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iPad mini Mini 4 worth upgrade from Air 1?

JerTheGeek

JerTheGeek

macrumors 68000
Original poster
May 15, 2014
1,993
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i used to have the mini 1 but recently upgraded to the air 1 this June. Am wondering if I should spring for a mini 4 this Christmas. That .65 lb. form factor is certainly tempting.....
I mainly use my iPad for browsing the web, YouTube, music, occasional casual games, shopping, etc. Probably my largest use is for school, accessing my textbooks for homeschool which I use often obviously. So, would a jump back to the mini size maybe be more comfortable? I use my iPad often while sitting outside on a swing or at a table, I don't really have any problems doing this with the air but would the mini make more sense for this? I have found myself bringing my air fewer places then I did my mini I think cause of the fact I can't slip it into my pocket....
I use my iPad alongside an iPhone 6 and 13 inch MBA, if that changes things at all. My iPad is probably my most used device when at home. So should I go for the mini 4?
 
I use both. Ultimately only you can answer that...I use the Mini five days/week commuting on the Mass. Bay Commuter Rail system and at work; I never use it at home. I use the Air 2 before I leave for work, after I get home, and on weekends. If I'm not carrying it, the bigger screen absolutely rules out the smaller screen. But if I'm carrying it around during the day, it's the other way around.

For what it's worth, my daily tech carry is 2x iPhone 6, the Mini 2 and a 13" rMBP, which is sort of similar to your gear. I really like the Mini, but the screen is too small to really enjoy a video or to work on a document or spreadsheet.

There's a big YMMV factor here... ;)
 
newellj said:
I use both. Ultimately only you can answer that...I use the Mini five days/week commuting on the Mass. Bay Commuter Rail system and at work; I never use it at home. I use the Air 2 before I leave for work, after I get home, and on weekends. If I'm not carrying it, the bigger screen absolutely rules out the smaller screen. But if I'm carrying it around during the day, it's the other way around.

For what it's worth, my daily tech carry is 2x iPhone 6, the Mini 2 and a 13" rMBP, which is sort of similar to your gear. I really like the Mini, but the screen is too small to really enjoy a video or to work on a document or spreadsheet.

There's a big YMMV factor here... ;)
Click to expand...
Well my thing is, though I use it mainly at home, those times I do take it out it seems like the mini is much nicer to do so with....
 
Totally. I used to carry the Air/Air 2 with the rMBP and it was just enough bigger and heavier that I opted for the Mini, and it was a good choice. *ahem* You know what the real answer is, right...? ;)
 
newellj said:
Totally. I used to carry the Air/Air 2 with the rMBP and it was just enough bigger and heavier that I opted for the Mini, and it was a good choice. *ahem* You know what the real answer is, right...? ;)
Click to expand...
Lol, yeah, both :p
Ill definitely check out the mini 4 in store and I might even get one and use it for a bit, and if I like it, keep it; if I find I miss the bigger size, I could always return within 14 days and get the air 2.
 
I suspect the main differences between the Air 2 and Mini 4 will be the former factor, and I expect the Mini 4 to be slightly underclocked on its CPU compared to the Air2 (just like Air 1 & Mini 2.) But, if you prefer the Mini form factor, go for it :)
 
Ferc Kast said:
I suspect the main differences between the Air 2 and Mini 4 will be the former factor, and I expect the Mini 4 to be slightly underclocked on its CPU compared to the Air2 (just like Air 1 & Mini 2.) But, if you prefer the Mini form factor, go for it :)
Click to expand...
My problem is I can't decide which form factor to go for. I like the large size of the Air as it is nice, but the mini is also super convenient because of its smallness.
 
Yeah, I love the mini form factor. I use mine to surf the web and watch movies while commuting to work. I also travel a lot, and Its the perfect size tablet for that. It fits perfectly in my cargo pants side pocket for easy quick access. Can't do that with the air. If I was to get a larger iPad to compliment my mini, it'd be the iPad pro. I'm an artist, and it'd be great to sketch with or edit videos on. But for now the mini is enough. I don't own an iPhone at the moment. Perhaps some who own the iPhone 6plus would find the mini redundant. I dunno.
 
I had the iPad 1, I have an iPad 2, I've used an iPad 4 for work and I bought an iPad Rmini... I can't even remember my log in for the iPad 2, I haven't used in over a year. I think the mini form factor is ideal... I'm going to give the Wife the mini and get the new one... especially with the improved power and the touch id...

Again, it all about personal preference...

Coachingguy
 
JerTheGeek said:
i used to have the mini 1 but recently upgraded to the air 1 this June. Am wondering if I should spring for a mini 4 this Christmas. That .65 lb. form factor is certainly tempting.....
I mainly use my iPad for browsing the web, YouTube, music, occasional casual games, shopping, etc. Probably my largest use is for school, accessing my textbooks for homeschool which I use often obviously. So, would a jump back to the mini size maybe be more comfortable? I use my iPad often while sitting outside on a swing or at a table, I don't really have any problems doing this with the air but would the mini make more sense for this? I have found myself bringing my air fewer places then I did my mini I think cause of the fact I can't slip it into my pocket....
I use my iPad alongside an iPhone 6 and 13 inch MBA, if that changes things at all. My iPad is probably my most used device when at home. So should I go for the mini 4?
Click to expand...

Very personal question. I use the iPad for reviewing PDFs for school, with anatomy charts, etc. I like the larger size. It's really all about what you need and prefer. Personally, I'd go with a 6s Plus instead of an iPad Mini, and have the laptop for everything else.
 
PDFs (even "just" normal text) are much easier to read on the 9.7 inch screen. But the 7.9 inch screen is okay too. I use both sizes for text books and manuals in college.
 
I've had an iPad 3, iPad Air and the mini 2. It's all personal preference, but I had the Air and mini 2 at the same time to decide which one for me. I kept reaching for the mini 2 so that's the one I kept.
 
Will the mini 4 be too close in size to my iPhone 6? Is it better to have the 9.7 inch in this case?
 
I have both, the mini 3, and the iPad 3. I carry my mini in my purse and the iPad stays home. I rarely use my mini at home, I always reach for my iPad. I guess it's just a matter of preference.

I also have the iPhone 6 plus. I have noticed that since I bought it, my mini gets less use now. I had the 5s, when I initially bought the mini.

I'm not much help lol, can't go wrong with both
 
JerTheGeek said:
Will the mini 4 be too close in size to my iPhone 6? Is it better to have the 9.7 inch in this case?
Click to expand...

The Mini is substantially bigger than the 6. Both serve different needs, as well. If you had a 6 Plus it would be a tougher decision, but a regular 6 + Mini makes for a perfect combination I think.

If you want the smaller size, go for it. I love the iPad Mini and never really have used a larger tablet since its inception — it's the perfect form factor. There's nothing wrong with the iPad Air size, but I feel like it's a little too large for what I use tablets for. It might be different for you, so just keep that in mind as well.
 
Definitely. It's exactly what I've just done. My
launch day iPad Air 1 was starting to feel slow and sluggish, no TouchID was bugging me too. Girlfriend's iPad Air 2 felt super snappy and thin and vibrant compared to mine. Hoping for a similar experience with the iPad mini 4 I have on order.
 
JerTheGeek said:
Will the mini 4 be too close in size to my iPhone 6? Is it better to have the 9.7 inch in this case?
Click to expand...

I have both (see sig) and what I carry back and forth to work (pedestrian/public transit) is the two phones, a Mini 2 and the 13" rMBP. I personally don't find that the Mini and the 6 overlap. YMMV, though.
 
I've only played with it for a couple hours but I think it's better than my iPad Air for browsing the Internet. M4 is easier to type on without adjusting your hands and it's easier to hold. For a movie or YouTube, I would prefer the air.
 
erasr said:
I've upgraded from an Air 1. Best decision ever. Easier to hold, easier to type.
Click to expand...
How is the screen size difference? Is it hard to adjust to the smaller size? I owned a mini 1 before my air 1 which I got this June, but I'm really considering switching back as the mini 4 sounds really great...
 
JerTheGeek said:
How is the screen size difference? Is it hard to adjust to the smaller size? I owned a mini 1 before my air 1 which I got this June, but I'm really considering switching back as the mini 4 sounds really great...
Click to expand...

This might help with your decision, review from Detroitborg

 
Air has noticeably better battery

Mini 4 has noticeably better display

Sound is similar with neither having the Air 2 vibration issue.

Just a personal choice on form factor, imo.
 
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