All iPads Returning my Air 2, and buying a refurbed mini 2

[Ledgem]

Now that each Intel cpu revision is only 5% faster than the last, I'm switching to every 3 years.

The A-series chips in the iPads and iPhones are developed by Apple based upon the architecture developed by ARM. I think Intel may be involved in the fabrication process at this point, but Intel doesn't have anything to do with the processor development

That said, I get the gist of what you're saying. When processors are no longer doubling the performance over the previous generation, there doesn't seem to be quite as much of a need to upgrade as frequently.

 

[EthanNixon]

http://anandtech.com/bench/product/1209?vs=1353


The 6 plus is slower than the iPad Air in every single on screen test AND in basemark OS AND several other tests.


And I never said A8X was slower than A7 try reading for once. I said you WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH A7 LEVEL PERFORMANCE. Unless you don't have an iPhone lol.

You said "A8 is slower than the A7". That is not true, in any circumstance no matter what you think you meant to say.

Your link proves exactly what I said...the A8 is faster than the A7... There is only TWO benchmarks out of all of those done that the iPad Air is faster than the iPhone 6 Plus. Are you sure you were looking at the right colors? lol

 

[dyusem]

I went through the same logic - I wanted 64GB, but didn't think it worth getting a cellular one just to get it. Plus I figured this might be an interim purchase anyway, as I'd buy the mini 4 next year if it matches the features of the Air 2 (chiefly anti-reflective screen, thinner profile, A8X SoC)

Whether 32GB is enough for photography while travelling really depend on how long you travel. I've normally found it enough with my mini 1, but on a three month trip to South America (and a lot of photos), I had to start leaving some on flash cards, rather than syncing with EyeFi.

Thanks for the feedback, Marco.

My travels will only take me away from home a few weeks at a time and I typically also will bring a MBP along so I suspect that I can save some bucks and get the Wi-Fi 32GB model. As you suggest, if there is a more substantial upgrade next year, I could upgrade and pass this on to someone in the clan.

Which model did you end up purchasing?!

 

[RestlessCaviar]

Thanks for the feedback, Marco.
Which model did you end up purchasing?!

mini 2, 32GB, space-grey, wifi-only, to replace my mini 1 of the same spec.
Would have upgraded to the mini 2 much earlier if I'd known the mini 3 were to be such a small bump.

 

[taedouni]

Now that each Intel cpu revision is only 5% faster than the last, I'm switching to every 3 years.


My upgrade cycle is: iPhones every two years, MacBooks every 3 years (revised), and iPads every 4 years.

I just got this air 2 and my last was the super slow A4 powered original. It's amazing!!

Intel has nothing to do with mobile devices with the exception of a handful of tablets. A MacBook should be every four years and the iPad every three years.

 

[donnaw]

I love my Air 2 but the refurb mini is such a good deal right now!! I'm soooo tempted. I don't need it, can't justify it, but it's such a sweet deal ! !

But. I'm. Not. Going. To. Do. It. Damn you Apple!!!

Well, maybe just a 16g wifi only for reading and playing around with.....I can give my Kindle Fire to the local children's hospital. I'm sure they need it.....and I won't need a new phone for another year at least......maybe my husband will buy another car (he's a car nut and is always buying old cars to fix up). Hmmmm, if he does I can sneak in a mini refurb, right??? Maybe I should find an old car I know he will be interested in......and think of those poor kids and their families, with Christmas coming up and all....

Double damn you Apple!!!

 

[ron7624]

If the mini 3 was updated with a8, 2gb of ram, laminated screen, ac wifi and as thin as the air 2 it would be fantastic. Probably be around a half a pound also!

I'm looking forward to that upgrade about one year from now. It's too bad they didn't give that to us this year but I'll just keep my retina mini 2, 32gb cellular, and enjoy it until the next iteration comes out.