For the record, There is nothing in this post that is is sponsored. I don't say this because I am holier-than-thou. I say it because you should know and because no one has ever offered. (I get it. Tech-forward , middle-aged Yeats scholar is not a highly sought after demographic.) I am, however, including some links here, in case any of these are of interest.
From Apple
My iPad Mini 6 is the 256 gig, WiFi+cellular version in Starlight (The color was selected based on availability.) At the time of purchase, I did not have a hotspot on my cellular plan. If I had, the WiFi version likely would have been enough — although the versatility of having the cellular modem is not without its charms.
I have the Apple Pencil 2 and a Smart Folio case in black. And I have a pair of pre-usb-c AirPods Pro.
And, of course, I have the needed and "just in case" cables, power bricks, and dongles that I have been collecting over the years.
Non-Apple Add-Ons
PenTips 2+ (https://pen.tips/collections/pentips-2)
I have tried a few versions of PenTips offerings. I prefer these over some of their other offerings because the extra drag of the softer tip helps me control the en Apple Pencil a little better and it reduces the tapping sound that comes with the standard, better wearing tip from Apple. That small feeling of increased control is really important now that the Pencil is my primary input device.
I am still thinking about PenTips’ magnetic pen mat. I don't feel like I would like a screen protector most of the time but I can see the advantage in having something that will reduce screen glare in certain environments. And because it is magnetic rather than attaching like Paperlike, I would not have to worry about the commitment to a screen protector I don’t think I would want. (https://pen.tips/products/penmat?variant=43000769577207)
Twelve South's old iPad Mini BookBook case in Black
I wish I could provide a link to this for you. I picked mine up for the first version of the iPad mini. The 6th gen version does not fit in the old internal flap that held the Mini. But I don't need it to. Instead, I am using it as a carrying case, much like their BookBook Cover for their iPads.
Is it necessary? No. But it provides a little extra protection (Good news for when I toss it in my bag.) and a touch of style. And because it beefs up the size to that of a small book, the case also makes carrying the iPad Mini a little easier.
Thus far, I have resisted getting a portable and/or foldable keyboard. Part of the point of this experiment is to embrace Scribble. Getting a keyboard, therefore, defeats the purpose. If this experiment is wildly successful, however, I may look into one. On MacStories’ Discord, I heard promising things about some of LogiTech’s offerings. That said, a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad at home and work might be all I really need.
Alt hough that vision of the future would require a second monitor at home.
Right now, I a traveling (I was attending an academic conference in Stockholm.) and I only once felt the real need for a different input device ( I was using the web version of DocuSign.) — although editing a Pages document came very close to making it twice. Because I have not found myself writing very long documents, it hasn't felt critical.
I can see how I would need a keyboard if and when I find myself using a productivity suite like Pages-Numbers-Keynote or Word-Excel-PowerPoint. As I spend less time taking notes in panels and more time at my office desk, that need may become more acute.