All iPads Which iPad should I buy through the Verizon promo?

Where did you see these prices? They're not on the Verizon site.

 

Are there no wifi only options for the iPads? For your needs it sounds like you may be over paying if you go with a cellular version. Not to mention resale value on a cellar iPad is always lower. But if tethering isn't an option and the choices above are all they have, it would just come down to screen preference relative to size that is.

Mini 4 16GB or Air 2 16GB.

 

Second the question - just checked, not seeing those prices, which are very attractive!

I'd say Air 2 for its bigger screen and A8X SoC since you don't mention portability as a big concern. The Air 2 should give you quite a few years of happy use.

 

And this exact same post is on the Apple site, too.

I call BS.

 

Perhaps he's got an employer discount or something else not generally available.

 

I'd suggest either the air 2 or the mini 4, with 64 GB ether way. The newer devices are big upgrades and will likely last you longer, and 16 GB is tight; getting 64 GB is a good idea.

As to whether to get the air or the mini, that all depends. Do you prefer a smaller device that can slip into a jacket pocket or purse and is comfortably held in one hand, or do you prefer a larger screen with more readable text and a bit faster? Try out both in the store if you can. This is mostly a subjective decision, and it's possible to over-analyze. If one of them makes you smile, and feel warm and fuzzy inside, I'd pick that one.

 

Quick to judge on here. Wow.

 

Mini 4 16GB because it is new and costs cheaper. Good for you and your small kids. I don't trust small kids handling and playing full size iPad Air...But I prefer full size iPad Air 1 or 2 for video streaming.

 

My apologies. I take back my BS call.

 

I would seriously advise against the 16GB iDevices. The OS will take up most of that, and leave you VERY little room for media and apps.

 

I agreed with you but OP say he doesn't have any problem with 16GB so I can't force him to get 64GB Mini.

 

Since this will obviously be on contract and requiring a data plan, OP - few questions:
1) Will you be using the data on your iPad or will this be mostly connected to wifi (you said occasionally, how important is occasionally; I'm not sure on the current stand on tethering so maybe someone can fill in; but if you can tether then that opens up different options. Keep in mind tethering will eat up a lot of your iPhone's battery, so you have to factor that as well)
2) How much is the data for the iPad going to cost per month.

Decide these two and come back here. Reason being, if you aren't going to use data since it'll be mainly used at home where it's connected to wifi, it wouldn't be a smart decision to "save money" upfront, and then end up paying more in the end. I think I had to cough up $30 / month for 2 GB when I had my iPad Air 2 on Verizon.

Your current option is $229 for a 16GB cellular Mini 4, while the retail price for a 16GB Mini 4 is $399. That's roughly a savings of $170. Assuming you pay $30/month; 6 months later you fill in the difference and if you were on wifi for say 90% of those 6 months, can you justify paying $180 for 10% use. Again, some people can justify it because data is really important to them, I don't know your situation though. But paying full retail Mini 4 wifi (or even buying a used Air 2 wifi) might be a better option.

 

In my opinion, the choice between the mini and the air form factor is mostly a matter of subjective preference. As a result, rather than analyzing the problem to death, I think it makes sense to go to the store and play with both of them, and pay attention to your reactions. Does one of them make you smile? Do you find yourself secretly hoping you'll pick that one? Then that's one I'd go with.