happy with my iPad 8 gen 128gb 😅

[@AishaBAbuBakrXZaynabBJahsh]

Do u find the keyboard covering half the screen troublesome?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Not at all

[@giovannifernandez5747]

0:16 Hozier?

[@Nataye219]

How you use for finances would be a great video!

[@Jay-dn2fc]

Agreed!

[@lanieampo]

Two years ago I also made a great decision of buying the ipad mini 6.

[@Mo-it7rd]

It's the smallest iPad but it definitely has a great personality.

[@songsan807]

Watching this makes me just go back to my decluttering journey and get rid of everything I own and not to buy any more things.

[@askwas190]

Do you sell the wallpapers?

[@NicholasGarofola]

Completely free: ko-fi.com/nicholasgarofola

[@celeritas_dev]

Ipad mini best useful device ever

[@sold9948]

This is all fair. iPads are great. I've used iPads as my daily driving on-the-go computing device for a... very very long time. I remember using PDAs in the 2000s, and iPods and all that; iPads can do allll that very easily. For a long time I used an iPad exclusively. HOWEVER. I switched to Windows and Android in 2019. I will never look back. My Samsung S22 Ultra can do everything (really everything) my iPad Pro could do that my iPhone couldn't, and a lot of what my Macbook Pro could do... and my PC is leaps and bounds better for my purposes than my Mac ever was. I switched to Surface Pro devices, and now my trusted iPad Pro 12.9in 3rd gen is lying on a shelf. Didn't expect that!

[@fotogralex]

what RPG game are you playing at 3:39?

[@RayVincentMarquez]

Genshin Impact