Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad mini iPad Mini or iPad with Retina display?

T

terrencelim97

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 29, 2013
5
0
Hi friends,


I'm a college student, I need to get an Ipad for my school use and also sometime use it when I'm not home. But I'm wondering if I should get an ipad mini or Ipad with retina display, I really want to save money, in order to do that I have to buy a cheaper one like Ipad Mini. I know i will regret if I realise the screen is too small for doing works in school, so I need your suggestions for me.

Mainly usages: browsing internet, syncing IPhotos (around 8-10 albums), Pages, Numbers, Keynote, keeping or reading PDF Files, 20songs for music, 5 movies downloaded, 2-3 (High capacity games), social networks (8apps with small capacity), Email, a few magazines or books from IBook and taking pictures (if necessary).

Please give me some suggestions or comments on which Ipad should I get, mini or retina display?, based on my usages mentioned above and as a college student.

Thank You!
 
If you need it essentially for college I think you would struggle doing work and essays on a mini ipad - however for everything else you need it for I would say a mini would be the better choice as its easier to carry around, great for internet, emails and social networks, plus its cheaper. My choice would be the mini although I wouldnt need it to produce college work
 
Wait and see whether there will be a iPad mine with retina display, or an Ipad with redesigned form factor at the WWDC (small bezel and less weight) and your decision will become a lot easier.
 
Journalism major here. Lot's of web browsing, picture editing, writing (pages)...
I would definitely go with the iPad 4 with Retina. That being said, the spring semester is over now and unless you are taking summer classes, the iPad 5 will probably hit the stores in October. It'll be a lot more economical based on the leaks (it will sport the same design as the iPad Mini–>smaller bezels). So your choice: buy the iPa 4 now or wait a bit if you can for the 5!
Hope this helped! ;)

https://www.macrumors.com/2013/05/3...f-ipad-5s-narrower-front-bezel-and-digitizer/
 
Last edited:
Using my ipad only at school for around 7 hours only

I will only use my ipad in school or out of home, for around 7 hours only. Because I own a macbook pro 13inch, so I will be using my macbook pro at home for work.
 
terrencelim97 said:
I will only use my ipad in school or out of home, for around 7 hours only. Because I own a macbook pro 13inch, so I will be using my macbook pro at home for work.
Click to expand...

you already have a macbook, so i may just get the mini. I got the Mini and love it. HOWEVER, I loved it so much I decided to return it and get the regular sized iPad.

Check Apple refurb or Amazon Warehouse Deals.
 
I had an iPad 3, but couldnt bond with it, and sold it. I decided to try the mini, and I use it daily and wouldnt think of selling it.

It was the form factor that did it for me. The mini is more comfortable and inviting to use. Weight was a major factor for me considering i'm holding the iPad at all times, not using a stand or propping it up on something. The retina display is beautiful, but the ipad mini screen is nothing to sneeze at. Play a game like The Room, you wont have any complaints about the visuals. But I picked up my friends iPad 4 yesterday and it feels like a brick.

Well whichever you pick, you can exchange it for the other if you are unhappy. Since you mentioned budget being a concern, i'd start with the mini.
 
If cost is a concern, have you considered the iPad 2?

I currently have both an iPad 3 and a mini, and personally, I find the mini screen too small to use Pages comfortably. My instinct is that for school work, a bigger screen is better. But it is all down to personal preference. I agree with other posters that you should give the mini a try first, and exchange it for the bigger iPad if you are unsatisfied. And keep an eye out for refurb iPads, you can save some money that way.
 
Had the mini and returned it. Screen was horrible in my opinion. Retina only for me plus I realized I enjoy the bigger iPad 9.7" screen much more. A lot more pleasurable surfing the web, checking email, Flipboard etc. I have my iPhone for ultimate on the go portability. Go big and beautiful with the iPad. :)
 
Peanut207 said:
Had the mini and returned it. Screen was horrible in my opinion. Retina only for me plus I realized I enjoy the bigger iPad 9.7" screen much more. A lot more pleasurable surfing the web, checking email, Flipboard etc. I have my iPhone for ultimate on the go portability. Go big and beautiful with the iPad. :)
Click to expand...

Ditto (except for the part about returning the mini). The screen is just a little small on the mini. If I'm going to not use my iPhone and whip out an iPad instead, I want just a little bit more real estate. I'd think for school work this would especially be the case.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back