iPad iPad 9 vs iPad mini 6 (for a specific use case)

[RaphaZ]

Hello Community!

My wife travels all weeks and she wants a table for her work. She doesn't mind to have one bought in the second hand market.
I can get her the iPad 9 (280€ to 300€) or the Mini (350€ to 400€).
I was about to invest in the Mini (it is lighter and she can hold it with one hand). The 9 has the lighting connector, which is the same of her phone. I think both could handle easily what she has to do.
Has anyone been in this position? What was your option?

 

[Apple_Robert]

For easy carry and use, the Mini wins although either one will do just fine.

 

[User #07242024]

What kind of apps does she use for work? Does she need large text size?

 

[1BadManVan]

Specifics would help for what she will be using it for. Media consumption? emails? is she wanting to hold it laying in bed? using it on the couch, at a desk?

 

[MrAperture]

Wait for October’s event for new base ipads. The base ipad hasn’t been updated in two years; Mini hasn’t been updated in 3 years.

 

[RaphaZ]

What kind of apps does she use for work? Does she need large text size?

I would say she would use the Microsoft Power Point and some PDF reader. I would see her using Gmail, Calendar and those basic productivity apps, nothing special. Regarding the "large" text size, I would say she needs something comfortable enough. The iPad won't be her main tech, I'm also buying her a refurbed M1 MacBook Air.

 

[RaphaZ]

Specifics would help for what she will be using it for. Media consumption? emails? is she wanting to hold it laying in bed? using it on the couch, at a desk?

Some media consumption, and basic productivity apps. I see her holding it, but not for much time, as she would prefer the smartphone for that.
No, she won't use it at a desk. She doesn't need a keyboard although I see her using a pencil.
I'm also buying her a refurbed M1 Mac, so the tablet would help her out just for the traveling and having content with her.

 

[RaphaZ]

Wait for October’s event for new base ipads. The base ipad hasn’t been updated in two years; Mini hasn’t been updated in 3 years.

I have thought about that, but she needs it for the following weeks. The brand new iPads would be more expensive, thus with less interest for us. I get your point, but we don't have a precise date (the first week of October? the last one?...)

 

[ericwn]

Approach this with her preference in mind. Both iPads can get stuff done but pick the one she likes better after trying.

 

[RaphaZ]

Approach this with her preference in mind. Both iPads can get stuff done but pick the one she likes better after trying.

That's a good advice. I'm thinking of buying both and returning the one she doesn't want.

 

[*~Kim~*]

I have thought about that, but she needs it for the following weeks. The brand new iPads would be more expensive, thus with less interest for us. I get your point, but we don't have a precise date (the first week of October? the last one?...)

On the plus side both of these models are available Apple Certified Refurbished - with a brand new battery and a brand new outer shell. These offer a decent saving on the full price which it makes no sense to pay so close to a refresh.

If your wife would benefit from cellular, it might actually be a very good time to buy. iPad 9 and Mini 6 both have a physical sim tray. With the upcoming refreshes, iPad and iPad mini are likely to follow the M4 Pros and M2 Airs in becoming e-Sim only. The current models give the user the convenience of using either. If she likes the Mini form factor you might also consider the Air 4 - internally, this is the same as the iPad 10 but with Pencil 2 support and a laminated display.