That’s why I’ve written this blog post. I’ll be recommending to you my favourite accessories for the latest generation of iPads.

You might be wondering why I’ve written this post. Well, I’m a “bit” of an Apple fangirl. Maybe I shouldn’t admit to this, but once upon a time I had 3 different iPads, a MacBook AND an iPhone. I’m also generally a massive tech-head and have been since birth.

If you don’t yet have an iPad and would like to buy one, I recommend investing in either an

• iPad Mini 5th generation (7.9-inch)  (Small, lightweight and awesome. Unlike the previous Mini generations, it works with an Apple Pencil so you can draw and write on the screen like it’s a notepad!)

Or, if you would like a bigger screen without the price tag of the iPad Pros, try the

• iPad Air 3^rd generation (10.5-inch) (Essentially the same as the old 2017 iPad Pro 10.5-inch but slightly lighter, bigger than the iPad Mini and unlike the previous Air generations, it works with an Apple Pencil so you can draw and write on the screen like it’s a notepad!)

If you fancy one of the most powerful iPads available and unlocking your iPad with facial instead of fingerprint recognition, you should get one of the iPad Pros! The latest iPad Pros work with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil only.

• iPad Pro 3rd generation 11-inch (Smaller of the Pros. So, better for taking on clinical placements.)
• iPad Pro 3rd generation 12.9-inch (Bigger of the Pros. Screen is closest to A4 paper size. So, better for hours of studying at a desk or in the library.)

Note: Apple Pencils do not come included with iPads. You have to buy them separately.

1. Case with or without a Bluetooth Keyboard

The first thing you need is a case. The case will protect your iPad from internal damage when you (inevitably) drop it, thereby extending its working life. It will also protect it from aesthetic damage which will help you sell it for more money when you want to upgrade or no longer need it.

I recommend saving your back by eliminating the need to carry both a laptop and an iPad. Do this by also buying a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad. Even better, buy a case-and-keyboard 2-in-1 combo.

Considering the needs of the typical student, there are few things laptops, even MacBooks, have over the newest iPads. So, don’t be afraid to switch over entirely to an iPad and sell your old laptop!

In my personal experience, Logitech and Apple keyboards are the best. Both manufacturers make comfortable, reliable, slick-looking, good quality keyboards that don’t make loud tap tap tap sounds when you type. However, Logitech keyboards are always cheaper than official Apple ones. So, I’ll mostly be recommending Logitech.

Below, I’ve recommended both solo cases and keyboard-case combos.

iPad Mini 5 (7.9-inch)

Ktotop case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (What I really like about this case is that it has a little storage slot for an Apple Pencil so that you’re less likely to lose it.)

Wineecy keyboard and case with in-built Apple Pencil holder

iPad Air 3 (10.5-inch)

Ktotop case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (What I really like about this case is that it has a little storage slot for an Apple Pencil so that you’re less likely to lose it.)

Logitech keyboard and case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (Bonus: backlit keys just like a MacBook.)

iPad Pro 11-inch

Ktotop case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (What I really like about this case is that it has a little storage slot for an Apple Pencil so that you’re less likely to lose it.)

Logitech keyboard and case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (Bonus: backlit keys just like a MacBook.)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch

Ktotop case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (What I really like about this case is that it has a little storage slot for an Apple Pencil so that you’re less likely to lose it.)

Logitech keyboard and case with in-built Apple Pencil holder (Bonus: backlit keys just like a MacBook.)

2. Screen protector

Back when I was an Apple novice, I avoided screen protectors because I liked the feel of touching the screen directly. However, I ended up regretting it. A few years ago my iPhone at the time fell out of my pocket while I was sports coaching. I accidentally stood on it with the studs of my football boots creating faint scratches on my screen. Result? I got far less money for the phone when I later sold it than if I had kept the screen immaculate.

Invest £5-10 now so you can sell your iPad for the maximum price possible when you want to upgrade or you no longer need it.

I’ve had great experiences with JTech screen protectors.

iPad Mini 5

JTech screen protector

iPad Air 3

JTech screen protector

iPad Pro 11-inch

JTech screen protector

iPad Pro 12.9-inch

JTech screen protector

3. Apple Pencil

Make sure you don’t buy the wrong Apple Pencil for your iPad model!

If you have the latest generation of iPad Pros, i.e. the iPad Pro 3^rd generation 11-inch or the iPad Pro 3^rd generation 12.9-inch you will need the 2^nd generation Apple Pencil.

If you have the latest iPad Mini 5, iPad Air 3^rd generation, 1^st or 2^nd generation of iPad Pros (9.7-inch, 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch) or iPad 6^th generation you will need the 1^st generation Apple Pencil.

Protect your Apple Pencil from damage and ensure you don’t lose it by either buying an iPad case with a slot to stow your Pencil or buy a separate case.

A separate case will be especially helpful if you own a 1^st generation Apple Pencil because in order to charge it there is a little connector around the length of a fingernail that can be easily lost. You should have also got a replacement nib and cap with your Apple Pencil. A specifically designed case will have slots to store all these little bits and pieces so that you don’t lose them.

Try the slick-looking Belkin Case Plus Stand for Apple Pencil 1^st generation.

4. Power bank

An annoying issue with all electronic devices is battery life. The latest iPads should last at least a whole day at medical school if you start the day fully charged. However, running out of battery mid-way through a lecture or bedside teaching session is always a possibility.

The solution to this is to always have a charged power bank with you. You can charge up a power bank just like any other electronic device. Then, when your iPad (or iPhone) is out of juice, simply plug it into the power bank and it will charge while you’re on the move.

Try Anker’s PowerCore 13000. It is suitable for charging iPads, is compact and comes with a little bag to help protect it.

5. Extra-long charging cable

Lecture theatres often have plugs but if your school is like mine, all plugs are on the walls or in the aisles. This can lead to having to stretch wires across aisles and potentially trip up classmates!

Get around this by buying an extra-long charging cable.

Try Syncwire’s 2m charging cable. The braided nylon design helps to prevent wires eventually poking out due to wear and tear – an issue the often arises in plastic charging cables.

When purchasing a charging cable make sure you’ve picked the right connector. Different generations of iPads have different types of connectors. Don’t get caught out!

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What are your favourite iPad accessories? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

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