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So got my iPad Air this morning. Upgrading from a 3rd gen version.

First conclusion would be why would anyone need a mini as the air is so much lighter, thinner and easy to hold compared to previous iPads.

You've got the great 9.8 screen but in a smaller case!


cause I don't have a extra $500 to spend
 
I know, right! For me, neither the Mini nor the Air can be used one-handed for long periods (>1 hour) comfortably.
...

Here is a tip: do what people normally do with physical books :)

Seriously, I think it's healthy to change your position, get up, take a break, walk around a bit every so often. There is a study which showed standing up every so often really help improve your health and greatly reduce the chance of getting diabetes. Yes, simply the act of standing up is all you need to do. So, a tablet that tires your arm after an hour or so has wonderful side effect.

No, I am not making excuses for Apple or any tablet maker for not being able to make a feather light or Google Glass like tablet.
 
Fortunately for all the people in this thread, Apple makes the Air AND the Mini.

Why anyone would think they could possibly convince a forum that one is better and the other redundant or useless is puzzling.
 
Seriously TS? Why Red when theres Blue? This forum is annoying to keep updated with due to the masses of these kinds of threads. :p
 
For photographers, the iPad/ Air causes some problems. If images on websites for example are 800 px on the long side, it looks perfectly fine in portrait mode, in landscape mode, however, there is a noticeable loss of fine details. Posting larger images might help but potential image theft makes that a bad idea.

I hope that the higher pixel density of the iPad Mini with retina might help with that problem.
 
What a wonderful situation. Two great devices no comprises when choosing, just preference of screen size.

I was going to wait for the mini/r, but after reading reviews I decided to see for myself. Since I have the iPhone 5s, my mobile needs are really met. After seeing the Air live, handling it, comparing size and weight to the mini, and considering the possible rarity of the mini.......

The 128 mb wifi black/grey Air fit my particular needs as a mostly home device. After three days use, I am sure this works best for me. Apple pulled off a double win here, as whatever you choose, you don't compromise a thing for your screen size preference.

My first iPad, and it's great!
 
One handed use is still not possible on the Air. The Mini is much more compact.

I respectfully disagree. I've been using my air with 1 hand for hours on end and no strain. A mini would be for those who just prefer a more compact device. I think it's fair to say that most users use their tablet in landscape mode so you're not going to wrap your hand around a mini either. Since I am using my tablet more than my computer these days, a full size makes the most sense for me.
 
The immediate advantages the Mini has over the Air are as follows:

-Price ($100 cheaper)
-Size (If you normally carry around a small bag, the Mini is advantageous here. It also works better in highly cramped, urban environments).

I would also say the ability to use it for semi-extended periods of time with one hand, but I realize that varies depending on the size of your fingers/hands (I have shorter fingers than normal, so I value the Mini more in that regard).

If you don't already carry around a small bag though, and price is irrelevant, then it's pretty hard to argue against the Air.
 
So got my iPad Air this morning. Upgrading from a 3rd gen version.

First conclusion would be why would anyone need a mini as the air is so much lighter, thinner and easy to hold compared to previous iPads.

You've got the great 9.8 screen but in a smaller case!


i have an iMac, a 40+'' tv an iphone 4s and a mbair1313

i really don't need an iPad air, i have had the iPad 2 and in the evening on sofa it was heavy to 'bring up' and watch more than 10 minutes (maybe even 5), then i tried a nexus 7 and it was a lot more lighter

i just need something bigger than an iphone
to 'enjoy' on bed-sofa-'here n there'
if i want something bigger i will seat on the iMac or at the tv

i didn't get the mini '1' because it was a joke (specs)
the 2 is 'in line' with apple products.


if i haven't had all the above i'd defenetly go for the Air or wait for the AirTwice coming in next years.
 
If you have an iPhone, the mini is too small an upgrade in comparison. So get the Air. You also already have portability with the iPhone.

If you don't have an iPhone and need portability (take with you everywhere) -- get the mini.

If you don't need portability at all (mostly use at home), get the Air.

Simple.

not simple at all
you are putting on the same level the iPhone and the iPad mini
how many iPhones would fit into the mini screen ? x3 x4 ?

the iPhone is not enjoyment of content at all, is just portability
it's enjoyment at the basic level

mini is, for me, the proper compromise

what if in few years they release 14-6 inches table tablets for multiple people use (a la table game) are you going to hold it up in the bed and claim 'the 14-16 inches table tablet is the choice because the iPad air 2013 is too small


unless the 9-10-12 inches table gets light like a paper sheet and foldable
they are just too big and a bit heavy-uncomfortable
they are just good to put on a table, flat down or with a stand, but in hands ?


ps: im a strong man who holds dslrs, lenses, tripods.
 
I think this thread proves that humans will literally argue over ANYTHING.

They're tablets. Luxury purchases. At this point, the two Apple offerings are identical except for the size of the screen. How can this garner such over-the-top levels of anger over someone saying they prefer one over the other? Just pick the one that you like better. You won't develop life-altering wrist problems if you get the Air, and you aren't a pansy if you get the mini. Just get the one you like better.

Now let's move on to arguing over something more meaningful like whether Apple copies more than Samsung or vice versa.
 
not simple at all
you are putting on the same level the iPhone and the iPad mini
how many iPhones would fit into the mini screen ? x3 x4 ?

the iPhone is not enjoyment of content at all, is just portability
it's enjoyment at the basic level

mini is, for me, the proper compromise

what if in few years they release 14-6 inches table tablets for multiple people use (a la table game) are you going to hold it up in the bed and claim 'the 14-16 inches table tablet is the choice because the iPad air 2013 is too small


unless the 9-10-12 inches table gets light like a paper sheet and foldable
they are just too big and a bit heavy-uncomfortable
they are just good to put on a table, flat down or with a stand, but in hands ?


ps: im a strong man who holds dslrs, lenses, tripods.

No diff than a hardback book.
 
I think this thread proves that humans will literally argue over ANYTHING.

They're tablets. Luxury purchases. At this point, the two Apple offerings are identical except for the size of the screen. How can this garner such over-the-top levels of anger over someone saying they prefer one over the other? Just pick the one that you like better. You won't develop life-altering wrist problems if you get the Air, and you aren't a pansy if you get the mini. Just get the one you like better.

Now let's move on to arguing over something more meaningful like whether Apple copies more than Samsung or vice versa.

:D:D:D:D:D

Great response!!
 
So got my iPad Air this morning. Upgrading from a 3rd gen version.

First conclusion would be why would anyone need a mini as the air is so much lighter, thinner and easy to hold compared to previous iPads.

You've got the great 9.8 screen but in a smaller case!
Couldnt you also ask "Why an iPad Air if you have an iPad Mini" or even "Why an iPad Air if you have an iPad 4"?

The entire iPad line from the iPad 2, 3, 4, Mini and Air may have different specs but they all perform the same functions. All of them share the same feature set, all of them share a similar design and all of them require a purse to carry around since none are actually "pocketable". So ownership of ANY iPad (after the original) would mean that you don't actually "need" a second one.

That said, in our household we own 3 iPads. An iPad 3 (that we rarely use) and Two Mini's and I'm currently contemplating the purchase of an Air but so far I'm failing to mentally justify how an Air would actually improve my life or upgrade the iPad experience that I've had for the last few years.
 
Why do I feel that I've stirred up a hornets nest on this one!

I guess at least some of us feel that we hope the individual is making the right decision but not for the wrong reasons! :D

I guess we will go back and forth debating the Air vs rMini hour after hour till the next gens come out! :eek:
 
-Size (If you normally carry around a small bag, the Mini is advantageous here. It also works better in highly cramped, urban environments).

That's definitely the factor driving me to the iPad Mini. On a crowded subway car or bus, the full-size iPad takes up a lot of space when I already have someone practically in my lap. But if I'm reading long-form content, I want something at least a little bigger than my phone. It's not about weight for me as much as size.
 
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