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Browse a few text-based web pages (maybe ideally a newspaper site like NYT) and watch a video if you can to see if you feel like the screen size is going to matter to you. Different people come to different conclusions on this. You are the best judge of what will work for *you.*
Concluded that I prefer the bigger display of Air but Mini feels more comfortable to actually hold in the hand.

Still undecided
 
Try holding the Air 2 in your hands for a while and see how it feels.
A bit unwieldy. I also prefer the smaller bezels of the Mini aesthetically. Then again, that big display is gorgeous.

Are the refurbished Apple products exactly like new?
 
A bit unwieldy. I also prefer the smaller bezels of the Mini aesthetically. Then again, that big display is gorgeous.

Are the refurbished Apple products exactly like new?
Totally, they are the best! Have had an MBA refurb and it was totally like new. They aren't gonna have wear or anything.
 
Concluded that I prefer the bigger display of Air but Mini feels more comfortable to actually hold in the hand.

Still undecided
That is the issue. Portability and comfort of holding, or nice big screen? Going through the same decision now. ATM I'm leaning towards Air 2, cause I do enjoy the larger screen. But I also know the mini 4 is so light it would be a joy to hold for long periods which I do with my iPad a lot.
 
A bit unwieldy. I also prefer the smaller bezels of the Mini aesthetically. Then again, that big display is gorgeous.

Are the refurbished Apple products exactly like new?

I seldom use my Air 2 in my hands - usually it gets rested on something when I'm using it. The Mini is ideal in the hand...

Yes, refurbs are as good as new, just no white consumer box.
 
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We got rid of our Air 1 for two new Mini 4's....upgrade in power and more desirable form factor on our end.

These little pads are awesome :)
 
Im curious to see if anyone has done this, and what their thoughts are on it. Has anyone switched from the full sized iPad to the mini? If so, what prompted your decision?

After an iOS update rendered my original iPad unusable (performance was just awful) I replaced it with a Mini 2. I like the size a lot better and always had found the full size iPad to be unwieldy.
I might need to replace the Mini 2 since while useable, it is rather sluggish when compared to my iPhone 6s+. Back when I got the Mini it had exactly the same performance and capabilities of the full sized iPad, just in a smaller package. Now, unfortunately the mini is no longer as capable or fast as the same year's full size iPad. So if I do replace the mini I have ill probably have to go with the full size model in order to weather a few more iOS updates. I can probably get a year or two more use out of it if I get the top performer.
 
Gosh, this decision is SO TOUGH! I think I've reached the conclusion that: I'm totally equally divided between the two iPads. I really like my large 9.7 inch Retina display on my Air and so that makes me want to go with the air 2; BUT I can't really hold the Air easily in one hand, or as comfortably as I know the mini 4 will be. I like the idea of the ultra light form factor. Fortunately I still have about a month to decide, but I'd like to make up my mind....
 
You could get the mini 4 and keep the Air 1. You could then use both, switching according to which form factor is the most appropriate for a given task.
 
You could get the mini 4 and keep the Air 1. You could then use both, switching according to which form factor is the most appropriate for a given task.
I would do this, but I have to sell my iPad Air 1 in order to get some of the money for a new iPad.
Anyway, I was doing some serious thinking about it and I think I'm gonna go with the air 2. I have a feeling that I'll get the mini 4 and then regret it and want the larger screen. I don't want that to happen, and plus I'm already used to the 9.7 inch size. It is definitely more immersive which is what I want. So that is what helped me decide. I'm going Air 2.
 
Also there are some excellent deals on eBay on the air 2, for open box or brand new Air 2's at $100 or more off. I'll either go that route or Apple refurbished. Hoping to get a 128gb and keep it for a good long while.
 
So, I've basically figured out that the main thing holding me back from the mini 4 is that I might miss the larger screen. If I can figure out I'll be fine with the smaller size I know I'll enjoy it cause of that lightness and form factor. Does anyone have any specific experience after switching to a mini where they either missed or didn't mind the screen size difference?
 
So, I've basically figured out that the main thing holding me back from the mini 4 is that I might miss the larger screen. If I can figure out I'll be fine with the smaller size I know I'll enjoy it cause of that lightness and form factor. Does anyone have any specific experience after switching to a mini where they either missed or didn't mind the screen size difference?

I can tell you that I'm actually enjoying the switch. I have a iPhone 6 Plus and I use the mini as a wider screen. I found the Air/Air 2 too unwieldy for my tastes.
 
Personally I love my iPad mini, but I suspect you should stick with the Air. In my opinion, in the end for most people it comes down to a gut level preference for one or the other. Sometime one or the other just makes you smile. At some point one needs to stop analyzing and look at how one spontaneously feels at a gut level, without worrying about rationalizing things.

So when you write about the Air, you say things like "So I was just lying in bed using my iPad Air 1 . . .and as I was using it I thought, this screen is just so nice, and I know if I got the mini I'd miss it. I love this size, and even though it may be a bit less portable, it is worth it cause this screen is great." I would tend to go with that.

This is probably muddying the waters, but I'll point out the holiday season is coming up, where there's an extended return period. So if you got one or the other then and regretted your decision, you'd have extra time to change your mind.
 
Personally I love my iPad mini, but I suspect you should stick with the Air. In my opinion, in the end for most people it comes down to a gut level preference for one or the other. Sometime one or the other just makes you smile. At some point one needs to stop analyzing and look at how one spontaneously feels at a gut level, without worrying about rationalizing things.

So when you write about the Air, you say things like "So I was just lying in bed using my iPad Air 1 . . .and as I was using it I thought, this screen is just so nice, and I know if I got the mini I'd miss it. I love this size, and even though it may be a bit less portable, it is worth it cause this screen is great." I would tend to go with that.

This is probably muddying the waters, but I'll point out the holiday season is coming up, where there's an extended return period. So if you got one or the other then and regretted your decision, you'd have extra time to change your mind.
Yeah that is definitely true. That is what makes me want to go for the air 2. I know getting the mini would be ultimately a compromise. Even though the lightness is nice, the bigger screen is nicer.
I am gonna plan on getting the Air 2 now. B4 I make my mind up 100% though, I'm gonna play around with them and maybe bring my air 1 too, in the Apple Store to make a final decision.
 
I switched from Air 2 to Mini 4. I read a lot on my way to work or somewhere else and Air 2 was clumsy and heavy. Mini is a lot better. At first I thought that at home the mini can't compete with Air 2 but after one month I got used to it. But now I will probably switch to 6S Plus.
 
Just bought a mini4 today after doubting a lot between air 2 and mini 4.
The form factor is perfect for me, I can't believe it's not more popular!
I miss 3D Touch, hey Siri unplugged, an updated design ( I keep reaching for the power button on the side, but it's still on top) and an A9 from my iPhone 6s.

It's more fun to read, text, play games and video then a bigger iPad.
 
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