the whole point of a mini was to be able to hold with one hand on a bed/train/airplane ect. the new ipad air is so light and portable theres no reason not to get it over retina mini other than you not wanting to spend the hundred bucks
The mini will fit easily in my jeans pocket, my cargo pockets, etc. The Air is still a little big for that..
Now when the iPhone 6 comes out with a 5"ish ipad retina resolution screen and they have merged the lines with resolution, which is the obvious next step after having the ipad mini and air match up so much, that will definitely fit in any of my pockets..
If I don't need a big screen I will go for the retina mini. It has much better value for money, namely because it's $100 cheaper with nearly identical internal specs.
I love these "why would anyone want...." threads, the simple answer is people are individuals, with different needs. I prefer the Minis form for commuting and on the go, I dont care how thin and light they make the bigger pad I like the size in the hand of the Mini. END OF STORY!
Pretty much what I was going to say. I would like to add that the iPad Mini with retina display should charge faster due to the smaller battery, but it still yields the same battery life.
So if anything the question should be, why would anyone get the iPad Air? But of course there are use cases for that. I think people who need the bigger display should go and get it (maybe it's for work, maybe they use it for playing movies in the car, to make music, etc...).
But for casual consuming, reading, watching movies on your own, taking it everywhere, trips, etc...I think the iPad Mini is just simply perfect. I'm definitely getting one. Even if it cost the same as the iPad Air, I would still get it. I just prefer the form factor, and I'm not giving up anything but a couple of inches that I don't need and that actually don't provide more resolution, which means lower pixel density. I just don't see the point unless you NEED a bigger screen.