All iPads First iPad..

Portability, I say the mini. Although the 4 is real nice. Fast and the screen is beautiful. Hard choice but I'd go with the 4.

 

I find the bigger screen on the ipad 4 makes Internet browsing easier and ore comfortable. But if you portability, it would be the ipad mini if you want single hand navigation. It's also lighter so holding it without resting on a flat surface wouldn't be tiring. Reading novels or text only files is good for the mini but again if Yu have images in it like for PDF or textbook files, the ipad 4 with the big screen will make it more comfortable. I would google some images and watch some review videos to guesstimate the size and see if its something you want for yourself...especially if you aren't close to the store...researching before you hit the stores will give you an idea which one you want so you can just go to e store to physically experience if before purchase

 

Go with 4. It is a mature design, and the screen is just incredible.

Mini is in its first generation, and is not mature yet. In particular, the hardware is too old, especially its processor. The next generation of mini will probably be much much better.

In terms of portability, mini is in an awkward position. It is smaller than 4, but not small enough to fit into an average pocket. You still need a bag to carry it around. So it makes no difference if you are carrying a mini or a 4 in the bag.

The main disadvantage of 4 then is its weight, especially when being hand-held for extended hours. But since you play hockey, I don't think the minimal difference in weight means anything to you. Considering its other advantages, especially the size and quality of its screen, the extra weight is really nothing.

So if you have the cash, go with 4.

 

just another vote for the 4 here. When and if the mini gets a Retina display then in terms of portability I guess it would win, but the 4 is the better option at present. If you could get your hands on both a comparison would be the best way to go about your choice though. The 4 really isn't that much bigger, and the screen more than makes up for the size IMO.

 

iPad 4 for sure....by a huge margin !!!

 

Real man stand sturdy with full size Ipad in his hand or you can be little boy walking around with Ipad mini in your palm.

 

I'm kind of in the same boat here. I currently have the iPhone 5 and have had every model iPhone since the 3g but never an iPad. Purchased an iPad 3 for my daughter when she went off to medical school and got to play with it a little but have not handled the iPad 4.

I considered the mini but figured I already have an iPhone so don't really need portability since it would mostly stay in the house. Figured the larger screen would be easier on the old eyes and come in handy for such things as web browsing & accessing tech manuals. I'm sure the wife will find a use for it too if I leave it sitting around very long.

So, I'm going with the iPad 4 probably sometime within the next month that is if Santa doesn't bring me one for Christmas.

 

Similar boat here too.

Have had an iPhone 4S and now have the iPhone 5, so I never had a pre-Retina screen. I really like the size of the Mini, and also the lower price (my girlfriend is thinking about getting me one for Christmas and I'd like for her to not have to spend so much).

But I will use it mostly for browsing the web and reading iBooks..Checked out the Mini in store earlier this week and really like it, but feel like the screen looks awkward..especially in the Settings app, just the lists look kind of scrunched and the letters don't seem very clear..

Also, I have an almost 4 year old MBP that's become very slow. The only real thing I need it for is for managing all of my music files (music not bought from iTunes) and transferring them to my iPhone (and hopefully soon) iPad, so it will for most things be replacing my MBP as well..

So basically I really can't decide, I like the price and size of the Mini, but I like the screen quality of the 4.

Any help?

 

The answer is clear: Refurbished iPad 3.

 

Well I want to have the Lightning connector, since I have that now with my iPhone 5. I gave my old 4S to my girlfriend so I have no more of the old 30 pin cables, and I have an extra Lightning cable I bought, so I don't really want to step backwards now..I know, a silly reason, but if I'm getting new tech I'd like to get the newest version..