iPad mini Why do you have an iPad?

[AppleFanatic10]

I only use mine at home and I can't put it down. I hardly ever use my phone at home. What's really cool is that now I have all my text messages going to my iPad. iPhone screen is too small for web browsing or using tapatalk.

I feel like when I get my iPad, I'm hardly going to use my iPhone. Reading ebook is pretty difficult on the iPhone, and I have a textbook that I need to read but I hate reading it on my computer also right now I don't have the ability to bring my computer everywhere (like an iPad I mean) and read when I want to.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I have an iPad because I wanted it (still have my launch day 1, waiting on my air upgrade to arrive).

I can't read my iPhone without my glasses.... And at 3:13am when insomnia hits, I don't want to go sit at the computer or put my glasses on.

Ebooks are awesome.

I too think your see more "couch use" if you had an air. Hanging out with your sig other on the couch or in bed with a tablet is wayyyy more cozy than sitting at a desk or holding a laptop. Seriously, i agree the mini is to close to your phone or you.

But hey, not everyone likes the same stuff.... Good thing we have choices here - just return it!

[Backstory: I managed to get the iPad Air 16 GB for $520 taxes included via Staples. Then I called them to fix my shipping address because I'm housesitting up north and can't get home. They apparently sent it out already, like 30 minutes after the order. So a neighbour will hoooopefully sign for it if she's home. :/ Staples said if she isn't home the order will be cancelled.]

Quick, go sign up for my ups or the fed ex equivalent and see if you can reschedule the delivery!

 

[aluren]

I guess he just wants someone to say it's a redundant device, for someone who already have an iPhone and a laptop. Are you worried that you'll disappoint your mom if you don't want the iPad, therefore you have to find a justification to keep it?

For me I read a lot. I have tried reading ebooks/pdf on my retina MacBook, iPhone 5s, Kindle Paperwhite, Nexus 7, iPad 3rd gen, iPad mini retina, and yes, even on a TV. Nothing beats the iPad mini retina, it's the perfect size, awesome resolution, great battery, and light weight. That's what I use my iPad for.

 

[everydayCARD]

So I bought an iPad Mini with Retina Display today....my first iPad. I've been fiddling around with it for maybe 3-5 hours. I think I'm going to return it tomorrow. I see no use for it with my iPhone 5S sitting in my pocket at all times. The only thing I really enjoyed more on it was playing Plants V. Zombies 2. But even games like Infinity Blade were worse to me because the resolution of the iPad is so high that you can see the lack of fine details in the game more obviously. Some shooting games seem like that are developed for the smaller iPhone screen so even though the scaling is fine they just feel a bit off with the big screen. Overall I just can't imagine situations where it is all that great. I think if you have a low res laptop you will enjoy watching videos more...maybe. But other than that, for the general consumer it seems like a waste to me. Any thoughts? I'm aware professionals can use the full sized iPad (and the mini - if size isn't an issue) for their work flow and other extraordinary situations, but I'm trying to address the average person here.

Maybe you should try getting a PS4...? They both would be roughly about the same cost and if you are looking for something that would provide you entertainment, I think a PS4 or a Xbox One would do the trick.

 

[maflynn]

For me the iPad, specifically the iPad mini is used for surfing, reading, some games, using iWork and FileMaker Pro.

The iPhone is a poor replacement for me, I love my iPhone but for those stated needs the iPad is a better replacement.

I use FileMaker pro to keep my karate notes, so I can practice my various techniques and katas, I can certainly read them on the iPhone but its more cumbersome and difficult due to the smaller screen. The something goes for iWork, the Numbers app is that much easier to use on the iPad.

 

[s2mikey]

When the iPad first came out I thought it was just a big phone type of thing and brushed it off. Then, my iPad 2 changed my views completely. I found myself using it for web browsing, email, gaming, and various tasks that I used to use my windows laptop for. The iPad was just so much cooler and fun to use. Long battery life, all kinds of great apps available, and reliability make for a great user experience. It's not perfect by any means but it's basically my go to computer for about 90% of what I use a computer for.

As for cell phones? Totally useless IMO. Teeny weeny screens make them unusable and quite a joke. I realize that most of the world uses their phones to run their entire existence but thats their problem.

 

[Badrottie]

Why do I have an iPad? Many reasons....watch netflix movie on my bed rather use ultra thin laptop. I can use my iPad on long train trip rather than taking out my rMBP to get everyone's attention. Visiting family/friends rather than lugging my rMBP. and flying in the airplane I am able to use iPad on chair's tray rather than asking eldery people to move out to get laptop from overhead counter.

 

[psionicsin]

Mainly for design work for clients. Before my iPad I used to rely on print outs or (even worse) using their machines to retrieve the data I needed. That was a PAIN and, although my work is good, made me look HIGHLY unprofessional and unorganized.

Now I walk into a place with easy access to my portfolio, mock ups, campaigns and so on from my iPad...and there's no question I'm the man for the job. There are no hiccups in my pitches, nor any moments where I have to say "can I use your computer?"

And NOT carrying around a full trees worth of paper for document signing is a GODSEND!!!

The not-so-important reasons...NetFlix, Hulu, YouTube, Movies-on-the-go...ets.

 

[arefbe]

Because I want to. I don't have, or need, a better reason.

 

[Vanilla35]

You ask a question and then jump everybody for their responses excusing your actions with "ha ha I'm a very blunt person"...We'll, junior, I can be just as blunt. They are my iPads. I buy them because I have the money and I want them. No other information needed.

I respect your honesty. To be fair, it was not my intention to "jump" on anyone, and saying I am blunt was not an "excuse" for my behavior either. It was moreso an indication that it was not the response I was looking for regarding the question I'd asked in my post.

As for your comment about people not thinking the first iPhone at 3.5" was too small to surf - the first smartphones were used mostly by business people who needed to combine a portable phone and a PDA. And the first smart phones did just that. Web browsing wasn't much on the list of 'things I want to do on a phone'. Now, it does seem that most still find browsing on a small screen to be inadequate, hence the movement to larger screens. You're still young, wait until your eyes start to deteriorate, you'll change your mind then. Until then, enjoy your phone and spend your money on something that will bring you joy.

One could say that the "first smartphones" (blackberry's) were meant for business, but the iPhone was meant for consumerism/casual use (with a greater focus on web browsing) - but I agree that the iPad might be the first product to truly have a larger focus on web browsing experience.

It seems that you aren't the target market for an iPad. That's fine, not everyone is. But I too am confused by your thread. If you mind is made up to return it and you're not really interested in how others use theirs then why the thread?

I think this is the case as well. I do think that the I orchestrated the thread in a bit of a convoluted fashion. I will respond to another comment below which should answer your last question

PS: as for being blunt, you might think about reining that in a bit. It won't really get you very far. In my 62 years I have found that most (maybe not all) people who claim that being blunt is 'just the way they are' is simply an excuse to not be civil. Not saying that you do that but you need to be aware that many people will see it that way.

Thank you very much for your feedback. I am known for being strict but fair, and I do not knowingly act in a brusque manner to those whom I am aware are sensitive.

No doubt we wouldn't have enjoyed each other's company in a philosophy class. : P

Absolutely

I guess the posts aren't satisfying you as people are unsure of what you mean by an average user. I don't think we view ourselves as special or out of the ordinary? If I weren't in university and I weren't constantly doing school work/email outside my home I wouldn't have any use for it that could justify the cost. But that's me.

This is exactly my thinking. I suppose I am simply not mature enough (in my lifestyle) to consider myself an average iPad user.

It's truly a luxury because a laptop will do so much more and is nearly as portable but the iPad is the ultimate in portability and convenience. So, in theory, you could easily own a laptop and never miss an iPad, but would you want to? It always reminds me of that Tic-Tac commercial that says something similar.

The TRUE bottom line is that no one can ever convince you that it will change your life or considerably boost your productivity or make you more money or get you more women. It's a computing toy in my opinion. The best one made!

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for. I suppose I just cannot come to terms with justifying such a purchase at this point in my life. I will look to something else

So far, I don't understand what you are trying to ask here. You say you don't want the iPad and have already made the decision to return it, yet you ask other people what their reason for owning one and you are just confusing everyone with the purpose of this thread.

While I do not mean to dismiss the rest of your post (as I agree), I will only be responding to this part.

If you felt personally robbed or hindered in some way by my thread then I am sorry. But you do not have any obligation to comment or post here

I guess he just wants someone to say it's a redundant device, for someone who already have an iPhone and a laptop. Are you worried that you'll disappoint your mom if you don't want the iPad, therefore you have to find a justification to keep it?

I am not worried about that, I told my mom after several hours of use and she, while slightly surprised, made it clear that she was actually proud that I'd come to realize it wasn't necessary for me - instead of simply going along with the flow.

Maybe you should try getting a PS4...? They both would be roughly about the same cost and if you are looking for something that would provide you entertainment, I think a PS4 or a Xbox One would do the trick.

I thought about it. I used to be big into consoles but I think I've mostly grown out of that

 

[donnaw]

:

Snip for length

After reading all your replys I get the feeling you're feeling a bit like the odd man out because you think you should be able to find a use for an iPad and can't. Don't worry, you're not alone. Some folks find that one fits into their work flow, some (like me) buy because it makes some daily tasks easier, some buy just for luxury.

The reasons don't matter. Regardless of what you hear owning an iPad is just not for everyone. My son is like you, he would much rather just carry a phone most of the time and if he needs more, he totes his laptop. In fact, a couple of months ago he brought it on a family vacation. I don't think he ever booted it up but it's a security blanket for him. An iPad would just leave him feeling naked.

Don't worry about it. Your mom was very nice and very wise to tell you to get something that brings you joy. But I remember when I was young, joy = not owning too much 'stuff' to keep track of and not being in debt. Those two things equaled freedom for me and not many things bring joy more than freedom.

You sound like a good kid. Maybe a bit uptight but that's ok. Just give your mom a hug and a kiss and tell her not to worry so much, because that's what she's doing, worrying about you and your happiness. That's what moms do.

 

[Hey Jude]

My main uses are GPS, viewing/emailing/light editing/showing pictures, email, some video, light gaming, and PDFs.

I also find texting to be far easier on my iPad. Earlier today, I ran upstairs to fetch my Retina Mini to continue a conversation that started on my iPhone because the text conversation extended beyond a few exchanges. For longer texting conversations, I find my 4s too uncomfortable to use.....

 

[Coomb]

Quick, go sign up for my ups or the fed ex equivalent and see if you can reschedule the delivery!

Can I?! The Staples rep was extremely useless saying they'd just take it back and the order would be cancelled. :/ I mean, within 30 minutes I'm pretty surprised by that inflexibility.

 

[That70sGAdawg]

removed post

 

[DaCurmudgen]

You sound like a good kid. Maybe a bit uptight but that's ok...

A bit uptight? I'll say. He's a college kid and can't find a good use for an iPad? Maybe he needs the full-sized Air for all the porn he isn't watching. Or how about any TV show or movie on Netflix, etc? Seriously?

I have an rMini, and if I had one in college, I would have been using it non-stop. In fact, I suggest the OP research and compose his senior thesis only using his rMini. Maybe then he'll see how useful it can be.

As an average someone, working in a corporation, earning a paycheck, and raising a kid, I draw with my rMini, compose music, read, take notes, show photos, take photos/videos, watch movies/TV shows, read the web, post comments to threads and anything else I can do with a computer when I'm not in front of one. For me, it is the perfect solution to portable computing where the laptop is too cumbersome and the phone is too small.

However, I will concede that when my wife was pursuing an advanced degree 2 years ago, I bought her a MacBook Air 11" rather than an iPad. For working with collaborators, researching, and writing papers, it seemed like a better solution. But from a weight and usability perspective, with a keyboard, enough storage, and cloud-based apps, the iPad could have been a serious contender, especially given the better screen resolution.

 

[kmoreau48]

I appreciate your comment. Maybe I should clarify a bit. I'm in college with a very limited income but also many things that I still need. My mom told me she wanted to get me a gift that was more indulgent this time because I always get things that I need but they are more like check list kind of items and don't necessarily bring me any joy - thus her notion of wanting to get me something more enjoyable. So I asked for this new iPad (which I'd been anticipating very much) and I'm just not blown away. Maybe it's because my life is not as saturated with luxurious items like some of the other people on here, but it just seems like a waste of money to me. It's a fine experience, but if you have a 5s with the same specs...eh'

I am also a college student and the main reason why I have an iPad is to take notes.
Before I had my iPad; I used to write notes in notebooks like 95% of students... In average i take 5 classes per semester so thats 5 notebooks i have to carry to class.. Then sometime i have some power point or pdf on the course moodle that i used to print and try to keep organised with my class notes.

With my ipad; I use notability to organise my notes to folders(semesters) and each folder contains categories(courses) in which i can create class notes and write everything just like in a notebook. It took some time to get used to write with a stylus but trust me it's worth it. Then i can upload all the power points or pdf notes from the course moodle to my notability folders and now I have everything in one place. Notability can also backup/sync to dropbox or google drive and icloud... So no matter where I am or who's computer i am using, I have access to all my notes at all time.

I used to keep my notebooks from previous semester telling myself that i might need them in the future but always ended up throwing them away after a year or two because my pile of notebooks was getting bigger and unorganised... Now I dont have to worry about it anymore

I am currently taking 5 course but unfortunatly in one of them the teacher gives handout to take notes on during the lecture... With this class only, my notes are as thick as a macbook pro... While my notes/assignment for my 4 other classes are on my ipad

Lastly; textbooks... Most textbooks now are available in ebook format... That is a huge advantage of having a tablet when you are a student.

FYI, it took me about 2 semesters to fully transition to the ipad

 

[Vanilla35]

A bit uptight? I'll say. He's a college kid and can't find a good use for an iPad? Maybe he needs the full-sized Air for all the porn he isn't watching. Or how about any TV show or movie on Netflix, etc? Seriously?

Maybe you should read my first post and follow up response to ZBoater to get a better image of what my situation is. I think it would be wasteful to acquire one of these products when it is not a necessity to my situation. I never said that I could not find use for the iPad. I did state that I enjoy the iPhone 5s in some situations over the iPad, but that is; although related, beside the point.

I am also a college student and the main reason why I have an iPad is to take notes.
Before I had my iPad; I used to write notes in notebooks like 95% of students... In average i take 5 classes per semester so thats 5 notebooks i have to carry to class.. Then sometime i have some power point or pdf on the course moodle that i used to print and try to keep organised with my class notes.

That does seem like quite the comprehensive system you have.

I generally get smaller notebooks (I don't use the extremely heavy 3, or 5 subject notebooks), and have a different color for each class. Since I usually only have 2 classes before a break (when I'd go back to my place) I only need to bring 2 very light notebooks and a pen to class. The iPad would actually require me to bring a bag of some sort also. I have no problem writing hand-written notes and while having the e-book available during class, I usually review the book before class lecture to see which topics are being covered that day. I bring my laptop if I know the e-book needs to be looked over extensively during that lecture. For my particular program (business) the buildings are modern and have long rows with no breaks, so table space is not an issue either.

 

[rezokos]

I also bought my first Apple product and it was also the ipad mini 1st gen. The reason I bought is for the portability and for school.

 

[sammy-boy]

I've a 1st gen Mini, use it a lot as an alternative to powering up the laptop, great for checking social media, forums etc. the larger screen is great for web surfing, typing, tweeting etc, I did sell my old iPad 2 and immediately regretted it. The Mini's size is just right for me and it's handy having a larger screen.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

My iPad mini is my second "computer". Sometimes it's just more comfortable/convenient to use instead of my primary computer, the MBA.

 

[FAsnakes]

I have the disposable cash to burn on toys. . For me I consider the iPad a novelty device.

Not much justification needed when you set some cash aside to play with.
The iPad is not for everyone.

 

[DisplacedMic]

return it and get mom and dad their money back.

 

[Vanilla35]

return it and get mom and dad their money back.

I returned it the next day

 

[scaredpoet]

See while I believe that truly, I just find it borderline idiotic. Anything will find its way into your circle of use after enough time, but if your eyes do not strain from an iPhones screen (keep in mind back when the iPhone came out I don't think anyone was straining from a 3.5 inch screen - but now iPads are out and iPhones are a sudden too small for people to read) and you don't need it for business the only real use I can find is a larger screen for reading which does not justify the cost.

I can find lots of efficiencies for a student.

There are electronic textbooks available, both from Amazon and from places like kno.com, which provide a reduction in cost over the print versions. Some even allow you to "rent" the e-text version for a semester, reducing the cost even more (and removing the hassle of selling back your books and getting hardly anything back for them). There's also the HUGE convenience you get out of the reduction in weight.

Pair the iPad with a small bluetooth keyboard or keyboard case, and it becomes a very useful note taking device, particularly when using evernote. Those notes can then get synced back to all your other devices. Or, use the on-screen keyboard. In fact, depending on your workflow, it might be possible to leave the laptop in your dorm or apartment a lot more often, and just bring the iPad.

The above are uses I have for my iPad as I go back into college courses for postgraduate study, and my iPad has really served me well in this capacity.

There's other uses, other software and other benefits, but it seems like you're leaning really hard against the iPad. I'm not sure why people go on here to try and get others to convince them, when they've made their choice, as it seems that clearly you have, to the point where you call other people's justifications "borderline idiotic." If you find having an iPad idiotic, then it's good you returned it. Now, the question is: why are you still here if you've made your decision already? To try to convince yourself you made the right choice? Or just to troll?

I feel like if you have to purposefully use something enough for it to get situated in your life, then it's something you probably don't need to begin with, but just want to convince yourself you need.

People were once saying the same thing about laptops and smart phones... some still do.

 

[FAsnakes]

return it and get mom and dad their money back.

This ^