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iPad mini Help me figure out why I don't want an iPad.

W

warvanov

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 13, 2011
504
12
So I haven't jumped on the iPad bandwagon let. I've got a 13" MBP which I think is portable enough for my needs, and I recently got an iPhone 5 that I can take with me everywhere. What do I need an iPad for?

Don't get me wrong, I want to want one. I always thought the full size iPad was too big, but I took a close look at the iPad mini today and really liked the size, the form factor, and the screen. I couldn't bring myself to buy one though, just because I couldn't figure out what I would use it for.

What do you use your iPad or iPad mini for? What's the advantage to having one if I've already got a MBP and an iPhone? Is there something I'm missing?
 
I've a iPhone 4S, MacBook Air and an iPad 1, phone is on the road use, iPad is at home use, air for work as I actually hate using the air for anything other than what it's for , work and iMovie maybe.
 
I can only speak for myself, but I do also have an iPhone 5 and a 13" MBP. Recently got a mini.

First let's be clear. The iPad mini is not a necessity, it won't substitute a computer at all for doing above average stuff.

Then what the iPad mini is? Nothing more than a pure media consumption device.

What does this mean?? The device I use the most is the iPad mini. It is so convienent to carry around, to instantly check what's going on, news, books, magazines, games, wepages, music. It is a truly awesome device for those who like to be roaming around the house always connected, to be watching a game while tweeting.

The easiest way to answer, is that I use my iPad mini for everything but save for a few things.

MBP:
Programming, webpage design, excel, word, homework.

iPhone 5:
Social networking, agenda, quick notes. Only used while on the go.

In the end for me it turned that instead of the iPad mini being a device for a particular purpose, it turned into my everything-for device. Leaving my other devices for very particular tasks, specially my MBP is hardly used now.
 
Just make your own decision; it's your cash. If you can't make this easy decision then you don't need the iPad

Oh and have a turkey sandwich for lunch.
 
warvanov said:
What do I need an iPad for?

Don't get me wrong, I want to want one.
Click to expand...

These kind of threads make my head hurt. Are you incapable of independent thought OP?
Since you say you don't want or need one. Why do you want to want one?

(I can't believe I'm even asking....)
 
No offense OP, but if you cannot figure out why you don't want an iPad then don't buy one.

If you have little need or desire for the tablet, then move on and save your money.
 
Alright, guys. Don't bite my head off.

I'm mostly interested in what other people use their iPads for. Maybe to inspire me with something I haven't given enough thought to, but mostly because I'm curious.
 
I received an iPad mini for Christmas. Aside from using it when I loaf around, I find that it makes an excellent secondary display when connected to my 13" MacBook Pro.

Specifically, I use the Air Display app to display Contacts, Calendar, Reminders and other applications on my iPad. It's nice to have two apps open at once with quick access to both.
 
I have an air 11" and the iPhone 5, and when I got my mini I found it extremely useful for lots of stuff by itself and very useful as a tool to use while working on the laptop, for example ill pull up state code and have the mini stand upright while I work on pleadings on the air.

You probably won't need the full size ipad but the mini fits the gap between your phone and 13"
 
I have an MBP...

I use my ipad for reading ebooks, magazines (Scientific American), Wall Street Journal, casual gaming, document review on airplanes with limited space...

Also streaming video when laptop is less optimal for where I am sitting, etc.

The laptop is not always the best form for digesting "stuff".

R
 
warvanov said:
Alright, guys. Don't bite my head off.

I'm mostly interested in what other people use their iPads for. Maybe to inspire me with something I haven't given enough thought to, but mostly because I'm curious.
Click to expand...

Search the forum for "What do you use your ipad for".

If you're curious, buy one and try it out.
 
I have a 2010 iMac, rMBP 13", iPad 3, iPad mini and iPhone 5.

Occupation: Research scientist

Here is my breakdown...

iMac is at home and used for heavy computing needs and large screen.

MacBook for travel and lounge-work.

iPad 3 with Logitech slimcase keyboard for meetings.

Mini for travel to work.

iPhone (well, it's a phone...).

But in many ways my iPad (3) has become my new laptop, with the mini my tablet... iMac is almost redundant if one has a MacBook with an external monitor...

Anyhow, just my two-cents on how my tech' life is shaping up...
 
borrow from a friend or at least use it within a week.
I am also a cynic when the ipad comes out, but now.. it hardly leaves my side.
 
warvanov said:
Alright, guys. Don't bite my head off.

I'm mostly interested in what other people use their iPads for. Maybe to inspire me with something I haven't given enough thought to, but mostly because I'm curious.
Click to expand...

A reasonable request, perhaps best asked right off the bat ;)

You will like it. Trust me. You will like it more than any other laptop or computer. It takes time, and actually, your predicament is typical. It's hard to see the value. It really does look like a gimmick, or gee wiz toy.

not so.
 
You're not missing anything. Most people I know who own an iPad say they rarely use it. I regard it as a toy but I recognize it's popularity has a snowball effect.
 
designs216 said:
You're not missing anything. Most people I know who own an iPad say they rarely use it. I regard it as a toy but I recognize it's popularity has a snowball effect.
Click to expand...

Don't listen to this. This person hasn't used one for long. Notice the 'most people I know'.
 
mac jones said:
Don't listen to this. This person hasn't used one for long. Notice the 'most people I know'.
Click to expand...

All I'm saying to the OP is, don't feel like you have to buy one just because they are ubiquitous. I have an MBP which is a productivity machine and not simply for content consumption. If the iPad had not been given to me, I would be like you and admit I have little use for it.
 
This is more like the sort of feedback I was looking for. I suppose I should have been more straightforward in my initial post and less tongue-in-cheek.
 
warvanov said:
So I haven't jumped on the iPad bandwagon let. I've got a 13" MBP which I think is portable enough for my needs, and I recently got an iPhone 5 that I can take with me everywhere. What do I need an iPad for?

Don't get me wrong, I want to want one. I always thought the full size iPad was too big, but I took a close look at the iPad mini today and really liked the size, the form factor, and the screen. I couldn't bring myself to buy one though, just because I couldn't figure out what I would use it for.

What do you use your iPad or iPad mini for? What's the advantage to having one if I've already got a MBP and an iPhone? Is there something I'm missing?
Click to expand...

Why do you want to want one if you have no need/want? I look at them purely as content consumption and fun devices. I watch TV shows and play games. If that's not for you, fine, I don't see a point in anyone trying to convince you into an iPad.
 
I have an iPad 1 64GB that I purchased a couple months before iPad 2 came out - I like my iPad...but it is not uncommon not to use it for several days in a row. I prefer my laptop on my lap or my iPhone on the move. I have tried iPad 3, 4, Mini but returned them all. I just cant justify paying $ for them with my use personally (Their worth it to people that need/want them - I AM NOT BASHING iPad) ok back to my post....The only reason I have the iPad 1 is because it cost me $200 new.

If you dont need it - its fine - doesn't mean the iPad isn't useful - just not useful to you.
 
warvanov said:
What do you use your iPad or iPad mini for? What's the advantage to having one if I've already got a MBP and an iPhone? Is there something I'm missing?
Click to expand...

OP, try one. Almost everyone says the same thing but end up forgetting they own a computer until it's time to sync.
 
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