iPad 10.9 (2022) review: The entry-level iPad is all grown up
Current Pencil is still an excellent partner; just don't lose itMagic Keyboard should maybe not be two pieces
The combination of this Magic Keyboard Folio and iPad 10.9 was so good that we used the iPad as our main work machine on our commute to work. The adjustable kickstand meant it was perfectly balanced on our lap, and we had the screen at just the right angle. It was also pretty nice for watching Netflix on the way home.
There are some issues with supporting it that we will grant Apple. The Apple Pencil 2 is a wirelessly charged device, and there are no wireless charging capabilities on the iPad – Apple would have had to add this and, perhaps, raise the price even further. Also, all those people who already own the popular original Pencil probably don't want to spend another $129 on a new Pencil, something they would not have to do if the new iPad supported both Pencils.
It's also got enough juice for some decent AR apps and games. We had a good time with Monster Park and an angry T-Rex that wandered into our home office.Battery life is essentially unchanged from the last iPad. Without adjusting any settings, and using the tablet at work, during our commute, at home, then leaving it overnight, but not plugged in, and then resuming using it on another commute, the iPad 10.9 made it through almost 22 hours.
This solution is so much cleaner. Obviously, a 5G connection isn't free. and you'll pay another monthly service fee for the benefit of being able to connect and work virtually anywhere. We did not, however, only work. At one point we enjoyed a Netflix stream of one of our favorite shows. The stream never lost connection, and we enjoyed HD-quality video the whole way home.