iPad mini iPad Mini 6 64GB or 256GB or iPad Pro 11 128GB

[gregpod9]

I'm thinking of getting the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Pro 11 inch 128GB. I'm not sure what color I should choose for the iPad Mini 6: Space Grey or Starlight color if I decide to get the Mini. The iPad Mini or the iPad Pro will be my only tablet. My main usages will be streaming music, reading, web browsing, and playing games. I really like the the size of the iPad 6 Mini and it would be more comfortable to use, however for $150 over the 256GB iPad Mini 6 I can get the the base model iPad Pro, which has better specs over the iPad Mini, however I really don't like the idea of having a laptop/desktop processor in a tablet and it will be feel like my MBA M1. I'm planning to keep the iPad for about 2 years.

So can you recommend me which is the best iPad for my needs and if you recommend AppleCare for it?

 

[wilberforce]

I have both an 11" iPad Pro and an iPad Mini (an older version, obviously, but the size is basically the same).
The 11" iPad Pro is far superior to the Mini for almost everything, and is, in my opinion, just as comfortable to use.

There are a few things that the Mini is better for: when you need/want the absolute in portability, but a smartphone is just too small. I, for instance, use it as a navigation/mapping device. My wife often takes the Mini in her purse, which is just not happening with an 11" iPad. For reading books the Mini is better, although a Kindle is much better for this specific purpose. Music is just OK on the 11" iPad speakers, and bad on my iPad Mini speakers - but hopefully the Mini 6 has improved this. Any AirPods will be far better.

I almost never buy AppleCare, I prefer to save the money and take my chances. So far, after buying Apple devices over the last 10 years, I am ahead at least $1,000 by NOT getting AppleCare. I don't care about "peace of mind" which is often given as the reason to get AppleCare. However, I realize my viewpoint is contrary to most people's.

That being said, I think the AppleCare $69 price for the iPad Mini is quite reasonable (especially compared to iPhones). I have dropped an iPad Mini on concrete and shattered it (one of the very few times I had to buy a replacement myself). If you take the iPad Mini places, traveling, etc., where you have a higher than normal risk of breakage, I think the AppleCare would be a good idea. The $129 AppleCare price for the iPad Pro is not so reasonable IMO - I would pass.

All the above is just my opinion, of course