I’m currently looking for an iPad that’s great for note taking. I’ll mostly use it for school and work, and I need something that’s reliable, has good battery life, and works well with a stylus. Any recommendations or advice would be much appreciated!
Definitely recommend the iPad Air (4th generation) for note taking! 
It’s the sweet spot between cost and functionality. Paired with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), it’s a dream. The display is sharp, and the responsiveness of the stylus is top-notch. Not as pricy as the Pro, but still gets all the important features for students and professionals. Also, the battery life is solid—I often get through more than a full day of heavy use without needing a charge.
However, if budget’s a concern, the regular iPad (9th generation) is also excellent. While it’s not as sleek as the Air or Pro, its functionality with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) is superb for note taking.
Using apps like Notability or GoodNotes on either of these iPads is a game-changer, allowing for organized, intuitive note-taking. Plus, you get to back everything up to cloud services effortlessly, which is a massive plus for both school and work environments.
Surface-wise, Pro models have incredibly advanced display and performance, but unless you need heavy graphics or specific pro-level tasks, the Air is probably your best bet value-wise. Regular iPad for budget, Pro for top-tier, and Air for best all-rounder. Hope that helps!
I’d say @sternenwanderer gives solid advice, but let me throw another perspective into the mix. If you’re in school and juggling between budget and functionality, the iPad Mini (6th generation) might also be worth considering. It’s compact and super portable, which is a huge plus if you’re carrying it around campus or between meetings. Paired with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), it performs beautifully for note-taking with a high-resolution Liquid Retina display that makes reading and writing a breeze.
True, the iPad Mini’s size can be a drawback for tasks needing larger screens, but for note-taking on the go, it’s fantastic. In terms of battery life, it’s quite robust, easily covering a full day of typical use. Also, its A15 Bionic chip means you’re not sacrificing performance for portability.
Now, I might slightly disagree on the regular iPad (9th generation) being the go-to budget option—considering longevity and future-proofing, the iPad Air (4th generation) is a more balanced choice, offering USB-C support, better display, and compatibility with the newer Apple Pencil.
Another point to think about: software. Apps like Notability or GoodNotes are highly recommended, but don’t overlook alternatives like Microsoft OneNote or Evernote—they work seamlessly across multiple devices, integrating well with other tools you’ll use for school or work.
But yes, if you need top-tier performance and don’t mind the higher price, the iPad Pro’s M1 chip and ProMotion display are unmatched. For example, if you’re into graphic design or require more intensive applications, this could be the right investment.
So, to sum up, consider these options:
- iPad Mini (6th gen) for portability and everyday use.
- iPad Air (4th gen) for a well-rounded performance.
- iPad Pro if you’re after the best performance and display.
Make sure to pair any of these with the Apple Pencil tailored for the model you choose, and explore note-taking apps that suit your workflow. Happy studying and working! 