Apple just released two refreshed versions of its iPad series: the iPad Mini 2 and the iPad Air. Both tablets sport Retina displays and run on the latest A7 processors. For first time buyers, it is important to understand how to set up the devices.

iPad Mini 2 and iPad Air Specs

iPad Air measures 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.30 in) and weighs 469g. It comes with a LED-backlit IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors and offers 1536 x 2048 pixels, 9.7 inches (~264 ppi pixel density). As mentioned it runs with Apple A7, dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) and PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics).

The iPad Mini 2, on the other hand, measures 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) and weighs 331g. It comes with a LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors and offers 1536 x 2048 pixels, 7.9 inches (~324 ppi pixel density). It runs with Apple A7 dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) and PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics).

Understanding how to set up the slates can have the devices running in no time. Both devices share similar set up process. Follow the steps enumerated for set up:

  • Slide fingers across the screen bottom - along the area with the "slide to set up" label.
  • Choose preferred language.
  • Choose the country from the list provided
  • If connected to WiFi, choose the WiFi network on the following menu. A user can also choose cellular connection if the iPad supports cellular data. Make sure cellular connection has been activated by the carrier before choosing this setup.
  • Connect the device to the WiFi, if the network is secure, input password.
  • Decide whether to enable Location Services. There are specific programs like Maps requiring location services.
  • Select Setup as new iPad in the following screen.
  • Sign in with Apple ID or create on before completing the set up.
  • Select iCloud for backup if the user wants to sync their calendars, contacts and other important data. They can also use iCloud to backup files. Majority of users agree to this step.
  • It is highly recommended to activate Find My iPad. This allows users to track their slate in the event they lose it or it gets stolen. Users can sign up to this by logging in to icloud.com. This also prevents other users from erasing data on the device.
  • People can choose which emails and phone numbers are allowed to contact the person via the device. They also deselect in the future.
  • The set up process also asks whether the user wants to enable Siri. It is best to turn on the digital assistant.
  • The set up process will also ask whether the user wants Apple to obtain diagnostics via their device. This depends on the user.

Once all of these have been completed, the user is good to go. They can enjoy their iPad device to their liking.