iPad mini What do you see as the benefits of the Mini now?

[TheDLade]

IMO, having owned both the mini and full size iPad, the only thing mini is better than the full size iPad is ebooks. For everything else, larger screen size wins. The only benefit I see for the mini is that it is smaller and lighter, so it fits in some larger pockets and in smallish bags and purses.

But that's in comparison with the the mini and not the retina mini

 

[nutmac]

That's not what the latest data shows. Looks like the full sized ipad was already outselling the Mini pretty regularly, and that was before the full-sized one got a lot smaller and lighter, and the Mini got more expensive.

Perhaps you are right, but I think lack of retina on iPad mini is the reason why it's market share is not as large as I would've expected. But again, I could be wrong. After all, phablet markets run counter to my argument (although I think those with a phablet are less likely to own a tablet).

Anyway, I am not dismissing 9.7" as invalid. Rather, I think larger audience will find 7.85" mini with $100 lower price point to be far more compelling.

 

[Night Spring]

But that's in comparison with the the mini and not the retina mini

Retina might make some difference in using the mini for looking at things, but the touch targets, like the keyboard, is still going to be smaller. I'm pretty sure I'd still prefer the full size for most tasks.

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Anyway, I am not dismissing 9.7" as invalid. Rather, I think larger audience will find 7.85" mini with $100 lower price point to be far more compelling.

And some people just like things bigger! And now the bigger iPad is much lighter, and still only a $100 dollars more than a comparable mini. I'm calling this a draw, and betting that the split will be close to 50/50 between the mini and the iPad Air.