All iPads Keep mini 4 or get Air 2: need advice!

[JerTheGeek]

Hello everyone.
So I am now at the next stage of my iPad decision. As you may have heard from my discussion in other threads, last week I upgraded (after much deliberation ) from an iPad Air 1 to an iPad mini 4. I am definitely enjoying the mini 4; it is super light and very portable which is great.
However, I am still a bit hesitant to decide 100% on this mini 4. When I first opened up one of my textbooks (which I use almost everyday for homeschool) I was a bit surprised at the small text size when viewing the page at regular size w/o any zoom. I have gotten more used to the smaller text size and can use my books fine, and of course when zoomed in it is fine (I usually read zoomed in on the air 1 anyway) ; but it got me thinking a bit more about the air 2.
Aside from textbooks, I use my iPad for browsing the web, reading news, checking email, YouTube, playing some games, listening to music, and browsing photos.
I guess the biggest thing making me consider the air 2 is the bigger screen. I know from experience it is more immersive, and I guess it just is tough to decide if I want that immersive screen or the lighter form factor.
A big thing keeping me from getting the air 2 is the thought of it being updated this March; buying at this point if a new one is to be released in March would be not so smart, or would it? Also the ppi difference on the mini 4 is something I never thought I'd notice, but it is really nice and I might miss it if I returned for an air 2.
Wrapping up, I know either one would be fine for me. I have till January 15th with BB to return the mini 4 in favor if an air 2 of I decide to go that route. I'm just looking for some additional insight and opinion. What do you think: keep mini 4, or go air 2?

 

[The Game 161]

I personally love both and have a need for both. I love how portable it is on the mini 4 and it's great for out and about and work but the air 2 is better for at home when I have time to browse. Of reading the paper on it

I'm typing this on my mini 4 and I'm glad to have both options. All depends of your usage patterns and how important the bigger screen is.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I personally love both and have a need for both. I love how portable it is on the mini 4 and it's great for out and about and work but the air 2 is better for at home when I have time to browse. Of reading the paper on it

I'm typing this on my mini 4 and I'm glad to have both options. All depends of your usage patterns and how important the bigger screen is.

That's a good point; they really are both good for certain situations; mini 4 for portability and ease of carrying around, and Air 2 for better experience at home. My thing is, I don't necessarily need the portability as much, cause I maybe take it out and about once a week or so, but I am carrying it around the house a lot; I'm not sure how much that makes a difference between the two. The lightness is another factor on the mini 4 that makes it compelling, but the bigger screen is always captivating. It really is an incredibly difficult choice. I may have to go to an Apple Store again and bring my mini 4 to compare with the air 2.

 

[The Game 161]

That's a good point; they really are both good for certain situations; mini 4 for portability and ease of carrying around, and Air 2 for better experience at home. My thing is, I don't necessarily need the portability as much, cause I maybe take it out and about once a week or so, but I am carrying it around the house a lot; I'm not sure how much that makes a difference between the two. The lightness is another factor on the mini 4 that makes it compelling, but the bigger screen is always captivating. It really is an incredibly difficult choice. I may have to go to an Apple Store again and bring my mini 4 to compare with the air 2.

I think for your usage patterns air 2 might be the best bet but for me right before bed I would use the mini 4 to check half an hour of stuff but early morning I grab the air 2

Tough choice

 

[Max(IT)]

I faced a similar choice last week, and since portability is a major concern for me, I opted for the Mini 4.
With the €100 of saved money I bought AppleCare.

 

[Spudlicious]

I find I leave aside my Air 2 and mostly use an 8 inch Sony tablet, the smaller size is so much more convenient for everything I do, especially the Kindle reading I do a lot of. Ultimately, I fear the OP cannot make the right choice; whatever he chooses he'll regret it!

 

[RickTaylor]

However, I am still a bit hesitant to decide 100% on this mini 4. When I first opened up one of my textbooks (which I use almost everyday for homeschool) I was a bit surprised at the small text size when viewing the page at regular size w/o any zoom. I have gotten more used to the smaller text size and can use my books fine, and of course when zoomed in it is fine (I usually read zoomed in on the air 1 anyway) ; but it got me thinking a bit more about the air 2.

Are your textbooks in pdf format? If so, a good pdf reader might make dealing with pdfs easier. iAnnotate and PDFexpert are two good applications that allow one to scroll vertically through pdf documents and adjust the margins.

While it's useful for other things, reading pdfs was the main reason I bought an iPad mini. Text can be a bit small,and it can be a bit fiddly adjusting margins, but for me the portability of the device is well worth that compromise. But of course, that doesn't mean it's necessarily best for you.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Are your textbooks in pdf format? If so, a good pdf reader might make dealing with pdfs easier. iAnnotate and PDFexpert are two good applications that allow one to scroll vertically through pdf documents and adjust the margins.

While it's useful for other things, reading pdfs was the main reason I bought an iPad mini. Text can be a bit small,and it can be a bit fiddly adjusting margins, but for me the portability of the device is well worth that compromise. But of course, that doesn't mean it's necessarily best for you.

They are sorta like PDFs but not actual files that I can download and open anywhere. They are specifically in the Intel Education Study app and can only be used exclusively with this application.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I find I leave aside my Air 2 and mostly use an 8 inch Sony tablet, the smaller size is so much more convenient for everything I do, especially the Kindle reading I do a lot of. Ultimately, I fear the OP cannot make the right choice; whatever he chooses he'll regret it!

Haha yeah, I imagine whatever one I choose I'll be wondering if the other would be better...I just have to decide which one has the advantage for me.

 

[kevroc]

Hello everyone.
So I am now at the next stage of my iPad decision. As you may have heard from my discussion in other threads, last week I upgraded (after much deliberation ) from an iPad Air 1 to an iPad mini 4. I am definitely enjoying the mini 4; it is super light and very portable which is great.
However, I am still a bit hesitant to decide 100% on this mini 4. When I first opened up one of my textbooks (which I use almost everyday for homeschool) I was a bit surprised at the small text size when viewing the page at regular size w/o any zoom. I have gotten more used to the smaller text size and can use my books fine, and of course when zoomed in it is fine (I usually read zoomed in on the air 1 anyway) ; but it got me thinking a bit more about the air 2.
Aside from textbooks, I use my iPad for browsing the web, reading news, checking email, YouTube, playing some games, listening to music, and browsing photos.
I guess the biggest thing making me consider the air 2 is the bigger screen. I know from experience it is more immersive, and I guess it just is tough to decide if I want that immersive screen or the lighter form factor.
A big thing keeping me from getting the air 2 is the thought of it being updated this March; buying at this point if a new one is to be released in March would be not so smart, or would it? Also the ppi difference on the mini 4 is something I never thought I'd notice, but it is really nice and I might miss it if I returned for an air 2.
Wrapping up, I know either one would be fine for me. I have till January 15th with BB to return the mini 4 in favor if an air 2 of I decide to go that route. I'm just looking for some additional insight and opinion. What do you think: keep mini 4, or go air 2?

The Mini 4 would be the best. If the Mini 4 gets the job done without compromises, it is the better solution because it is more portable which means more easily used, and cheaper.

When the iPad Air 3 comes out you can then decide if you should upgrade.

 

[JerTheGeek]

The Mini 4 would be the best. If the Mini 4 gets the job done without compromises, it is the better solution because it is more portable which means more easily used, and cheaper.

When the iPad Air 3 comes out you can then decide if you should upgrade.

Well, I want this iPad to last me a while, so I'd like to make a decision now and not upgrade for a while.

 

[kevroc]

Well, I want this iPad to last me a while, so I'd like to make a decision now and not upgrade for a while.

Well, that's easier said than done!

Honestly, I find the process of upgrading to be fun. Being able to try new products with all of the cool features is really something I look forward to. Decisions like yours are always tough, but to be honest, there is no "bad" or "wrong" decision.

Either one will bring you a lot of joy and some compromise. With either device, you'll discover things you love about them that you never anticipated, and you'll find some things that annoy you, but those will be few and far between. Be mindful of the amazing things you can do on it that just 10 years ago were unheard of. It's a crazy time in technology, either device is awesome and will be great.

Personally, I can't see so well, so that rules the mini out for me. That's an easy one. iPad Pro is awesome in that regard, it's great we have choices.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Well, that's easier said than done!

Honestly, I find the process of upgrading to be fun. Being able to try new products with all of the cool features is really something I look forward to. Decisions like yours are always tough, but to be honest, there is no "bad" or "wrong" decision.

Either one will bring you a lot of joy and some compromise. With either device, you'll discover things you love about them that you never anticipated, and you'll find some things that annoy you, but those will be few and far between. Be mindful of the amazing things you can do on it that just 10 years ago were unheard of. It's a crazy time in technology, either device is awesome and will be great.

Personally, I can't see so well, so that rules the mini out for me. That's an easy one. iPad Pro is awesome in that regard, it's great we have choices.

Choices definitely are great! Tough at times but still awesome.

 

[jbizzybeetle]

I was amazed by the clarity of the home screen on iPad Air 2 and when using camera to read compared to mini 4 or my iPad pro. Apple staff said screen is laminated differently and low-glare.

I chose the Air 2 for assisting mother with macular degeneration to read using camera and apps. We will see how that goes, but if reading were my primary consideration, Air 2 it would be.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Man this decision is hard. I like my mini 4. But just can't make the final decision to keep it. It's like I keep thinking "I need to make a decision, keep this thing or get an air 2."
The biggest thing keeping me from the air 2 is the fact that it will probably be updated soon. I don't want to buy an air 2 and have it be outdated in a few months, when I want to keep this iPad for a while.

 

[The Game 161]

Man this decision is hard. I like my mini 4. But just can't make the final decision to keep it. It's like I keep thinking "I need to make a decision, keep this thing or get an air 2."
The biggest thing keeping me from the air 2 is the fact that it will probably be updated soon. I don't want to buy an air 2 and have it be outdated in a few months, when I want to keep this iPad for a while.

With air 3 supposed to be out in maybe march I think holding off might be wise

 

[JerTheGeek]

With air 3 supposed to be out in maybe march I think holding off might be wise

Yeah that is true. Although by March I can't do anything with the mini 4 and will be basically stuck; I don't want to sell it after only having it a few months; whereas now I can return it and get the air 2. I guess it'll just have to do for me; can't always have the latest tech. I just need to decide which size I want and go for it.....which is still hard

 

[The Game 161]

Yeah that is true. Although by March I can't do anything with the mini 4 and will be basically stuck; I don't want to sell it after only having it a few months; whereas now I can return it and get the air 2. I guess it'll just have to do for me; can't always have the latest tech. I just need to decide which size I want and go for it.....which is still hard

Certainly a tough one I know, I love both and to be honest If I had to choose not sure which one I would pick either. I like both form factors which is why I have a need for both. Depends how much you would miss the bigger size.

for me I will update the air each year where the mini would be a 2 or 3 year window.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Certainly a tough one I know, I love both and to be honest If I had to choose not sure which one I would pick either. I like both form factors which is why I have a need for both. Depends how much you would miss the bigger size.

for me I will update the air each year where the mini would be a 2 or 3 year window.

I was just thinking, as long as the screen size works for me, that is, I don't have any problems reading text (cause with my textbooks I can just zoom in if needed) and don't find the screen too small, I may was well stick with the mini 4 and enjoy the lightness of it and ease of holding it. It's more comfortable to use than the Air, so may as well enjoy that and stick with it since the screen works for me. So I think I'm decided: stick with the mini

 

[The Game 161]

I was just thinking, as long as the screen size works for me, that is, I don't have any problems reading text (cause with my textbooks I can just zoom in if needed) and don't find the screen too small, I may was well stick with the mini 4 and enjoy the lightness of it and ease of holding it. It's more comfortable to use than the Air, so may as well enjoy that and stick with it since the screen works for me. So I think I'm decided: stick with the mini

This is the thing the mini 4 can be for home and out and about. I tried taking the air 2 to work and it was simply too big to carry around for me and the mini 4 looks far less obvious to use and take around. So it's why I have the mini 4 on contract

 

[JerTheGeek]

This is the thing the mini 4 can be for home and out and about. I tried taking the air 2 to work and it was simply too big to carry around for me and the mini 4 looks far less obvious to use and take around. So it's why I have the mini 4 on contract

Yep, it is much more portable and way better than the Air for carrying around. And if the screen works for me, may as well get the extra portability even if I don't take it out but once a week or so it's still nice to have and it also makes it easier to carry around the house; as well as the extra lightness and ease and comfort of holding.

 

[The Game 161]

Yep, it is much more portable and way better than the Air for carrying around. And if the screen works for me, may as well get the extra portability even if I don't take it out but once a week or so it's still nice to have and it also makes it easier to carry around the house; as well as the extra lightness and ease and comfort of holding.

Yeah I think it makes the most sense for your needs.

Enjoy your mini 4

 

[JerTheGeek]

Yeah I think it makes the most sense for your needs.

Enjoy your mini 4

Definitely will do!!!

 

[ZebraDude]

Hello everyone.
So I am now at the next stage of my iPad decision. As you may have heard from my discussion in other threads, last week I upgraded (after much deliberation ) from an iPad Air 1 to an iPad mini 4. I am definitely enjoying the mini 4; it is super light and very portable which is great.
However, I am still a bit hesitant to decide 100% on this mini 4. When I first opened up one of my textbooks (which I use almost everyday for homeschool) I was a bit surprised at the small text size when viewing the page at regular size w/o any zoom. I have gotten more used to the smaller text size and can use my books fine, and of course when zoomed in it is fine (I usually read zoomed in on the air 1 anyway) ; but it got me thinking a bit more about the air 2.
Aside from textbooks, I use my iPad for browsing the web, reading news, checking email, YouTube, playing some games, listening to music, and browsing photos.
I guess the biggest thing making me consider the air 2 is the bigger screen. I know from experience it is more immersive, and I guess it just is tough to decide if I want that immersive screen or the lighter form factor.
A big thing keeping me from getting the air 2 is the thought of it being updated this March; buying at this point if a new one is to be released in March would be not so smart, or would it? Also the ppi difference on the mini 4 is something I never thought I'd notice, but it is really nice and I might miss it if I returned for an air 2.
Wrapping up, I know either one would be fine for me. I have till January 15th with BB to return the mini 4 in favor if an air 2 of I decide to go that route. I'm just looking for some additional insight and opinion. What do you think: keep mini 4, or go air 2?

If you have a membership at CostCo you can buy the iPad Air 2 now and they have a 90 return policy so I the rumor firms up on the March release the you can return it for a refund.

Ps. CostCo only sells the WIFI version.

 

[kupkakez]

I go back and forth all the time and I tend to go back to the mini. If I were you I'd stick with the mini 4. It's not too big not too small.

Use and enjoy it and don't stress it. Both the Air and Mini have pros and cons, you'll always get grass is greener syndrome.