iPad Has anyone made the "downgrade" of an Air to a Retina Mini?

[TexasChemE]

We'll I'm coming to report back on my first weekend with the rMini. I wanted to pick it up before a weekend trip (typing this on United Airlines wifi, which is surprisingly decently fast). I really love the rMini... I really like being able to hold it in one hand and browse with one hand. Reading is easy (it would be an honest problem if I had eye problems), and while I've had a few mistouches with my fingertips, it just took a little used to having to be a little more precise with my touches. Battery is no significantly different than my Air. The speakers definitely don't sound as full as the Air's speakers, but that's just a minor setback for me; I don't use the speakers all that much anyways. Keyboard typing is much less awkward in portrait mode (I used to have to stretch my thumbs ton reach the T and Y keys on the air). Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[bevsb2]

Congratulations on your new rMini. I'm glad you love it. I love having the convenience of having my rMini with me all the time.

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My Mom came for a visit in March and took the mini home with her. She is loving it -- takes it with her when she goes out, while her Air stays at home. I sometimes miss the mini when I want to read an ebook at night, because the mini is easier to hold than the Air, but that's the only use case where I found the mini better than the Air. For all other uses, the Air is easier to see and to hit touch targets.

A cheaper alternative would be to get a Kindle Paperwhite for reading ebooks at night. It is very easy on the eyes and lightweight. It's on Amazon today reduced to $99, but you may want to wait as a newer version will probably be out soon.

 

[willyx]

We'll I'm coming to report back on my first weekend with the rMini. I wanted to pick it up before a weekend trip (typing this on United Airlines wifi, which is surprisingly decently fast). I really love the rMini... I really like being able to hold it in one hand and browse with one hand. Reading is easy (it would be an honest problem if I had eye problems), and while I've had a few mistouches with my fingertips, it just took a little used to having to be a little more precise with my touches. Battery is no significantly different than my Air. The speakers definitely don't sound as full as the Air's speakers, but that's just a minor setback for me; I don't use the speakers all that much anyways. Keyboard typing is much less awkward in portrait mode (I used to have to stretch my thumbs ton reach the T and Y keys on the air). Thanks for everyone's input!

Thank you for the feedback. It'd be great if you could post your impressions after a month with the rMini vs the Air, such as if you miss something with more extended use of it

 

[sfwalter]

One nice thing apple did when they introduced the retina mini is they made your decision easier. Basically it comes down to screen size.

I use to hate to sit on the couch and read with my iPad 2. Now I love to sit on the couch and read with the iPad Air.

 

[Night Spring]

A cheaper alternative would be to get a Kindle Paperwhite for reading ebooks at night. It is very easy on the eyes and lightweight. It's on Amazon today reduced to $99, but you may want to wait as a newer version will probably be out soon.

I've played around with the Kindles before, including the Paperwhite, and I don't like it. I just can't seem to get it on with eink. Everybody keeps saying it is easy on the eyes, but it gives me a headache.

 

[TexasChemE]

Thank you for the feedback. It'd be great if you could post your impressions after a month with the rMini vs the Air, such as if you miss something with more extended use of it

Will do!