iPad Mini: Query to those who own Mini

[Macuser1066]

I am going to have an operation which will leave in the hospital for a week or so and then semi incapacitated for 3 months. I have had each iteration of the iPad, including the latest retinal display. I generally don't find the weight too much in normal circumstances, but have found that I can't use it to read in bed or while lying down.

I was wondering whether those who have the Mini find it easy to use in that situation. I was considering buying a 16G Wifi only Mini for use during this period of incapacity. Would appreciate any comments. I expect that the screen will not be the best. Normally I use my iPad for everything and it goes everywhere with me. The Mini I envision using primarily for reading or downloading the occasional movie from Netflix.

[Bear]

The Mini works well for reading in bed in my opinion.

Remember you can buy it now, use it and if it doesn't work for you, you can always return it.

[CTHarrryH]

I find my Mini great for reading books etc. On websites it is fine for general reading of the screens but I find I have to expand the display to read some of the articles - this maybe a function of size rather than sharpness. In general I find it a great tool. I don't have young eyes but again don't really have an issue except for some web sites.

[Bear]

Originally Posted by CTHarrryH

I find my Mini great for reading books etc. On websites it is fine for general reading of the screens but I find I have to expand the display to read some of the articles - this maybe a function of size rather than sharpness. In general I find it a great tool. I don't have young eyes but again don't really have an issue except for some web sites.

For the websites, it's a size issue on the fonts, not sharpness.

[mattopotamus]

Originally Posted by Bear

For the websites, it's a size issue on the fonts, not sharpness.

see, I feel the exact opposite....it is an issue of sharpness and not size. I honestly have less issue on a smaller iphone 5 screen.

[tomaseriksson]

I use my mini when laying in bed all the time, will work great. The battery life on my mini is so much better than the one on my iPad 3 as well

[Awakener]

Originally Posted by mattopotamus

see, I feel the exact opposite....it is an issue of sharpness and not size. I honestly have less issue on a smaller iphone 5 screen.

^+1
But the Mini's size/weight still make it the best choice for certian situations until it gets retina.

[bigboar]

Originally Posted by mattopotamus

see, I feel the exact opposite....it is an issue of sharpness and not size. I honestly have less issue on a smaller iphone 5 screen.

Bingo!!! it is a shame that i can read the text easier on my iphone 5 than i could on the mini i had....

[Macuser1066]

Thanks for all the input. I think I am going to go for the Mini. I did previously purchase a kndle which I ended up giving away to a family member. I preferred the flexibility of having Barnes & Noble, Kindle and iBooks. I scheduled surgery on Febuary 11th (total knee) and will buy a Mini with Wifi only prior to that date. It should work fine and if by any chance it gets taken/lost, I'd rather lose $300 than over a $1000 with a 64G LTE iPad 4!

[koa]

I got a Mini for Christmas and am just finishing my second book. Love it for reading in bed and the night mode (black page w/ white letters). I do have a Otterbox Defender on it which I know defeats the purpose of small light weight, but it is easier to grip with the non-slip rubber sides and lip of the screen. And if it falls on the hardwood floor if I've fallen asleep reading it's protected. Pillows seem to grip it better too. Good luck with your surgery.

Misery would be a good movie to watch while you're recuperating.

Edit: The snap on cover of the Defender also doubles as stand to hold the Mini in vertical or horizontal positions and different angles.

[ZBoater]

Originally Posted by Macuser1066

I am going to have an operation which will leave in the hospital for a week or so and then semi incapacitated for 3 months. I have had each iteration of the iPad, including the latest retinal display. I generally don't find the weight too much in normal circumstances, but have found that I can't use it to read in bed or while lying down.

I was wondering whether those who have the Mini find it easy to use in that situation. I was considering buying a 16G Wifi only Mini for use during this period of incapacity. Would appreciate any comments. I expect that the screen will not be the best. Normally I use my iPad for everything and it goes everywhere with me. The Mini I envision using primarily for reading or downloading the occasional movie from Netflix.

The mini wins hands down for use in the lying down position. The extra weight will make the retina display of the iPad 3/4 look not so great when it crashes onto your face when it slips from your tired hands after an hour or two...

[whoRichard]

In my honest opinion, I believe that the iPad mini is the PERFECT form factor in terms of size and ergonomics. And also, the uses that you are planning to use the Mini for are exactly what I use mine for and I love the experience with mine. I've used both the Full sized iPad and also the first iteration of the Kindle Fire and I felt that one was too small and the other too large, but Mini is just right.

On another note, good luck with your operation

[Esoom]

Buy the Mini, and get one of those $20 Syma IR remote control helicopters from Amazon, you'll be a pro with R/C choppers when you're done

(I'm a nurse and have extensive experience with joint replacements)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ma%2Caps%2C162

[armandxp]

I moved from iPad 3 to the mini, and love it! The size is great! I watch tv on it at night, on a nightstand! I carry it to work, and it is so light and easy to carry around for me. My day one iPad 3 had so much discoloration on the screen, I sent it back.

[Macuser1066]

Originally Posted by Esoom

Buy the Mini, and get one of those $20 Syma IR remote control helicopters from Amazon, you'll be a pro with R/C choppers when you're done

(I'm a nurse and have extensive experience with joint replacements)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ma%2Caps%2C162

Well, I bought the Mini and I am not sure about the helicopters, but it might be fun to fly one into my husband's office to let him know when I need something!

[Clix Pix]

I love my iPad Mini and I find that I am using it much more frequently in bed than I ever did my iPad 3. I've still got both devices and it's the iPad Mini that goes out-and-about with me when I leave home and it's the iPad Mini that I pick up and use around home as well. It's the perfect size for me and my activities, both at home and away from home.