I’m going to review and compare the different accessories you can use on your iPad Air 4 or iPad Pro 11. I recently got an iPad Air 4 after seeing how similar it was to the iPad Pro.
The iPad Air 4 uses the new A14 chipset, this is the same as in the iPhone 12. Performance is not as good for multi-core as the 12z but for me it’s more than enough and beats the iPad Pro in single-core.
I had an iPad Pro before and have found that new accessories like the Magic Keyboard & iPad OS have made a massive difference to the usability of the device. I’ll just run through my favourite accessories and also run through some accessories I haven’t got around to using but that I think are good.
First up is the Apple Magic Keyboard Case. This is my favourite accessory for the iPad Air 4. It may be very expensive, but it encompasses all you need to make the iPad more like a laptop. Using this on your lap or at a table is a breeze. It has a backlit keyboard, and the keys feel great to use. Just like a laptop keyboard. It is missing some of the function keys but it’s sturdy has built power for Sharing the iPad and also includes a trackpad. Having a trackpad it brings it closer to the experience of a laptop. You can also charge your iPad through the keyboard case while you work at your desk and still leaves the USB C port free on the iPad for a dongle etc.
The next pro accessory you need to get for iPad Air 4 is the Apple Pencil 2. It’s a great step forward from the last gen. It connects and charges via a magnetic connection at the side of the iPad. It works great and I haven’t noticed any difference between the 60 Hz screen in the iPad Air 4 and the 120hz in the iPad Pro. Some other users may notice a difference but not me.
USB C Dongle
The great thing about the new iPads is that they have a USB C port so you can use dongles, USB sticks etc. On your iPad that would work with your MacBook Air. This accessory it allows power to pass through and has an additional USB A port and an HDMI port. This originally worked on a MacBook but it works fine with my iPad Air 4.
iPad Standard Case
This was the first case I used after getting the iPad Air 4. It provides basic protection but makes full use of the magnets and wakes on opening etc. It’s a copy of the Apple silicone case but its works just as well and is a lot cheaper. I would recommend this case as a cheap option to get started.
Apple Mouse & Keyboard
If you already have an apple mouse and keyboard you can use this to connect to your iPad. Once connected you can use it as you would expect, this is a great option if you have a spare mouse and keyboard and just have the basic silicone case. You can use any Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but I found the apple ones to connect very quickly. You may even want to use the apple Magic Mouse on its own with the Smart Keyboard from apple as this doesn’t have a trackpad. Whatever your option this is a useful feature and makes the transition from iPad to a laptop more practical.
iPad Sleeve
I would recommend getting one of these just for protection purposes. I only put my iPad in this sleeve when travelling about. I put my iPad along with the case & pencil inside. It suits me fine and prevents me from losing my pencil but also provides waterproof protection. I usually put this in another bag but again it provides protection from bangs etc.
3M USB C cable
I recommend getting one for your iPad Air 4. You can use it with the iPad Magic keyboard to give constant power to your iPad while working. The 3 Meter cable gives extra flexibility and makes it similar to a laptop lead.
Other Accessories Sony Headphones
These are budget wireless headphones from Sony. They connect easily and the charge lasts for a very long time. (90 hours full charge) But with all things Sony they are built well and work simply. These are budget so don’t have the best build quality and audio quality, but they work, and they do a decent job.
Xbox Series X & Dual Sense Controller — Coming Soon
If you’re into gaming and want a smoother experience. Eventually, you will be able to connect your series x controller with the new 14.5 updates. Right now, you can use your Xbox one controller.
Xbox One or PS4 Controller — Currently working.
Items I would like
Air Pods — I would love to try the air pods pro with the iPad Air 4 to see how they perform. But alas I have not got my hand on a pair yet, but I would recommend them based on reviews etc. I’m sure they work well.
Logitech keyboard — This keyboard is a cheaper version of the Magic Keyboard that Logitech made. I would recommend this if you are on a budget.
MacBook Power charger — You can also use a Laptop charger for the MacBook Pro etc to get a faster charge for your iPad.
I hope you found this useful and that some of these accessories help you with your iPad experience.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links that I get a kickback from.