I recently had to sell my ipad 3 for financial reasons. My parents have casino reward points and they say in December for their points they can get an ipad mini (first generation), 32 GB. For those who have the first mini, is the screen so much inferior that it's worth passing up the deal to get the mini retina when it comes out tomorrow? Or should I tell my parents to order the mini first-gen for me?
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iPad mini For those with the mini 1 ...
- Thread starter Poisonivy326
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I have the iPad mini with 32GB and the screen is excellent. You don't need a retina screen in order to enjoy using the iPad mini.
I agree with GG. I really enjoy my mini and won't be upgrading anytime soon. Lack if retina won't ruin it for you.
I find myself always unable to disagree with GGJstudios!
He speaks the truth. I use mine daily while tethered to my iPhone 5.
I go between both no problem so ignore the naysayers...
He speaks the truth. I use mine daily while tethered to my iPhone 5.
I go between both no problem so ignore the naysayers...
No, I had a retina iPad.. sold it off and picked up a Mini.. the screen is fantastic. Of course it's not Retina but it doesn't retract from the experience or it's usefulness as an iPad.
The Mini is really a great form factor and experience. Surprised me actually. On the other hand, I could not use it as a device for watching video content without a higher resolution screen. If you don't watch movies or tv shows or if you usually download SD content, then no worries.
Go to an Apple store (or any reseller that has display models) and try one. Hold it up close and far away and see how you like it. That's the best way to know for sure if you will like it.
I've gone to the store and the screen looks great but I've never held it for an extended period of time (like read a book or watched a movie).
Also, I prefer the ios/Apple ecosystem but does anyone have a comparison of the mini with like-sized competitors like the Nexus 7?
Also, I prefer the ios/Apple ecosystem but does anyone have a comparison of the mini with like-sized competitors like the Nexus 7?
My two cents worth,
I don't have a mini, but I just sold my iPad 3 in hopes of getting the new iPad Mini.
I borrowed my dad's iPad Mini for the day. I did not like using the mini when web browsing and playing games. It was great for reading a book! I will not be going with the new mini, but will get the new iPad. I am not sure I want to give up screen real estate for having just a little bit smaller iPad.
Everyone has different reasons of choosing which iPad will best suite their needs. I agree with one of the above posts, go to an Apple Store and spend sometime with one (or borrow someones for a day). I really thought the mini would be right for me, but after a couple of hours I knew the iPad was a better choice.
Good Luck!
Jeff
I don't have a mini, but I just sold my iPad 3 in hopes of getting the new iPad Mini.
I borrowed my dad's iPad Mini for the day. I did not like using the mini when web browsing and playing games. It was great for reading a book! I will not be going with the new mini, but will get the new iPad. I am not sure I want to give up screen real estate for having just a little bit smaller iPad.
Everyone has different reasons of choosing which iPad will best suite their needs. I agree with one of the above posts, go to an Apple Store and spend sometime with one (or borrow someones for a day). I really thought the mini would be right for me, but after a couple of hours I knew the iPad was a better choice.
Good Luck!
Jeff
Bear in mind the new iPads aren't coming out tomorrow but at best will be announced for order or preorder probably in sometime time in the next week or two.
I have a mini and an iPad 3, and weirdly enough, when the non-retina of the mini bothers me is when I'm playing games. The colors don't quite come out as bright and clear on the mini as on the retina iPad. Other than that, the mini screen doesn't bother me.
Well I went to an Apple store nearby today and played a little with the mini. The lower resolution is noticeable but I think I can live with it. I really liked the size and feel of it in my hands though. I think I'll tell my parents to order me one via the casino rewards points. 
I had a retina 3, then a 4, and had a Mini and a 4 simultaneously for almost a year. I sold the 4 because I only used it at home and couldn't justify keeping it. But, I do miss the retina screen. I definitely get eye fatigue from reading for extended periods on the Mini.
I will be getting a retina Mini, not just for the screen, but also in the hopes that things run more smoothly on it. Games can get pretty choppy, and large mkv files can stutter.
I will be getting a retina Mini, not just for the screen, but also in the hopes that things run more smoothly on it. Games can get pretty choppy, and large mkv files can stutter.
I agree. I love the display on the current Mini.
If the new Mini has no retina display, I'll keep on using my Mini till next year.
But if the new Mini has retina, you won't love the current one so much anymore...? lol
I think if you're chiming in to say the current Mini screen is great, and you love it, it's a little disingenuous to follow that with "but I will replace it with a retina if I can". You're giving the OP mixed signals.
I am replacing the mini with whatever they come out with, retina or not, because it will be faster, and while the current screen is decent, I don't love it. If I did, I wouldn't be jumping on a retina.
I'll say it again, if there is no retina display, I'll be happy to keep on using this one for another year.
switched to the mini after i broke my iPad 3, have absolutely no complaints. The screen has been just fine, and I love the form factor 10x over the big iPad.
The mini ROCKS! I love mine.
....so let me get this straight....the choice is a 'free, current mini 32' vs. paying full price for the new model announced tomorrow? I guess I don't understand why that would be a tough decision. No brainer. Common sense brotha
Get the 'free, current' mini...and six, eight months from now, sell it for a decent price if you're lusting for the new breed (whatever you get is more than nothing, right?)---then take advantage of mid cycle sales, refurb or used units.
Win. Win!
I love my mini. I've got the '4' to and it would be nearly impossible for me to get rid of either. And I use them both often and daily
J
....so let me get this straight....the choice is a 'free, current mini 32' vs. paying full price for the new model announced tomorrow? I guess I don't understand why that would be a tough decision. No brainer. Common sense brotha
Get the 'free, current' mini...and six, eight months from now, sell it for a decent price if you're lusting for the new breed (whatever you get is more than nothing, right?)---then take advantage of mid cycle sales, refurb or used units.
Win. Win!
I love my mini. I've got the '4' to and it would be nearly impossible for me to get rid of either. And I use them both often and daily
J
it's whatever you are used to. i first had a mini and was relatively happy with it, but once i borrowed an ipad 4 and got used to the retina resolution, i couldn't go back. that being said, had i not played around with a retina ipad for too long, i probably would still be perfectly happy with the non retina screen of the mini. i would imagine, the same goes for the laptops.