I currently have the iPad Mini with Retina Display 64gb and cellular. I'm looking to upgrade to the 128gb model. I found an iPad Air 128gb non-cellular for $650 and an iPad Mini with Retina Display 128gb non-cellular for $475 on Craigslist. Both are in like new condition, though the seller for the iPad Mini says he does not have the box/accessories. I'm not sure which is the better deal here. I don't think anyone will trade his/her iPad from a higher capacity to a lower capacity, so I think I will have a better chance if I sell my iPad Mini for $600. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
All iPads iPad Buying Advice
- Thread starter hungx
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
EDIT: I read your original post wrong. However, I would still avoid Craigslist for such a priced item.
As far as Air vs. rMini goes, I would decide if screen size or portability is more important to you. I bought an Air at launch. I had always had full sized iPads. I bought my wife the original Mini when it launched and really liked the smaller size. I decided to sell my Air and get the rMini. I have found that I use it more because I take it with me more.
Both sizes are great and offer their own benefits and drawbacks.
Original reply:
The price difference is pretty big, but I would go with the new one from the Apple store. It seems that with the activation lock on iOS 7 more and more people are getting scammed on Craigslist.
As far as Air vs. rMini goes, I would decide if screen size or portability is more important to you. I bought an Air at launch. I had always had full sized iPads. I bought my wife the original Mini when it launched and really liked the smaller size. I decided to sell my Air and get the rMini. I have found that I use it more because I take it with me more.
Both sizes are great and offer their own benefits and drawbacks.
Original reply:
The price difference is pretty big, but I would go with the new one from the Apple store. It seems that with the activation lock on iOS 7 more and more people are getting scammed on Craigslist.
If I go for either the Mini or the Air, I probably won't be keeping it for long since I will probably upgrade to the cellular version. I had the iPad 4 before (I gave it to my mom) so I bought the iPad Mini with Retina Display. Like you, I came from the full sized iPad (4th gen, but never had the Air) and much prefer the smaller form factor of the Mini. I have heard that the Air is different. I'm also disappointed that the color gamut of the Mini is inferior to that of the iPhone even though it has the same pixel density. I will probably buy the Air for now since the absence of the box/accessories for the Mini is setting off warning flags for me.
I literally went through 3 iPads in one month. I bought the 1st gen iPad Mini 16gb and sold it a week later, then bought a 1st gen cellular iPad Mini 32gb and sold it a week later, and finally bought my cellular iPad Mini with Retina Display 64gb.
Regarding scams on CL, I am very careful. Before completing the transaction, I check to see that iCloud activation lock is turned off and for cellular GSM models, I bring along a SIM card and see if it can be activated on the network. The only reason why I don't buy new is because of the savings: I can usually get a used iPad for at least $200 off retail price.
----------
The two models I am currently considering do not have cellular. I would like to eventually upgrade to the cellular model. The only reasons why I want the cellular model is that it has a GPS chip and that I have the free 250mb data plan from T-Mobile.
Have you checked out the current sale with T-Mobile?
I got my rMini from them since the LTE models are the same price as the wifi models.
That's still about $860 for the 128gb iPad Mini after sales tax. (8% here in Davis, CA). I think I will get the WiFi iPad Air 128gb off CL for now.
Edit: It's actually about $750 for the iPad Mini including sales tax. I was looking at the iPad Air when I calculated the price.
Last edited:
I am now considering buying the iPad Mini from T-Mobile. Did you buy yours online or in store? I've heard about the sale, but if I select the option to pay in full, the price is listed as $829.99.
Edit: Nevermind. The retail price is listed as $698.87, but they don't have an option to buy it at that price. I think I should be able to buy it with a simple phone call or if I buy it in store. Does anyone know if T-Mobile stores usually have 128gb iPads in stock?
I bought mine in store. I have been told by more than one store that they typically only stock the lower storage models. They keep plenty of 16gb on hand and very few 32gb models. I did not ever ask about the 128gb. I have heard that they ship pretty quickly though.
Did they need to do a credit check before you bought the iPad? They wouldn't let me buy one without a credit check. Their system apparently won't allow them to order the iPad without a paid data plan. I will try another store.