The fifth-generation iPad Air is Apple’s colorful mid-range iPad starting at $599. The ninth-generation iPad is the best for college students on a budget and who purely want a tablet for non-extensive note-taking. If you’re not a power user, the iPad can do more than enough for you. It’s a bit slow when you need to multitask but still powers through with the A13 chip. There are two storage options, 64GB and 256GB, which is generally enough for most users.

The outdated design shouldn’t deter you as the device is plenty capable for internet browsing, video calls with Center Stage, note-taking, gaming, drawing, and much more. And at 10.2-inches, it is the perfect size to take notes on. It’s the iPad I currently use as a graduate student, and I have been impressed with its long battery life. The ninth-generation iPad is the most affordable option in Apple’s lineup with prices starting at $329. Keep an eye out at the end of this article for information about Apple’s current education promotion as well as its year-round education discount.

Let’s review our options so that you can decide which iPad will best suit your college needs. The majority of iPads will work for most students, however, it ultimately comes down to your budget and what features are important to you. My iPad is one of the best devices I have used for college to date, making it easy to take notes, mark up PDFs, and watch online classes.

The iPad has revolutionized learning and has become a staple device in many students’ lives.

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