In terms of performance, the Apple iPad Pro models feature the M1 chip or the M2 chip, leveraging a system on a chip (SoC) architecture that combines an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, providing significant processing power for multitasking and running demanding applications.
The Liquid Retina display in the iPad Pro supports ProMotion technology, offering a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which enhances scrolling and the responsiveness of apps, making it particularly advantageous for reading and note-taking.
The iPad Air, while slightly less powerful than the iPad Pro, still incorporates the M1 chip in its latest version, making it a remarkably capable device for students who need strong performance for tasks such as drafting documents and analyzing legal texts.
Law students often benefit from the Apple Pencil, which offers precision drawing capabilities and integrates seamlessly with note-taking apps like Notability and GoodNotes, allowing for handwritten notes and markup of PDFs.
The Magic Keyboard accessory turns the iPad into a versatile laptop, featuring a trackpad and backlit keys, which can significantly enhance productivity for students transitioning from traditional laptops to tablets.
A significant factor for law students is battery life; both the iPad Air and iPad Pro boast around 10 hours of usage on a single charge, which is essential for lengthy lectures and study sessions.
The iPad OS now supports various multitasking features, such as Split View and Slide Over, enabling users to run multiple applications simultaneously, useful for cross-referencing legal documents while taking notes.
Since 2020, Apple has improved the iPad's file management capabilities, making cloud storage and accessing files easier, which is a gamechanger for law students who need to organize extensive case files and readings.
While the iPad Pro is often recommended for its advanced features, the iPad (9th generation) also performs adequately for basic tasks like reading PDFs and taking notes, making it a more budget-friendly option for some students.
The integration of Apple's ecosystem means that students can easily share files between an iPad, iPhone, and Mac, facilitating collaborative projects and group study sessions typical in law school.
Recent research suggests that students who take notes by hand retain information better than those who type, potentially making iPads equipped with the Apple Pencil significant educational tools in legal education.
The amount of storage can impact a law student's experience; for heavy users, the Pro models offer up to 2TB of storage, allowing for extensive digital libraries of case law and notes, whereas the iPad Air starts at lower storage capacities.
Both iPad Air and Pro support 5G capabilities in their cellular models, providing fast internet access for research on-the-go, critical for law students needing to access databases and resources outside the classroom.
The electronic nature of iPads aligns with the growing trend of digital-first law practices, where firms are increasingly adopting technology for case management and documentation processes, enhancing appeal for tech-savvy students.
Many legal research platforms have mobile applications, and the seamless performance on iPads ensures that students can work efficiently on tasks like legal writing and case analysis from anywhere.
Accessibility features, such as VoiceOver and Magnifier, make the iPad an inclusive tool for all students, including those who may require alternative learning aids during their law studies.
The weight and portability of an iPad compared to traditional laptops facilitate easier transport of study materials to class and library, which is crucial for law students carrying multiple heavy casebooks.
Emerging trends show that digital annotations and collaborative features on iPads can lead to improved peer engagement in group study sessions, enhancing the learning process for complex legal topics.
Incorporating digital formats of textbooks can save money and space; many law schools now support e-books, which can be easily annotated and searched on an iPad.