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

[JerTheGeek]

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.

Yeah definitely. When I had the Air 1 I did the same thing.

 

[MikeAK]

I prefer the mini size tablet. Like many have said, not too big or small. I use my tabs while on the sofa or around the house for web\email and find 10in just to big to be comfortable.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I prefer the mini size tablet. Like many have said, not too big or small. I use my tabs while on the sofa or around the house for web\email and find 10in just to big to be comfortable.

Good point. While the air can be immersive, that can make it a bit cumbersome sometimes.

 

[MikeAK]

Good point. While the air can be immersive, that can make it a bit cumbersome sometimes.

Totally. The 8ish tablets strike that perfect balance in my opinion. Can literally carry them in a pocket while home. Cannot do that with a 10. I think 10in size is just too big and if I needed that size of screen for whatever reason I'd rather have a laptop. I've never liked 10in tabs. They're just to big for what I want out of a tablet. Again, my use is for around the house doing web\email. The mini sized tabs are just brilliant.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Totally. The 8ish tablets strike that perfect balance in my opinion. Can literally carry them in a pocket while home. Cannot do that with a 10. I think 10in size is just too big and if I needed that size of screen for whatever reason I'd rather have a laptop. I've never liked 10in tabs. They're just to big for what I want out of a tablet. Again, my use is for around the house doing web\email. The mini sized tabs are just brilliant.

I definitely agree with the laptop thing; if I need a bigger more immersive screen/experience I can use my MacBook Air 13 inch. The mini provides more functionality and space than my iPhone 6 while still staying nice and portable, love it!

 

[RickTaylor]

Perhaps neither device is objectively better for you. Perhaps The mini is better in some ways, the Air is better than others, and that's all there is to it. Either device will be great, they'll just be great in different ways.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Well I spent a short time today playing around with my old air which I gave to a family member, and it was shockingly heavy to me. I tried using it one handed by gripping the edge like I do with my mini 4, and it felt like a brick. I figured there can't be much of a difference between the air 1 and air 2 in this regard since there is only .04 lb difference. I do remember trying them out in the store a bit ago, and the air 2 was surprisingly lighter than the air 1 from what I remember, but I don't think it could possibly be that much with only a .04 lb difference in weight. So I think that pretty much settled it for me; I like being able to easily one hand my iPad while browsing reading studying or whatever, and the mini 4 makes this possible; otherwise it's uncomfortable on the air models.

 

[jamesrick80]

Well I spent a short time today playing around with my old air which I gave to a family member, and it was shockingly heavy to me. I tried using it one handed by gripping the edge like I do with my mini 4, and it felt like a brick. I figured there can't be much of a difference between the air 1 and air 2 in this regard since there is only .04 lb difference. I do remember trying them out in the store a bit ago, and the air 2 was surprisingly lighter than the air 1 from what I remember, but I don't think it could possibly be that much with only a .04 lb difference in weight. So I think that pretty much settled it for me; I like being able to easily one hand my iPad while browsing reading studying or whatever, and the mini 4 makes this possible; otherwise it's uncomfortable on the air models.

Maybe you should start lifting some weights...you can start with the 3 lb ones....so ya hand can feel comfortable holding the air 2....

 

[JerTheGeek]

Maybe you should start lifting some weights...you can start with the 3 lb ones....so ya hand can feel comfortable holding the air 2....

Lol, it's not that I can't lift it, it's just not as comfortable as the .65lb mini 4. Once you hold and use the mini 4 for a bit, it is tough to go back to something heavier

 

[BallparkDreamer]

All depends on your usage and if you need maximum portability . I much prefer the Air 2 when it comes to reading, and doing light work. The mini 4 looks great, but I personally wouldn't be able to do a lot of productive work on it; the screen is just too small.

 

[The Game 161]

Lol, it's not that I can't lift it, it's just not as comfortable as the .65lb mini 4. Once you hold and use the mini 4 for a bit, it is tough to go back to something heavier

I get that

I picked up my mini 4 this morning before the air and holding it was nice seeing as I could hold it all in one hand even with the Smart Cover and sillcone case on it

 

[JerTheGeek]

Still debating....BB is pretty much sold out of 64GB Air 2's so that has made me stay put and wait a bit. Still have a while till January 15 to decide.

 

[meistervu]

I was trying to decide between the Air 2 and the mini 4 last week.

I have an Air 1 which is fast enough, but I found it a bit bulky and heavy as a reader. I preferred reading the my non lighted Kindle because of the weight. I was contemplating a Mini but decided to go with an Air 1 the last round.

Now that I have the Air 2 for almost 3 years, I do use it for technical reading, but it's not the type of device I enjoy reading with for whatever reason. The mini 4 is a better reader for me so far. I love th weight and portability. Web browsing is better on the Air for sites that are not optimized for smaller screens. But it's a trade off I am willing to make.

I briefly considered getting an Air 2 and selling my Air 1, instead of getting the mini. But having checking out the Air 2 at Apple Store, I realized that it's not any different from my Air 1 for my use which is mostly reading and browsing, so I went with the Mini 4.

If I didn't have an Air 1 then it would be a tough choice. But having an Air 1 make it a no brainier to me. Every sized iPad is a compromise. I found the Mini 4's size to be wonderful for many things such as book reading. Sure I can use the iPad Air for the same thing, but is not as good. It's great do you have the right tool for the right job.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I was trying to decide between the Air 2 and the mini 4 last week.

I have an Air 1 which is fast enough, but I found it a bit bulky and heavy as a reader. I preferred reading the my non lighted Kindle because of the weight. I was contemplating a Mini but decided to go with an Air 1 the last round.

Now that I have the Air 2 for almost 3 years, I do use it for technical reading, but it's not the type of device I enjoy reading with for whatever reason. The mini 4 is a better reader for me so far. I love th weight and portability. Web browsing is better on the Air for sites that are not optimized for smaller screens. But it's a trade off I am willing to make.

I briefly considered getting an Air 2 and selling my Air 1, instead of getting the mini. But having checking out the Air 2 at Apple Store, I realized that it's not any different from my Air 1 for my use which is mostly reading and browsing, so I went with the Mini 4.

If I didn't have an Air 1 then it would be a tough choice. But having an Air 1 make it a no brainier to me. Every sized iPad is a compromise. I found the Mini 4's size to be wonderful for many things such as book reading. Sure I can use the iPad Air for the same thing, but is not as good. It's great do you have the right tool for the right job.

Exactly, with the mini you give up the larger screen but gain lightness and the extra comfort of holding it especially for long periods, as well as ease of carrying it around with its great portability. Also much easier to type on for me, I can thumb type in both orientations. The air gives you the big screen but you have to be willing to sacrifice portability and ease of holding, using, and carrying it around. For me, I am almost 100% convinced that the mini is best for me.

 

[rbrian]

I went from an iPad 3 to a retina mini, and it was definitely the right decision. So much lighter, and the screen didn't seem that much smaller. Then I got an iPhone 6, which made the mini seem slightly redundant - although I took my mini out of the house, which I never did with the 3, it's still to big to go in my pockets. My iPhone is always with me, and almost as good as the mini for watching videos - you'd think it wouldn't be, but videos play full screen on the iPhone, and letterboxed on the iPad, so actually it's much the same.

For reading I prefer my iPhone; even easier one handed, and lying on my side in bed even the mini is too big.

I gave the mini to my sister, and bought an Air 2 - it felt barely any less portable than the mini, but with a larger screen making it more useful for desktop websites and pdf-type magazines, and videos are plenty big enough.

For Christmas, I got an iPad pro!
I thought it was too big, and there was no need for it, until I tried it. It's a little awkward to hold, but the new keyboard is fantastic, so I can type much faster. It's even better for magazines from apps like Exactly, which are basically a pdf of a print magazine. For the first time, I'm able to read without zooming, and that makes a bigger difference than I thought.

Choice is good, but too much choice can lead to paralysis!

Every size is right for somebody, probably everybody at certain times. I have a dream - I'm not sure if I saw it somewhere or if I made it up (probably the former, I'm not terribly creative) - of a device like a pen, which unrolls into a phone, which unrolls into a tablet. Even though we're living in the future, it seems the future is always too far away!

 

[JerTheGeek]

I went from an iPad 3 to a retina mini, and it was definitely the right decision. So much lighter, and the screen didn't seem that much smaller. Then I got an iPhone 6, which made the mini seem slightly redundant - although I took my mini out of the house, which I never did with the 3, it's still to big to go in my pockets. My iPhone is always with me, and almost as good as the mini for watching videos - you'd think it wouldn't be, but videos play full screen on the iPhone, and letterboxed on the iPad, so actually it's much the same.

For reading I prefer my iPhone; even easier one handed, and lying on my side in bed even the mini is too big.

I gave the mini to my sister, and bought an Air 2 - it felt barely any less portable than the mini, but with a larger screen making it more useful for desktop websites and pdf-type magazines, and videos are plenty big enough.

For Christmas, I got an iPad pro!
I thought it was too big, and there was no need for it, until I tried it. It's a little awkward to hold, but the new keyboard is fantastic, so I can type much faster. It's even better for magazines from apps like Exactly, which are basically a pdf of a print magazine. For the first time, I'm able to read without zooming, and that makes a bigger difference than I thought.

Choice is good, but too much choice can lead to paralysis!

Every size is right for somebody, probably everybody at certain times. I have a dream - I'm not sure if I saw it somewhere or if I made it up (probably the former, I'm not terribly creative) - of a device like a pen, which unrolls into a phone, which unrolls into a tablet. Even though we're living in the future, it seems the future is always too far away!

Enjoy that Pro! I also have an iPhone 6, but I find that the mini allows me to do more, so the extra screen plus functionality distinguish it enough from my iPhone, for me at least.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Well I have the air 2 and the mini 3. If I could only have one I'd go for the air 2. I use my air everyday. The only thing it's not good for is my daily commute which is why I have my mini 3. However once I get home/on my days off I use my air 2 exclusively. I even use my air 2 over my mini 3 when I go on vacation. There's just more space to do things like web browsing and watching videos.

However the mini is still s very capable device and if you need something portable then it's definitely a better option than the air which just isn't portable for me. My first iPad was the original iPad mini and I loved it.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Well, I did something a bit unexpected today....

I'm typing this post from my new Air 2! I decided that I really enjoy the larger screen and I wanted it again, so I returned the mini 4 and got an air 2. I am really enjoying it! It is still very light and comfortable to hold, even in one hand. Seems much lighter and less bulky than the air 1. I definitely made the right choice.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Well, I did something a bit unexpected today....

I'm typing this post from my new Air 2! I decided that I really enjoy the larger screen and I wanted it again, so I returned the mini 4 and got an air 2. I am really enjoying it! It is still very light and comfortable to hold, even in one hand. Seems much lighter and less bulky than the air 1. I definitely made the right choice.

I'm glad you like your air 2. Having read your other post and understanding that you only had the mini 4, I think you've made the right choice. I love my air 2.

 

[PattyMc]

Congrats on your Air 2, the latest and greatest will always be just around the corner but I know that I am happiest just enjoying "right now" instead of worrying about what may/may not happen 3 or 4 months from now. The Air 2 is awesome and should serve you well for at least a couple years, or until you are comfortable upgrading.

 

[juanrp]

Well, I did something a bit unexpected today....

I'm typing this post from my new Air 2! I decided that I really enjoy the larger screen and I wanted it again, so I returned the mini 4 and got an air 2. I am really enjoying it! It is still very light and comfortable to hold, even in one hand. Seems much lighter and less bulky than the air 1. I definitely made the right choice.

I also got the iPad Air 2 for the same reason! Was mesmerized by the larger screen that I opted for an iPad Air 2 coming from my og. Mini.

Enjoy your iPad, it definitely is an amazing device!

 

[JerTheGeek]

I also got the iPad Air 2 for the same reason! Was mesmerized by the larger screen that I opted for an iPad Air 2 coming from my og. Mini.

Enjoy your iPad, it definitely is an amazing device!

Indeed it is! I will enjoy it for a good while; even if an air 3 comes out I know this thing will serve me well for a long time.

 

[juanrp]

Indeed it is! I will enjoy it for a good while; even if an air 3 comes out I know this thing will serve me well for a long time.

I didn't find it necessary to upgrade every year, if I'm being honest.

The iPad Air 2 was a nice birthday surprise, and I didn't know I needed an upgrade until I received it!

While I loved my og. Mini, it was very tragic how awful it had become in the 2 years I had it.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I didn't find it necessary to upgrade every year, if I'm being honest.

The iPad Air 2 was a nice birthday surprise, and I didn't know I needed an upgrade until I received it!

While I loved my og. Mini, it was very tragic how awful it had become in the 2 years I had it.

Exactly, the next upgrade I'm sure will be nice but not necessary. I don't see a lot they could do anyway, the air 2 is already super fast.

 

[juanrp]

Exactly, the next upgrade I'm sure will be nice but not necessary. I don't see a lot they could do anyway, the air 2 is already super fast.

Could become thinner, which is welcomed (I am not against thinner and lighter like everyone else seems to be), but I do not know if that is physically possible.

An iPhone is more of a device that should be upgraded in a yearly cycle (or somewhere around there), while this iPad will probably last me a while.

Hopefully.