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iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 are now both priced at $399
- Thread starter myrtlebee
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I guess the reasoning is that, despite having the same specs, the iPad Air 2 is 1yr older. But yeah, it is odd to have them both at $399. The iPad Air2 is still a fantastic machine and at $200 less then this model would still be the one I'd recommend to most normal users.
True. The Air 2 does have an A8X, which is better than the A8 in the iPad mini 4. I would have went with it over my mini 4 if they were priced the same when I bought it because of that and the larger screen.
This really puts the Mini 4 in a weird place. I bought the Mini 4 last fall because I really do like the more portable form factor. Price wasn't an issue. However, if the Air 2 had been priced the same at the time it would have been hard for me to justify not getting a bit more for my money. I wonder how many people will choose the Mini 4 over the Air 2 now.
The Air 2 has a tri-core A8X processor while the Mini 4 has a dual-core A8. Other than that their specs are the same. So yes, in theory the Air 2 would be more "future proof", but for all intents and purposes they'll probably reach obsolescence at about the same time.
The A8X has a substantially faster GPU then the A8 as well. It's quite noticeable in certain places. That and the extra core I think will give the Air 2 some additional useful life as compared to the mini 4.
I had chosen the Mini 4 over the Air 2 for size purposes, but now I'm debating unloading the Mini 4 for the new 9.7" Pro. I've tried for years to find a solution to the endless notepads I partially fill and inevitably lose, however the stylus just hasn't provided a solution I could live with. The Apple Pencil integration may be what I've been waiting for.
And the Mini 4 offers 128GB, while Air 2 does not. Lineup seems messy and crowded.
No, I'm arguing that if they didn't do what I proposed in the original post then it would have made more sense to do that. I'm not talking from what I want, I'm talking about what makes more sense.
Exactly what I am thinking! I have the 128GB iPad Mini 4, and even got an Adonis Jot Dash Stylus with it, but it still doesn't replace my pen and paper at work. with the new IPP 9.7" and Apple Pencil, I think we might have a winner...
I feel like every single one of Apple's lineups are messy and crowded, iPad lineup as we mentioned... iPhone lineup has the SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, and 6S Plus... SE is better than 6 and 6 plus in terms of power and features, but it costs less (yes it has a smaller screen but thats segmented and weird) iPhone 6 Plus costs the same as 6S. SE is newest and best yet marketed as the low end, being the cheapest.
Macbook lineup... dont even get me started. 13" MBP costs the same as 12" retina macbook. just sayin.
I agree. Keeping the air 2 at $499 would arguably make the 9.7 pro more attractive as it is 'only' $100 more, or the price of the 64GB air 2.
I'm going to give it a thorough test drive once they are available in-store before deciding. From the reviews of the Pencil, however, I'm thinking I'll be picking one up.
Would love to hear your opinion / review. I think I'll get it and try it out for a few weeks, as soon as it comes out here...
You got a bit more for your money by buying a Mini 4. A bit more...portability.
IMO the Mini is completely superior to the 9.7". Big enough for books/comics/games/movies, but comfortable to hold in one hand...just like a paperback book. That's huge (pun intended).
You got a bit more for your money by buying a Mini 4. A bit more...portability.
IMO the Mini is completely superior to the 9.7". Big enough for books/comics/games/movies, but comfortable to hold in one hand...just like a paperback book. That's huge (pun intended).
Yeah, I really do like the size of the Mini. That was the main factor in my decision rather than price.
I would have thought dropping the Mini4 to $299 and leaving that as the only Mini option available would be the best bet - the Mini2 has no place in the line-up today. No reason they can't - the 32 GB AppleTV has an A8 chip, 2GB ram and the Siri remote for $149 so adding a 7.9" screen surely can't add $150 to the price can it?