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All iPads Thinking about buying iPad

saporiti said:
It would be perfect if 16GB were enough... I don't intend to add music or pictures to the iPad, since I have all of that on my iPhone. Just some games (at least FIFA 2012) and some movies.

I also had an idea: Will dropbox work to store movies and watch on the iPad for saving some GB's?
Click to expand...

Note:

16GB might be pushing it if your considering have some graphic intense games and HD movies.

Remember, 16GB is actually like 14.5GB (32GB is actually 28.5GB) because it comes with the iOS preinstalled takes up space.

Movie
The Dark Knight Rises (HD) - 5.5GB

Apps
iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) - about 1.1GB total
iLife (iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand) - about 1.5GB total

Games
Modern Combat 3 - 1.9GB
Need for Speed Most Wanted - 1.8GB
Infinity Blade II - 1.2GB
 
saporiti said:
It would be perfect if 16GB were enough... I don't intend to add music or pictures to the iPad, since I have all of that on my iPhone. Just some games (at least FIFA 2012) and some movies.

I also had an idea: Will dropbox work to store movies and watch on the iPad for saving some GB's?
Click to expand...

Yes, dropbox will work and there are free dropbox apps for ipad and iphone.
 
Really? Can I watch movies stored on dropbox on the iPad?

I ask because I have 3 "cloud" services: Vodafone Cloud (20GB), CloudPT (16GB) and DropBox (less than 10GB).
 
saporiti said:
Really? Can I watch movies stored on dropbox on the iPad?

I ask because I have 3 "cloud" services: Vodafone Cloud (20GB), CloudPT (16GB) and DropBox (less than 10GB).
Click to expand...

That I don't know because I have never had a need for it, but since you have the account, you could always buy an iPad and download the app to see how it works?
 
Giuly said:
Amazon.co.uk has those prices, and if you check with the insurance, they will probably insure any new iPad regardless of where is was purchased, if you have the receipt.
Click to expand...

Not really, I do the product insurance with the store itself!
 
After two weeks of use I love the size of the mini but I hate the screen. Thinking about returning it and waiting for the retina mini.
 
saporiti said:
Hello boys and girls :p

I'm currently a owner of a iPhone 5 and MacBook Pro 13 2012 non-retina.

I want to get an iPad as an in between device. I mean, sometimes I just don't feel like taking the MacBook to college or to some coffee shops where I go to study.

Although, my plafond is not that big, and that's why I'm here. I think 16gb is not enough, since I want to have some movies and some games like FIFA one the iPad. What do you guys think? Because here in Portugal the 16gb iPad 2 costs 399€ and the 16gb iPad mini costs 339€.

Another question: since I'm using the iPhone 5, will I be disappointed with the screen quality of the iPad 2 or iPad mini?

Do you guys find the iPad mini big enough to read PDF files, comic books, word documents, etc?

Should I wait until march for the possibility of a iPad mini with retina display?

Just to mention some prices: the 32gb iPad mini costs 439€, the iPad 4 with 16gb costs 509€... I don't want to pay so much for only 16gb that's why I'm kind of undecided when it comes to buy an iPad.

Would really appreciate some opinions, specially the ones based on the usage of both iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPad 3/4.

Cheers guys!
Click to expand...


I also have an iPhone 5 and a MBP. I went through this exact Same dilemma about three days ago.
I didn't know if I needed an iPad, or what size I should get or if I should wait.. I ended up going with what made me happy. I bought a 16g iPad mini. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I'm actually just in bed waking up for work as we speak. It was so nice to have this perfect size device to wake up and just grab for a little pre day reading. I will also be taking it to work and tethering the data from my iPhone (which actually doesn't consume that much data, but does use quite a bit of battery) I have no plans on returning this device. When the retina mini comes out I will sell this one for about $200 and buy the new one if I really need it or want it. We all know the rule on buying a device : buy it when you need it because the next bigger and better thing will ALWAYS be around the corner.


I hope I answered your question
 
Thank you so much for your reply. Although I really want to ask you some questions since you have the same devices that I do:

Since you use the iPhone 5 everyday, do you feel like the screen of the iPad mini is a downgrade?

Do you watch movies on your iPad mini? If you do, you find it comfortable enough for the job?

Do you feel a big difference in the touch of the iPad mini versus the iPhone 5? From what I've read on the Internet some people consider the screen weaker when pressed compared to the regular iPad or iPhone.

Last but not less important, do you feel limited because of the screen size of the mini? Do you find it to small compared to the iPhone?
 
saporiti said:
Thank you so much for your reply. Although I really want to ask you some questions since you have the same devices that I do:

Since you use the iPhone 5 everyday, do you feel like the screen of the iPad mini is a downgrade?

Do you watch movies on your iPad mini? If you do, you find it comfortable enough for the job?

Do you feel a big difference in the touch of the iPad mini versus the iPhone 5? From what I've read on the Internet some people consider the screen weaker when pressed compared to the regular iPad or iPhone.

Last but not less important, do you feel limited because of the screen size of the mini? Do you find it to small compared to the iPhone?
Click to expand...

The iPhone 5 is an amazing device and the retina display is absolutely gorgeous, but if you already use a non retina MacBook then it won't be a problem. I also hold the mini farther away from my face then the iPhone , so you won't notice the pixels. But if you look a little closer you WILL be able to tell the difference.

I also watch movies and Netflix on my iPad mini. It definitely isn't as crisp as my iPhone 5, but the over all size and form factor makes up for it completely. My only issue is the letter boxing so make sure you get the BLACK VERSION of the mini. Or else it will drive you nuts. I tried the white version and found it dreadful to watch the movie without noticing the bright white bezel which also made the letter boxing stand out. I've watched movies on the retina iPad 4 and although it is very crisp I would see no point in it if I was anywhere close to an HDTV. It just reminds me of a small tv.

I didn't feel the mini was weaker when pressed at all. But if apple made an iPhone the size of Galaxy note 2 or maybe even a galaxy s3 (maybe) I would not have bought a mini. But with ought those sizes the mini is perfect. You can say the same about an iPad compared to a 13" MacBook.
 
Hum thank you so much!

I really need to check both live. Right now it's between iPad mini 32GB and iPad 4 16GB.
 
saporiti said:
It would be perfect if 16GB were enough... I don't intend to add music or pictures to the iPad, since I have all of that on my iPhone. Just some games (at least FIFA 2012) and some movies.

I also had an idea: Will dropbox work to store movies and watch on the iPad for saving some GB's?
Click to expand...

I bought the 16GB ipad4 because it's the best value.Paying so much more for and extra 16 or 48GB is highway robbery in my opinion.I can store my pics,videos and movies on memory cards.

Not many people realise you can use the ipad card reader and store pics,movies and music on a memory card.It can be done without jailbreaking but there is a trick to it.....

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20043530-285/how-to-use-sd-cards-for-extra-ipad-video-storage/
 
saporiti said:
Well, this is a real mix of good and bad opinions about the iPad Mini.

Something that kevroc said: iPhone 5 is to close to the iPad Mini.

I kind of agree with it. I saw it live once, and have to say it looks way smaller compared to the regular iPad.

God, I really don't know what to go for.
Click to expand...

Well I say that because the on the mini there is more zooming in and out and panning around, much like the iPhone 5. However, with the iPhone 5 the apps are optimized for the phone, with the mini the apps are really optimized for a larger screen so it doesn't always shrink down well. Also, the iPhone 5 is incredibly fast and you always have it with you.

The big iPad, while closer in size to the laptop, doesn't have the keyboard and a lot of functionality the laptop has. So by getting something closer in screen real estate makes up for lacking of the power a laptop has. The other thing that really makes it up for me is that, from the iPad, I can remote into my desktop at home and get access to something should I need it. The big iPad just feels a little more like a real work device. If I'm going to leave my laptop at home, I want to know I have something fairly capable with me should I need it.

For me it was about having a device I could grab instead of my laptop. I understand the mini fits a lot of peoples needs and it's a great device, I just didn't need to sacrifice the power, size and screen since I feel the regular iPad is plenty portable.

If you could pick something up used to try out and then resell if you didn't like it where you aren't taking a loss on it, that would be one way to do it.
 
As I said before, I'll be checking both devices live during the next week, just to be sure about what I can get with each of them.

Personally, I would love if the Mini had a Retina display, but stayed on the exact price tag where it is right now (339€ for 16GB).

If the iPad 4 was a little bit cheaper, I wouldn't even exitate on buying it, since a larger screen would be just fine. I intend to carry it on my backpack, so it's fine. Also to watch movies, it would be a lot better.

However, 16GB is a short memory, even though I have 3 clouds (reaching around 40GB of free space), but I don't know if it's okay to play a movie stored on a cloud. Does it plays automatically or do I have to wait for it to load?)

Really have to see what's best for me, 32GB but smaller and weaker, or 16GB but bigger and stronger.
 
Can you wait until the Spring 2013 to see if new Mini's and Full iPad's are released or are you needing it right now. Have an iPad 3 retina and iPad Mini and Macbook Air. Love them all as each one has it own use. I will say I grab the mini more than the full size iPad but that's just me. But if I want to read a game manual pdf than I might grab the retina. Each person is completely different!

Good luck with your decision! Or you could just get an iPad 4 and an iPad Mini :) Just kidding!
 
in2tech said:
Can you wait until the Spring 2013 to see if new Mini's and Full iPad's are released or are you needing it right now. Have an iPad 3 retina and iPad Mini and Macbook Air. Love them all as each one has it own use. I will say I grab the mini more than the full size iPad but that's just me. But if I want to read a game manual pdf than I might grab the retina. Each person is completely different!

Good luck with your decision! Or you could just get an iPad 4 and an iPad Mini :) Just kidding!
Click to expand...


I wouldn't die if I waited... but thing is I could really use one right now: Taking something to college lighter than a Macbook Pro, would be really cool. Also, watching movies in bed... without being scared of falling asleep and trowing the MBP in the floor :D

And I don't like waiting for somethings that might never ever be perfect. Both regular and mini iPads have they're drawbacks, but both work just fine.. I just need to check them live (specially the Mini since my GF has an iPad 2).

PS- Also, iPad 2 16GB for 350€ on amazon.co.uk is a last option, if I don't like the Mini and can't afford the iPad 4.
 
Last edited:
Okaaay! Quick update:

Today I went to some stores to check out all the iPad's I could reach :D

So here I am, still kind of far from a decision to be made lol.

iPad 2: Still like it. My gf has one as I said before, and it works just fine... I think she spends a week without closing the apps and games she uses, once I closed about 22 apps/games lol. Although, it was never, ever, slow. I like the form factor, I don't find it to big or to heavy, of course you get tired of holding it up, but I get tired of holding my iPhone when I'm in bed :rolleyes:

iPad Mini: Clearly an interesting device... Although it seems it's not an apple device. Don't ask me why, but it looks like it's not that well made, not that resistent, not that tough as I expected.

However, it has a very interesting form factor, specially because of the large screen in such a small device. I actually don't find it that small (when it comes to screen size) compared to the iPad 2/3/4.

iPad 3: Not for sale no more in any store. I will automatically cross it from my list as it's not possible to get it, and if it's not for sale there's probablly a good reason for it!

iPad 4: Couldn't spot a difference from the iPad 2 besides the different charger and the screen quality. I'm not a retina addict, but truth is: When I placed my iPhone 5 near the iPad 4, I saw exactly the same... I screen so bright that when you get closer you don't see pixels, or "little squares". It looks amazing just like the iPhone 5 screen.

However, when I placed my iPhone 5 near the iPad Mini or the iPad 2 I couldn't spot a difference also... Just when I got really close to it, then you can see some pixels, some "little squares" (best way I have to describe it with my bad english lol) but I wouldn't call it a big deal, and of course not a deal breaker.

Point of the situation: I'm completelly stuck on the puzzle (like Alex Turner says :D). Of course I would like to get the iPad 4 (same charger that the iPhone, probablly more software updates and up to date for a longer period) but is it worth the price difference of 109€ from the iPad 2? :rolleyes:

When it comes to the iPad Mini... I also fell in love with it, but don't know if that's what I want. It's an iPad 2 but smaller, cheaper (both in price and quality of the materials, in my opinion of course). As I intend to watch movies on the iPad, don't know if being smaller is a good idea. Also I would love to bring home a retina buddy for my iPhone 5. :D

This were my thoughts from today, from what I've seen and from what I've touched.

I will remember you guys again: The iPad 4 Wi-fi with 16GB will cost me 480€ and the iPad Mini will cost me 300€ for 16GB or 400€ for 32GB.

Since I have 3 clouds (dropbox with almost 8GB), Vodafone Cloud (with 20GB) and CloudPT (with 16GB), all with a dedicated app for the iPad, I think I'll survive with 16GB.

Hope to hear from you guys again, and sorry for being such a pain in the a*s! ;)
 
Buy the Mini for cost savings. Try it out for the full return period limit and see how it goes. If you cannot live with it, then go with the 4th gen.
 
Here's my .02: I have a 2012 MBA 13" and iPhone 5 and 64GB iPad 3. I've gone to the Apple store and looked at the iPad mini and concur with your assessment that it seems "un-Apple" in many ways. Really reminds me of a Nexus 7 in terms of build quality - not up to usual Apple hardware standards and seems small and poorly built for the price. That is a completely personal opinion, though. Next version may be a completely different story, though.

My opinion is that if you have an iPhone, a full-size iPad fits the gap between the laptop and the 4" screen better. It just seems like a more full-fledged consumption device to me and seems better for reading, web-surfing, watching videos, playing games, etc., especially for the minor price difference. Of course, I've only played with the mini as opposed to owning one. But I do think I know what I like after looking at it. As for iPad 2 vs. 3 or 4, I love the retina display on my iPad 3 (i gave my iPad 2 to my husband when I upgraded) but it is also heavier, a tad thicker, runs warmer (my device actually runs hot and is uncomfortable without a case) and takes more than twice as long to charge (a whopping 6+ hours). There were definitely tradeoff's involved in upgrading to iPad 3. I have actually advised family members with budgetary constraints to buy iPad 2 instead of 3 or 4 because it is lighter, charges faster, has the same processor as the 3, and can be bought at a substantial price break. Yes, the 3's retina display is superior but the iPad 2 does have a nice screen. I was completely happy with my iPad 2's screen resolution when used in combination with my retina iPhone before I got the 3. So yeah, if I was in your shoes, I would highly consider the iPad 2 if you can find one at a great price.

Definitely prioritize your memory. 16GB is not adequate at this point and time if you store music, photos, books, movies, and a large assortment of apps on your device (but again, this is a personal opinion).

The nice thing is that you have a return window for whatever Apple device you buy if you buy it through Apple.
 
Last edited:
Thank you so much for your answer, it was really helpful.

I have crossed the iPad Mini from my list, today I played with it for like 20min. and got bored of the size... I just don't need something that small, a regular size iPad does the job better, at least for my use.

I think I'm about to get an iPad, but still don't know if I'll be picking the 4 or 2.

iPad 2 wi-fi 16GB - In portugal - 400€ (370€ since I have a 30€ voucher)

iPad 4 wi-fi 16GB - In portugal - 510€ (480€ since I have a 30€ voucher)

It's a 110€ difference. And I'm not a very rich person, I have to say.

I just need to justify if the 100€ difference is worth for the iPad 4.


MEANWHILE:

I was checking on Amazon.co.uk for the prices of the iPad, and I have some questions:

This iPad 2 , it says it comes from Wowcamera. I just don't understand if it's safe to get an iPad from amazon, since it's not coming directly from Apple!

Also, this iPad 4 , it's sold from TopT... what the hell os that?

Doesn't amazon sell things straight from Apple? Am I missing out on something?
 
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smileyface said:
I bought the 16GB ipad4 because it's the best value.Paying so much more for and extra 16 or 48GB is highway robbery in my opinion.I can store my pics,videos and movies on memory cards.

Not many people realise you can use the ipad card reader and store pics,movies and music on a memory card.It can be done without jailbreaking but there is a trick to it.....

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20043530-285/how-to-use-sd-cards-for-extra-ipad-video-storage/
Click to expand...

After checking out this article, does anyone know if MOvies on iTunes, are H.264-compliant? I would think that they are, but figured I would ask, before I went out and bought the card reader for this purpose.
 
bri1212 said:
After checking out this article, does anyone know if MOvies on iTunes, are H.264-compliant? I would think that they are, but figured I would ask, before I went out and bought the card reader for this purpose.
Click to expand...

Obviously iTune movies will be compliant to play on the iPad but there are some video formats that will not such as AVI.You just need an app such as Freemake Video Converter on your pc and then convert your videos to files that will play on the iPad such as MPEG4.Incorrect type of video files will not import to the iPad.

I bought a third party iPad camera connection kit for about 10 bucks and it works great following the instruction in that article.
 
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