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Fantom555

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 9, 2007
382
22
New York City
yesterday i bought the iPad mini because i wanted to see if i can use it as a replacement to the larger iPad 3. i am wondering if some of you who have kept both and why did you keep both.

Whats the benefit of having the mini and the big one.
 

MacDawg

Moderator emeritus
Mar 20, 2004
19,823
4,503
"Between the Hedges"
I have both (along with an iPhone 5 and a MBA)

I use them for different purposes... all of the devices
Could I combine uses? Of course, but I like have a specific tool for a specific job

I use the Mini for email and as a reader primarily, as well as some IM and texting

I use the larger iPad 3 with a Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for meetings, note taking, and for accessing my Google Drive for documents, etc.

There are numerous other uses, but these are some of the differences

Is it necessary to have both? Of course not
Do I enjoy having the best of both? Absolutely
 

Fantom555

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 9, 2007
382
22
New York City
In my opinion, unless you need to have two different iPads for two different locations, it's not really worth keeping both. This thread may be of use to you: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1518796/

Thank you

----------

I have both (along with an iPhone 5 and a MBA)

I use them for different purposes... all of the devices
Could I combine uses? Of course, but I like have a specific tool for a specific job

I use the Mini for email and as a reader primarily, as well as some IM and texting

I use the larger iPad 3 with a Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for meetings, note taking, and for accessing my Google Drive for documents, etc.

There are numerous other uses, but these are some of the differences

Is it necessary to have both? Of course not
Do I enjoy having the best of both? Absolutely

i have the same set up as you plus in my office i have an iMac.
 

ugcop

macrumors 6502a
Mar 15, 2012
599
103
Traveling @ Warp Speed ...... USA
I have both. I use the mini until I run the battery down, then switch to the 3. The mini also goes with me when I leave the house. As soon as mini 2 comes out I will replace the 3 with it and keep two minis.
 

Ladybug

macrumors 68000
Apr 13, 2006
1,874
1,013
I too kept them both. Mainly because I didn't want to lose the money I invested in my iPad 3 that I purchased just 7 months earlier. I use the Mini most of the time, but do grab the 3 if my mini battery is low. Also, I have family members that use my iPad 3 occasionally. I will likely skip the next update on the Mini and just keep what I have. The Mini travels with me so it gets the most use.
 

Tikatika

macrumors 6502a
Mar 12, 2012
709
794
Northern California
Have both, keeping both.

Mini is used for reading in bed and goes with me whenever I leave the house.

iPad 3 used for everything else. Rarely use my laptop anymore.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. We all have different needs and wants.
 

JoshS

macrumors member
Sep 22, 2012
60
2
I have both. I use the mini for when I'm out and about and want a light weight web browser and email device. I primarily use the 3 with the Logitech keyboard cover for remote controlling my work pc and note taking or heavy typing.

I have found I use the mini 80% of the time.
 

nehope

macrumors member
Nov 27, 2012
50
0
I have both and am still deciding whether to keep the iPad 3. I use them for the same kinds of things but really only reach for the bigger one when the mini is charging. The screen resolution on the iPad 3 is noticeably (to me) better than the mini so I am reluctant to let go of it. If the mini ever comes with retina, the iPad 3 is history.
 

shoppy

macrumors 65816
Mar 4, 2007
1,072
64
Hants
I use both biggest reason is I can use one whilst the other charges. I get to separate my personal and work life the same reason I have two iphone one for personal stuff the other for work.
 

psirix

macrumors member
Aug 14, 2009
95
0
Detroit, MI
I just picked up a black wifi 32GB mini today. I am already the owner of a 64GB iPad 3 with LTE. Even though I have only been an iPad mini owner for about 6 hours, I do plan to keep both. I found the mini attractive for more mobile use such as using it at work and watching video at the gym. However I love the retina display and still plan to do a majority of my web browsing on the iPad 3. If my plans change I can update my post but since I also love gadgets I'm sure I'll still keep both regardless :)
 

Sodner

macrumors 68020
Jan 12, 2011
2,112
78
Pittsburgh, PA
I had a 3 and got a 16Gb wifi mini to "play with." After several weeks I realized I was only using the Mini and that having 2 iPads was unnecessary. Ended up selling both my 3 and Mini and got a 32Gb LTE Mini as my one and only.
After several more weeks I realize I made the right choice. No regrets here.
 

raccoonboy

macrumors 6502a
Oct 22, 2012
918
5
Its redundant, unless your family member also use the device.

Big Ipad still can't replace laptop.
 

Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,612
7,791
I have both. I do think having both is a bit redundant, but I can afford to keep both, so I'm keeping them. I take the mini with me when I go out, and when I'm home, I use one or the other, depending on my mood. I really like the iPad 3’s retina screen, and also just the additional screen size is nice. If I had to pick one, I'd definitely go with the 3. And if the 5 is significantly lighter than the 3/4, I might forego the next mini. But for now, the lightness of the mini makes it great to carry outside.
 

Don Kosak

macrumors 6502a
Mar 12, 2010
860
4
Hilo, Hawaii
I have both.

iPad Mini is mostly for consumption, ebook/news reading.

iPad "4" is for content creation / work.

Sometimes I'll use them both at the same time. I'll be reading something on the iPad Mini while taking notes or updating presentations/spreadsheets on the iPad 4.

It depends on what you do, and how you work I guess.
 

aricher

macrumors 68020
Feb 20, 2004
2,211
1
Chi-il
Different strokes for different folks. We have 3 iPads in our house:

iPad 2: for son and his friends to play with, loaded strictly with kids games, books, movies and music. He doesn't need or care about having a retina screen but he prefers the larger size to that of the mini.

iPad 4: mine, used daily for work, concept sketching and entertainment. I prefer the larg size and retina display to that of the mini, especially when rocking on artwork, photography, concepting and writing.

iPad mini: wife's, sold her iPad 3 on eBay and bought mini, the lack of retina screen doesn't bother her, she loves the size/weight and portability.

Other than my son's iPad 2 we sell our old iPads/iPhones when new models come out and upgrade to the latest. I love the size/weight of the mini but prefer the larger screen for working on concept art, we'll see how I feel if/when a retina mini is released, I may change my mind.
 

mpayne2k

macrumors 6502a
May 12, 2010
876
63
I have a 3 and have toyed around the idea of getting a Mini. I wouldn't sell my 3 if I did get a Mini as I'd get hosed on the resale of it. I got the 3 just back in July and couldn't sell it for even 3/4 the price I bought it. When the Mini/4 were announced the resale of the iPad 3 went out the window.
 

chumawumba

macrumors 6502
Aug 9, 2012
471
1
Ask the NSA
I have both (along with an iPhone 5 and a MBA)

I use them for different purposes... all of the devices
Could I combine uses? Of course, but I like have a specific tool for a specific job

I use the Mini for email and as a reader primarily, as well as some IM and texting

I use the larger iPad 3 with a Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for meetings, note taking, and for accessing my Google Drive for documents, etc.

There are numerous other uses, but these are some of the differences

Is it necessary to have both? Of course not
Do I enjoy having the best of both? Absolutely

Omg, that is the exact same stuff i have! (including the mini and 3)
 

aricher

macrumors 68020
Feb 20, 2004
2,211
1
Chi-il
I have a 3 and have toyed around the idea of getting a Mini. I wouldn't sell my 3 if I did get a Mini as I'd get hosed on the resale of it. I got the 3 just back in July and couldn't sell it for even 3/4 the price I bought it. When the Mini/4 were announced the resale of the iPad 3 went out the window.

Don't be so sure, I sold my 64GB 4G 3 in mid-December on Craigslist for 80% of what I paid for it, I've seen others go on eBay for 70-75% recently on eBay too.
 
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