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iPad mini Absurd 64GB vs 256GB
- Thread starter tokyodesigner
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We're whingeing about the new iPad Mini 6 storage options, so I'm not following how the iPad 8 or 9 storage options are relevant?
Ok, I got you. The only choices for the iPad 9, the Ipad Mini 6, and also the iPad Air 4, are 64GB or 256GB.
It didn't used to be this way - on many of the older models there were 3 or even 4 storage options; but I must admit in those cases the base storage options often were a joke (like 16GB).
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The problem is the "might" - if it turns out to be not enough, depending upon when you discover that, you'll be in a bind, stuck with it. I bite the bullet and go with what I know I can live with, not what I might be able to live with. Not been wrong yet.
A huge factor is whether you use iCloud for all your documents and photos.
If you do, it is much more likely you can live with 64GB.
If you don't, then the opposite.
A really great thing would be an SD card slot. And yes, that could be added while still maintaining water resistance.
But such a consumer-centric feature would be impossible by Apple’s way of doing things.
But such a consumer-centric feature would be impossible by Apple’s way of doing things.
I don't
I haven't considered 128GB the "Goldilocks option" since that was the most storage available - I'm guessing back in the 6, 6S days? Since then, 256GB has been my sweet spot, if only because the pricing on the higher tiers reeks of 'Apple Tax' IMO. I would like to have had the option of 512GB on the mini, but in all honesty I probably would've ended up with 256GB all the same. I've got a couple of 2TB external SSDs for long trips (movies, etc) and that's basically the only time I need the extra storage. My iCloud Photo Library is well over 500GB so I can't even download that locally unless I spring for the 1TB storage tier, and that's pretty much the only reason to bother with higher storage amounts, for me.
Case in point - you can't please everyone. Lol
I haven't considered 128GB the "Goldilocks option" since that was the most storage available - I'm guessing back in the 6, 6S days? Since then, 256GB has been my sweet spot, if only because the pricing on the higher tiers reeks of 'Apple Tax' IMO. I would like to have had the option of 512GB on the mini, but in all honesty I probably would've ended up with 256GB all the same. I've got a couple of 2TB external SSDs for long trips (movies, etc) and that's basically the only time I need the extra storage. My iCloud Photo Library is well over 500GB so I can't even download that locally unless I spring for the 1TB storage tier, and that's pretty much the only reason to bother with higher storage amounts, for me.
I have about 28gb on my mini 5 so I went with the 64 on the 6; it’s just a general consumption device for me. Have a 12.9 2018 Pro with 256gb which is my photo editing device for now until I replace my 2012 imac whenever the new Big Mac comes out.
On the face of it, having a 128GB option would have been the obvious one IMO, but I can kind of see why there's a 64GB option having read how a lot of forum users plan to use the device. I'm using it for note taking and media consumption, web browsing etc so I won't need a lot of storage space and if I do take it away somewhere I can't stream, I can still fit some movies on to it. So 256GB would be overkill.
I think many people are dancing around the root issue... it's not really the capacity of the base storage option that is the issue, but the exorbitant bump in price to go to the next storage capacity. If it were to cost $50 to go from 64GB to 256GB then I highly doubt anyone would complain about 64GB being the base capacity.
Maybe 256gb should be looked at as the base, and 64gb is just an option for those with minimal needs.
They do it because people will pay for the greater storage if they feel they will need it. There's a similar thread over on the Reddit Surface forum where the price increase for more Surface storage is much larger than Apple's. Great profit margin. It's like the accessories sold by Apple and MS - big profit over the base product.
Years ago I got an iPad Air w/64GB. That was a mistake, I should have gone for the 128GB. Today, I wouldn’t buy any iPad with less than 256GB storage. I store all my data on the iPad - movies, photos, music. By the time I fill 256GB they will have started offering 512GB and so on. ~750€ is fairly fair price for it, although I think ~650€ is more appropriate. But hey, I buy new iPad every 5 years and there are still 3 years to go.
I have a 12.9”/256GB - one of the first iPads with USB-C. If I had not bought it 2 years ago, I’d definitely get the mini. The big screen is good for movies, autoCAD and Cubasis, autoCAD really benefits from the larger screen. However, the mini can be stored in a bigger man’s bag and be everywhere with me.
I have a 12.9”/256GB - one of the first iPads with USB-C. If I had not bought it 2 years ago, I’d definitely get the mini. The big screen is good for movies, autoCAD and Cubasis, autoCAD really benefits from the larger screen. However, the mini can be stored in a bigger man’s bag and be everywhere with me.
I found that thread. That was very interesting. Was a bit surprised to see the difference was even bigger for the Surface. Makes me a bit more pleased with my Mini 6 256GB purchase.
It's always good to try and be the bigger man.
The third-party iPad covers always seem to cover the edges, which I don’t like. Do you know any that are like the Apple folios?
Sadly, there are none. There haven't been any 3rd party copies of Apple's OEM covers/cases/folios since the the smartcover design of the iPad 4 (the one with the metal swivel magnetic hinges). Apple cracked down on them.
I actually prefer to have the edges covered.
If you want a Smart Folio style case, this one seems to fit the bill but it's not available immediately and is relatively pricey (plenty of 3rd party cases for $10-12).
P.S. Found one that's available immediately.
SENSHENG Magnetic Folio Case for 2021 iPad Mini 6th Gen 8.3inch, Minimalist Frameless Magnet Trifold Stand Cover, Smart Auto Wake/Sleep (Dark Gray)
SENSHENG Magnetic Folio Case for 2021 iPad Mini 6th Gen 8.3inch, Minimalist Frameless Magnet Trifold Stand Cover, Smart Auto Wake/Sleep (Dark Gray)
smile.amazon.com
Look up "ipad mini magnetic case" on amazon. There are a few different magnetic cases available. Sadly, the color selection is pretty poor on most of them because they match the ipad air colors.
This is the one I got. It actually has a decent looking purple. I'd love to try the dark cherry folio case on my purple mini, but it's a bit pricey.P.S. Found one that's available immediately.
SENSHENG Magnetic Folio Case for 2021 iPad Mini 6th Gen 8.3inch, Minimalist Frameless Magnet Trifold Stand Cover, Smart Auto Wake/Sleep (Dark Gray)
SENSHENG Magnetic Folio Case for 2021 iPad Mini 6th Gen 8.3inch, Minimalist Frameless Magnet Trifold Stand Cover, Smart Auto Wake/Sleep (Dark Gray)smile.amazon.com
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In conclusion the iPad mini is a goldilock device in size but with very non-goldilock storage options.
I’ve put the mini in my cart about 10 times with different configurations I just can’t pull the trigger. I’m sure this will sell well, but it’s still an iPad. At these prices- just get an iPad Pro or MacBook Air. I love the form factor. Maybe next time, Apple.
Totally agree.
I've been a Mini form factor lover the last couple years, but the pricing is just out of control.
They almost need to segment the Mini into "Normal" and "Pro" if this how it's going to go.
I don't know about goldilocks on size.
I was honestly hoping they'd get a touch more aggressive and do a screen a bit closer to 9" (some rumors had mentioned that).
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