Should I buy an iPad mini 1st gen for $100?

[davidg4781]

My coworker is thinking of selling her 1st gen iPad mini for $100. I recently sold my MBP and just have a Mac mini so not having any portable devices (other than iPhone) is taking some getting used to. I think I now see the point of having a mini when just sitting around the living room or doing something in the kitchen.

My question is, is there anything I should be cautious about buying this version? Like slow performance or anything like that? Would the next gen be maybe just a little bit more? I'm usually reluctant buying used iDevices because I'm worried they've had a broken screen replaced with a cheap knock off. AFAIK, she's never had any issues with this one and takes pretty good care of her electronics.

 

[c55]

I have a first generation Mini, it's still a great device. Runs iOS 8.4 fine. Just one word of caution, the screen quality is awful. but I guess I'm spoiled with my iPad Mini 2 with Retina.

For $100 it's a good buy. I would personally spend $100 for a Mini 2 with Retina and the faster processor. But all you're looking for is a device to use leisurely, it should make the cut.

 

[davidg4781]

I've never really thought of owning a mini so I don't know their going rates, but do you mean spend just $100 on the mini 2 or an extra $100 for a total of $200?

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I'm pretty sure @c55 means an additional $100 to get an iPad mini 2. $200 would be about right (not a great deal, not a terrible one) for the low end mini 2. $100 for a first gen, though? I could think of a ton of ways to use that productively. I say you go for it. Worst case, you should be able to recoup most/all of your costs if you don't like it.

 

[dacreativeguy]

Not worth it. The first gen mini hardware is equal to the iPad 2. Save your money and at least buy a Mini 2 Retina.

 

[Andres Cantu]

At that price it's a tough choice, but waiting just a couple more weeks for iPad deals is probably the best option, considering the iPad Mini 2 will (most likely) be able to run at least 2 more versions of iOS than the iPad Mini 1, which is just about to be discontinued.

 

[GaryNoine]

Having a friend with the first generation mini, I can say the current iOS runs smoothly; however, you'll find many problems using new apps or apps that have been updated recently. For example, the new Angry Birds 2 works great on my Mini 2, but on the first Mini it constantly crashes. This will occur more and more as apps progress. With iOS 9, I can't imaging how much slower these A5 devices will get. My advice, just invest in a Mini 2 if you can

 

[z31fanatic]

$100 is a good price. They average $150-170 on ebay.
It's still a good device. I have two that my kids use and they are fine.

 

[davidg4781]

I've noticed I'm not really using the mini as much as I used to use my MBP. I think it's because I'd rather not sit in an uncomfortable chair just to look up stuff on IMDb, although I guess I can use my iPhone.

She said it also comes with a magnetic case that puts it to sleep. I didn't ask the color.

I could also use it as an iBook reader. If it was more I'd definitely say no. Less I wouldn't think twice.