[All iPads] iPad mini and iPad 4...problem is neither is great, so which one is "good enough"?

flavr · Nov 4, 2012, 08:56 AM

Its time for me to get a new iPad...Still rockin my gen 1 and it's been flawless. Does whatever I need it to do, but getting super old by comparison to the new hardware out now. Anyway the interesting thing is I can't decide between the iPad mini or the iPad 4...but not because they are both so good, but because I don't know which one I like less. Then I realized that if each just had the great features from the other both would be "perfect"! Like so many people have mentioned, the iPad mini just needs an A6 (not for speed but more to bring it up to hardware spec with current technology ensuring a long life) and a retina screen, if it had both I'd buy it today, but it doesn't. On the other hand the iPad 4 feels heavy and it's form factor feels outdated by comparison so if it just had the updated design of the iPad mini IT would also be "perfect" and I would go buy one today, but it doesn't. So Apple has released two products that are almost there but not yet, and we all know that next versions they will add the things I just talked about.

So I think the issue is most people are trying to decide between the two not because both are great, but trying to decide which one is GOOD ENOUGH.

mikef07 · Nov 4, 2012, 09:01 AM

I was in the same boat. Using a 1st gen iPad and decided to upgrade. I ordered a 64GB iPad 4 LTE and was set on that until I went into the Apple store yesterday and the form factor of the mini was just too much to pass up. Bought an iPad mini and am going to test run it for the next few weeks until the iPad 4 arrives. If it doesn't fit the bill I will return it and keep the 4. I travel about 100,000 miles per year and anything and everything that can lower weight in the bag helps.

I thought the screen would be too small on the mini, but it was bigger than I though when I saw it in person. The weight in unbelievable.

Liquinn · Nov 4, 2012, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flavr

Its time for me to get a new iPad...Still rockin my gen 1 and it's been flawless. Does whatever I need it to do, but getting super old by comparison to the new hardware out now. Anyway the interesting thing is I can't decide between the iPad mini or the iPad 4...but not because they are both so good, but because I don't know which one I like less. Then I realized that if each just had the great features from the other both would be "perfect"! Like so many people have mentioned, the iPad mini just needs an A6 (not for speed but more to bring it up to hardware spec with current technology ensuring a long life) and a retina screen, if it had bith I'd buy it today, but it doesn't. On the other hand the iPad 4 feels heavy and it's form factor feels outdated by comparison so if it just had the updated design of the iPad mini IT would also be "perfect" and I would go buy one today, but it doesn't. So Apple has released two products that are almost there but not yet, and we all know that next versions they will add the things I just talked about.

So I think the issue is most people are trying to decide between the two not because both are great, but trying to decide which one is GOOD ENOUGH.

I got my iPad 4 on launch day - I would get the 4. It's quite an upgrade.

Just my opinion though.

Good luck!

rockyroad55 · Nov 4, 2012, 09:03 AM

Whichever one fits your needs. Want portability and size? Mini. Need power for apps and like a big screen? iPad 4.

FlatlinerG · Nov 4, 2012, 09:08 AM

How on earth are you content with the first gen ipad while complaining about the weight and form factor of the 4, and the speed of the mini. You do realize that the 4th gen weighs less than your 1st gen and the mini has a better processor than your 1st gen, right?

Either will be an upgrade by all accounts. What do you want, size or portability.

mikef07 · Nov 4, 2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlatlinerG

How on earth are you content with the first gen ipad while complaining about the weight and form factor of the 4, and the speed of the mini. You do realize that the 4th gen weighs less than your 1st gen and the mini has a better processor than your 1st gen, right?

Either will be an upgrade by all accounts. What do you want, size or portability.

Um I don' think he is content which is why he is looking (also which is why I was looking). Your only choice before was a 2 or a 3. Both similar in weight. To me the 2 was not enough to warrant an upgrade. Had the 3 had an A6 chip I would have upgraded, but it also was not enough to warrant an upgrade for me. I was set on the 4 until I saw the mini and now had a choice to have a lower weight form factor, albeit at the cost of a faster processor, better screen, and more RAM. Both are upgrades of processors and likely screens as well.

flavr · Nov 4, 2012, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlatlinerG

How on earth are you content with the first gen ipad while complaining about the weight and form factor of the 4, and the speed of the mini. You do realize that the 4th gen weighs less than your 1st gen and the mini has a better processor than your 1st gen, right?

Either will be an upgrade by all accounts. What do you want, size or portability.

Hahaha, I'm well aware of hardware and form factor differences even down to the chipset level. I've kept the iPad 1 because it still works perfect. That being said just because the iPad 4 is obviously thinner it still feels dated compared to the iPad minis new form factor (don't you agree?!?!)...As someone who sees no reason to upgrade every year I want one iPad that is up to date in form and function as well as specs, neither the current iPad mini or iPad 4 fit that description...

mattopotamus · 09:39 AM

That makes a lot of sense. If you really want a temporary upgrade until next year, get the mini. Will take about a $200 smaller hit. I will tell you this though....every time I think I want a mini I look at the iPad 4 screen and instantly change my mind. Also a 4 will yield great resale.

I'm sure next year will be a thinner, lighter 5....but the 4 specs are very very future proof.

FlatlinerG · Nov 4, 2012, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flavr

Hahaha, I'm well aware of hardware and form factor differences even down to the chipset level. I've kept the iPad 1 because it still works perfect. That being said just because the iPad 4 is obviously thinner it still feels dated compared to the iPad minis new form factor (don't you agree?!?!)...As someone who sees no reason to upgrade every year I want one iPad that is up to date in form and function as well as specs, neither the current iPad mini or iPad 4 fit that description...

Then I still dont understand the point of the thread. If the first gen does what you want it to do, and you don't like the other choices, then don't upgrade?

Nov 4, 2012, 08:56 AM	#1
flavr macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2011	iPad mini and iPad 4...problem is neither is great, so which one is "good enough"? Its time for me to get a new iPad...Still rockin my gen 1 and it's been flawless. Does whatever I need it to do, but getting super old by comparison to the new hardware out now. Anyway the interesting thing is I can't decide between the iPad mini or the iPad 4...but not because they are both so good, but because I don't know which one I like less. Then I realized that if each just had the great features from the other both would be "perfect"! Like so many people have mentioned, the iPad mini just needs an A6 (not for speed but more to bring it up to hardware spec with current technology ensuring a long life) and a retina screen, if it had both I'd buy it today, but it doesn't. On the other hand the iPad 4 feels heavy and it's form factor feels outdated by comparison so if it just had the updated design of the iPad mini IT would also be "perfect" and I would go buy one today, but it doesn't. So Apple has released two products that are almost there but not yet, and we all know that next versions they will add the things I just talked about. So I think the issue is most people are trying to decide between the two not because both are great, but trying to decide which one is GOOD ENOUGH.
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Nov 4, 2012, 09:08 AM	#5
FlatlinerG macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada	How on earth are you content with the first gen ipad while complaining about the weight and form factor of the 4, and the speed of the mini. You do realize that the 4th gen weighs less than your 1st gen and the mini has a better processor than your 1st gen, right? Either will be an upgrade by all accounts. What do you want, size or portability. __________________ Late 2011 MBP 13", Early 2009 20" iMac 2TB Time Capsule, 2nd Gen AppleTV 16GB Black iPhone 5, 32GB Black iPad 2 ...and many more.
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Nov 4, 2012, 09:34 AM	#8
mattopotamus macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2012	That makes a lot of sense. If you really want a temporary upgrade until next year, get the mini. Will take about a $200 smaller hit. I will tell you this though....every time I think I want a mini I look at the iPad 4 screen and instantly change my mind. Also a 4 will yield great resale. I'm sure next year will be a thinner, lighter 5....but the 4 specs are very very future proof. Last edited by mattopotamus; Nov 4, 2012 at 09:39 AM.
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Nov 4, 2012, 09:01 AM	#2
mikef07 macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2007	I was in the same boat. Using a 1st gen iPad and decided to upgrade. I ordered a 64GB iPad 4 LTE and was set on that until I went into the Apple store yesterday and the form factor of the mini was just too much to pass up. Bought an iPad mini and am going to test run it for the next few weeks until the iPad 4 arrives. If it doesn't fit the bill I will return it and keep the 4. I travel about 100,000 miles per year and anything and everything that can lower weight in the bag helps. I thought the screen would be too small on the mini, but it was bigger than I though when I saw it in person. The weight in unbelievable.
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Nov 4, 2012, 09:03 AM	#4
rockyroad55 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Phila, PA	Whichever one fits your needs. Want portability and size? Mini. Need power for apps and like a big screen? iPad 4.
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