All iPads Do you have an iPad mini and love it?

[wilberforce]

I have had several sizes of iPads, including two minis. The mini has several compromises compared to the larger sizes, and I have concluded that one must really need/want the smaller size to make up for the various compromises (such as the UI being simply a shrunken version of that which was originally designed for a ~10” screen, an on-screen keyboard that is more difficult to use and takes up more of the viewable area).
The mini is also being squeezed from above by iPads that now have smaller bezels and are lighter (compared to previous models), and from below by iPhones that now have larger screens compared to older models.
Also the minis have relatively poor performance/cost value. Lack of faceID is really annoying. Coming from a Pro model you will be constantly reminded of the extra step to do touchID, which is often laggy and slow and needs repeated touches to detect one’s fingerprint properly. FaceID just works invisibly.
I traded in my last mini.
I realize everyone has different needs/wants, but I suggest think carefully (and compare personally) before deciding on the mini. Settling on a compromise is not the same as loving it.

 

[Andy_2341]

I have had several sizes of iPads, including two minis. The mini has several compromises compared to the larger sizes, and I have concluded that one must really need/want the smaller size to make up for the various compromises (such as the UI being simply a shrunken version of that which was originally designed for a ~10” screen, an on-screen keyboard that is more difficult to use and takes up more of the viewable area).
The mini is also being squeezed from above by iPads that now have smaller bezels and are lighter (compared to previous models), and from below by iPhones that now have larger screens compared to older models.
Also the minis have relatively poor performance/cost value. Lack of faceID is really annoying. Coming from a Pro model you will be constantly reminded of the extra step to do touchID, which is often laggy and slow and needs repeated touches to detect one’s fingerprint properly. FaceID just works invisibly.
I traded in my last mini.
I realize everyone has different needs/wants, but I suggest think carefully (and compare personally) before deciding on the mini. Settling on a compromise is not the same as loving it.

Everyone does have different needs, but I type as fast on my Mini 6 as a I do on my phone, and in some cases quicker. (Special characters can swipe down on iPadOS). Personally, I find the 11” iPad too big to effectively type with in landscape but the Mini does come with the lesser space in landscape typing tradeoff.

 

[subjonas]

I have had several sizes of iPads, including two minis. The mini has several compromises compared to the larger sizes, and I have concluded that one must really need/want the smaller size to make up for the various compromises (such as the UI being simply a shrunken version of that which was originally designed for a ~10” screen, an on-screen keyboard that is more difficult to use and takes up more of the viewable area).
The mini is also being squeezed from above by iPads that now have smaller bezels and are lighter (compared to previous models), and from below by iPhones that now have larger screens compared to older models.
Also the minis have relatively poor performance/cost value. Lack of faceID is really annoying. Coming from a Pro model you will be constantly reminded of the extra step to do touchID, which is often laggy and slow and needs repeated touches to detect one’s fingerprint properly. FaceID just works invisibly.
I traded in my last mini.
I realize everyone has different needs/wants, but I suggest think carefully (and compare personally) before deciding on the mini. Settling on a compromise is not the same as loving it.

All devices have their own compromises, it's just a matter of what's the best set of compromises for the individual. But yes, people do get the Mini specifically for the size since it doesn't have the best specs nor the cheapest price. But I don't think it's close in size to the biggest iPhone nor the next smallest iPad. But that again is up to the individual.

 

[Pezimak]

I am trying to sell my iPad Pro to my sister, I used to love it but I just found iPad OS to be a pain, but I also found the iPad a bit too big to use for games etc. So I am very interested to see what this new Mini being rumoured will be like, especially if it is water proof! I may even downsize my iPhone then too!

So it's great to read peoples opinions on the iPad Mini.

 

[GMShadow]

Everyone does have different needs, but I type as fast on my Mini 6 as a I do on my phone, and in some cases quicker. (Special characters can swipe down on iPadOS). Personally, I find the 11” iPad too big to effectively type with in landscape but the Mini does come with the lesser space in landscape typing tradeoff.

Yeah, the 11" is a bit annoying because I could thumb type fine in portrait with the old 9.7" chassis, but I can't do that with the 11", yet the landscape typing is compromised too. It's why I ended up with the Mini/12.9" duo.

 

[MacMorrison]

I have an iPad Mini and I love it. It's the perfect size for reading ebooks.

I'd like to use an iPad for reading music, but the Mini's screen is a bit small for that purpose.

 

[chrono1081]

I have and like the mini BUT...I only like it for a VERY specific use case...media consumption.

I would not recommend a mini if you do any work on an iPad. I feel like the 11 inch is better suited to that. The mini is great if you just want something to read/watch videos/play some games on. As long as you set your expectations at that I think you'll be happy with the smaller size.