All iPads Upgrading from iPad 2, should I get rMini or Air?

[fanchee]

I was dead set on the rmini after spending the last 8 months or so using the 1st gen mini. I handed down my iPad 3 when I got the first mini. Fell in love with the form factor in spite of the non-retina screen.

The Air was released, I had no interest. Patiently waited for the rmini and grabbed it as soon as I could. Loved it, everything I wanted the mini to be. But then.... I got an Air. The screen! The lightness of it!

Our household has an rmini and an Air, and so I'm very happy to not have to choose between the two. If I had to, it would probably be the Air. There's a lot to be said for a larger screen on a device that's darn near the same weight.

 

[Misskitty]

There's a lot to be said for a larger screen on a device that's darn near the same weight.

Thats pretty much how I see it too. 1/3 larger, barely any noticably heavier, but the larger screen is so nice to have.

 

[SeenJeen]

Screen is better on the Air. (Not just real estate, but the quality of the display)
Mini is obviously more portable.

If you mainly use your iPad around the house, the Air is a better choice.

 

[Davidsr20]

Air all the way. You are already accustomed to the larger size so an Air would be a huge upgrade for you. I recommend against the mini because of so many display problems I've read about.

Lol there more screen faults on the air!
Mini has more ppi too so great quality.

 

[darngooddesign]

Mini is no upgrade , get an air.

In your opinion, aside from the fact that the Mini 2 is almost identical to the Air, why is it not an upgrade from the iPad 2?

Unless you're one of the applets who have to have every apple.

The fact that he didn't buy the iPad 3, iPad 4, or Mini 1, not to mention isn't going to buy both the Air and Mini 2, proves that the OP isn't one of those applets. Wouldn't you say this is true or do you have further insight as to why he might be one of those applets?

 

[mwinget]

Just purchased the Rmini yesterday

I just purchased the Rmini yesterday myself. I too had the iPad 2nd Generation. I LOVE my mini. I don't notice the color "issue", but the screen is very sharp. It's much easier reading on this one that my old one.

Again, YMMV.. it's ultimately YOUR device. Only YOU can make your decision.

Happy New Year!!!!!

 

[Sym0]

I have both and prefer the Air. It is perfect. The mini is cute and fun but ultimately the screen is just too small for my eyes.

The mini is great to hold and operate one handed but the Air is just that much more natural feeling.

With such a small price difference it's the Air that will be the better unit.

 

[cmhsam]

I have both and find myself using the Air. Air fits better in my hands. Mini is nice but for $100 more you get a larger screen. Either way it will be a significant upgrade. If I want portable I have my IP5s. Enjoy the new toy!

 

[ultra7k]

same situation, i opted for the mini because it's more portable, and if you make up the price difference you can get more storage space.

 

[mpantone]

As a former iPad 2 owner, I'd say the iPad mini Retina. But that's just me...

The only real answer will come from you.

Good luck with your purchase decision.

 

[FatPuppy]

I'd say go for the r mini cause if you're fat, you can strap it to your arm like an iphone while jogging

 

[AdonisSMU]

Thanks guys, I've already been to the store once so I figured I'd get some opinions. Personally, the mini felt a bit better because of the size. Easier to use with one hand. I often find myself sitting on the couch, resting the 2 on myself. As someone already said, my only worry is that I'm too used to the larger screen. The $100 difference is nice though.

I've seen some articles mentioning that the rMini has an inferior screen in regards to the color gamut and other things. Will the typical user even notice this? Especially me, coming from a 2?

Color gamut is the least of your worries. The color gamut issue was created so people could justify their purchase of the air. Choose your device based on the size that is appropriate for your use.

I have an air but I picked it because I like the bigger screen more. I came from a 1st gen iPad mini.

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Screen is better on the Air. (Not just real estate, but the quality of the display)
Mini is obviously more portable.

If you mainly use your iPad around the house, the Air is a better choice.

My air is practically glued to my hands. It goes wherever I do.

 

[TacticalDesire]

Just noticed BestBuy is having their open box sale with a coupon for 10% off. No cheap Airs around me, but found a rMini for $383, with coupon making it $345. Tempted to go that route, seems like a great deal. My current ipad was an open box from when I worked at Best Buy, most of them are just opened in pristine condition.

They also have a MacBook Air for $899, with coupon would be $809. SO tempting

Get both

 

[JonMPLS]

Two options that I can think of:

1. Head to the the Apple stores and play with them for a while. Do this on more than one day.
2. Buy both and return one of them within 2 weeks.

Since I don't like to take approach #2, I took option 1, and am really happy! Went from the 3 to the mini.

But both are great! Sure you will be amazed either way.

 

[Rhyno37]

Would it make more sense to get a mini if I plan on getting a MacBook Air 11 or 13?

 

[Arid]

I had the Air but it really wasn't what I wanted so I gave it to my brother and got myself a rMini. Really enjoying the Mini form factor. The Air was nice but if I don't bring it with me, it kinda defeats the purpose doesn't matter how much nicer the screen is.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

I had the Air but it really wasn't what I wanted so I gave it to my brother and got myself a rMini. Really enjoying the Mini form factor. The Air was nice but if I don't bring it with me, it kinda defeats the purpose doesn't matter how much nicer the screen is.

Precisely. Plus I like how easy it is to thumb type on the mini.

 

[Branskins]

Precisely. Plus I like how easy it is to thumb type on the mini.

This! I went from the Air to the Mini and I friggen love how comfortable thumb typing is.

I also don't feel that iOS 7 is really optimized to take advantage of the large iPad screens. Because of this, the smaller screen is just more comfortable in my opinion.

Granted I've only used the mini for 3 days now. I had the Air for about a month and never really brought it out for some reason.

 

[FatPuppy]

This! I went from the Air to the Mini and I friggen love how comfortable thumb typing is.

I also don't feel that iOS 7 is really optimized to take advantage of the large iPad screens. Because of this, the smaller screen is just more comfortable in my opinion.

Granted I've only used the mini for 3 days now. I had the Air for about a month and never really brought it out for some reason.

Beta 2 is great!