TouchID is a major convenience - to some, it might be worth $100, and at least will increase the resale value of the iPad Mini come the iPad Mini 4 (if we ever see one). . .
Agreed. If I didn't already own a mini 2 I'd seriously consider getting it.
TouchID is a major convenience - to some, it might be worth $100, and at least will increase the resale value of the iPad Mini come the iPad Mini 4 (if we ever see one). . .
Whether by luck or by design, Apple got the form factor of the mini perfect as I'm concerned. If it were half an inch taller or wider, it wouldn't fit easily in a suit jacket pocket the way it does now. Any smaller and for me at least it wouldn't be comfortable for reading PDF's. I've kept an eye out on similar size Android tablets, but so far I haven't seen one I'd want to use instead, and on top of that, I don't know if the software support for viewing and annotating pdf documents on Android would be as good. I choose a tablet based on how well it meets my needs and requirements, not necessarily if it's on the cutting edge. For now at least that's still the iPad mini, though I try to keep an open mind.
Whether by luck or by design, Apple got the form factor of the mini perfect as I'm concerned. If it were half an inch taller or wider, it wouldn't fit easily in a suit jacket pocket the way it does now. Any smaller and for me at least it wouldn't be comfortable for reading PDF's. I've kept an eye out on similar size Android tablets, but so far I haven't seen one I'd want to use instead, and on top of that, I don't know if the software support for viewing and annotating pdf documents on Android would be as good. I choose a tablet based on how well it meets my needs and requirements, not necessarily if it's on the cutting edge. For now at least that's still the iPad mini, though I try to keep an open mind.
As long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters.
I'm quite happy with my new 32GB Mini 2 that arrived on Tuesday.
Unless I'm missing something, the only thing the iPad mini 3 has that the mini 2 doesn't is Touch ID, a feature I don't need or want. I'm still happy with my original iPad mini, but if I were going to get a new one, it would be the mini 2. My old eyes can't see any difference between mine and the retina display, so I'm not even in a rush for that reason.
64GB and 128GB storage are exclusive to iPad Mini 3. The iPad Mini 2 comes only in 16GB and 32GB.
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Also, unless you require 64GB and 128GB; both of which are only available on the iPad Mini 3 new from Apple.
Only you can determine if you'll be happy with that model. If you need/want it and the cost is right for you, do it.I've ben debating back & forth on if I should upgrade my original Mini or not. Like you, I didn't think the Mini 3 was worth it. But I did find the rMini2 64gb wifi/cellular for $449. Should I go for it? Amazon is offering up $236 for a trade in so I'm happy to take that.
If it's your first iPad Mini, go for it. If you own the previous Mini with Retina, you are a fool for purchasing this.
Prior to the keynote, I was planning on getting Mini 3 to upgrade from the mini first gen both for more storage, Touch ID, and a faster processor. Granted it's not A8 nor A8X, but I'm still sticking with my plan.
The only reason to get a Mini 3 is if you need a lot of storage. That's about all the difference there is.
i really wanted to buy the mini 3 this year. but i'm so disappointed in the "upgrade", that i can't buy it. i really thought they would stop making it inferior after last year...
gonna vote with my wallet. i want it to stay on the shelves to make them realize they made a mistake. sadly its probably going to sell well anyway.
The only reason to get a Mini 3 is if you need a lot of storage. That's about all the difference there is.

Even people who got kids are better off with Amazon Kindle because its only $150 while ipad mini (original, cheapest iPad) is still $250.
The major advantage of the mini was probably its weight.
Now that we have the iPad Air 2, the only thing that iPad mini has over iPad Air 2 is a smaller screen size.
Now there may be a market for a screen size that is larger than iphone 6 plus but smaller than iPad Air 2 but I doubt its a big market.
I believe Apple made those tablets just for people who are too stingy to pay a $100 in price difference, because those who wish for a smaller screen are probably e-book readers and they are simply better off with the Amazon Kindle.
Even people who got kids are better off with Amazon Kindle because its only $150 while ipad mini (original, cheapest iPad) is still $250.