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appleuserfan

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 16, 2014
94
37
Hi all guys,
I'm searching for a tablet that would replace a classic personal organiser where I would take notes, schedule appointments, record revenue and expenditure and other small activites like these.
Of course I'll also do some light web browsing, watch movies, play light games etc but NOT as main device since I got a MacBook Pro 15" TB + an iPhone 7.

So since I will bring it with me everyday in office/meetings together with my MB and I don't need an octacore for my usage, I would opt for the smaller and lighter iPad mini 4 rather than iPad Pro/Air 2.

But since the Mini 4 has the old A8 CPU and doesn't get a refresh since 2015 I want to know your opinions about it: how is your iPad mini 4? Decent performances? Do you recommend it considering my usage or I should go with the Air/Pro?

Thanks in advance for your precious tips, it has become a ritual for me to ask here opinions before buy an Apple product :rolleyes::apple:
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,408
13,293
where hip is spoken
I own both a 128GB 12.9 iPad Pro and a 32GB iPad Mini 4. The 12.9 Pro is the fastest, smoothest, iPad there is. But it can be a bit large depending upon the situation (in an airplane). So I bought the Mini 4 back in Nov 2016. I use it every day (as I do the 12.9 Pro) and it is still a great device... still smooth... still great battery life. It will easily handle the tasks that you describe.
 

jaeb0922

macrumors 6502
Jan 25, 2012
309
126
Rhode Island
I lost my iPad Air 2 the other day. Long story which unposted about. I ordered an iPad Mini 4 today via Sprint. 200 bucks off the 128 cellular model. 329 total over 24 months so 10.75 a month? Yep, it'll due until 10.5 is out!
 
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44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,495
I lost my iPad Air 2 the other day. Long story which unposted about. I ordered an iPad Mini 4 today via Sprint. 200 bucks off the 128 cellular model. 329 total over 24 months so 10.75 a month? Yep, it'll due until 10.5 is out!

I saw this promotion. If I didn't think the Mini 4 wasn't worth it, I wouldn't take advantage of it. This tablet still has a strong following with its display size and portability. It compliments my larger iPad model nicely.
 

macdaddybob

macrumors newbie
May 25, 2017
3
2
Columbus, OH
Bought a refurb from Apple the day the new ones were announced and the only mini model was $399 with no update. 64GB for $309. Knew it was a year and a half old but love the size. Seriously don't know why Apple doesn't position this as the entry level iPad. Super easy to carry around.
 
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appleuserfan

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 16, 2014
94
37
Bought a refurb from Apple the day the new ones were announced and the only mini model was $399 with no update. 64GB for $309. Knew it was a year and a half old but love the size. Seriously don't know why Apple doesn't position this as the entry level iPad. Super easy to carry around.

And what are your impressions on performance?
 
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sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,408
13,293
where hip is spoken
The mini 4 is great, but wait until June 6 when Apple may change some prices and unveil some new products before making a decision.
That is not always a wise or safe action if one wants a new unit of a particular model. There have been times when Apple announces the end-of-life of a device but pulls all units from the retail channel the night before the announcement. That is what happened with the iPod Classic. They were pulled from store shelves the night before the announcement.

Other times, Apple makes the announcement but allows inventory in the channel to sell through. That is what happened with the 11" Macbook Air. Immediately after the announcement, those who wanted one went out and bought one and within 48 hours, they had become scarce on store shelves...with just a handful of stores having 1 or so in stock.

That is of course if Apple is poised to discontinue the Mini 4.

If Apple announces an updated model (and/or price reduction on the 4) then OP will still be within the return window of most retail outlets and either get the price adjusted downward or return it for the newer model (if it suits their needs better).

If one is fine with buying a refurb then there aren't any worries. :)
 

appleuserfan

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 16, 2014
94
37
I will go anyway with a second hand device so the price variation would be less significant
 

PaulaE

macrumors newbie
May 10, 2017
13
8
Spain
I love mine,if you don't mind to wait a little more..try to wait until the event of July..maybe..just maybe they can announced new iPads...but if you don't want to wait just for rumors..haha buy it =)
 
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sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,408
13,293
where hip is spoken
I couldn't resist, just bought an iPad Mini 4 32GB for 280E (300USD) + Smart Cover!
Thank you all for your precious feedbacks <3
haha! nice! Congratulations and enjoy!
thumpsup.gif
 

appleuserfan

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 16, 2014
94
37
Yeah don't need to be super powerful as iOSpecialist said, just smooth and with no lags for my little things.
Also, I used an iPad Air 1 some months ago without much problems, only noticed some problems with tab reload on with safari. And since the iPad mini 4 Is even faster than the air 1 and with 2gb of ram I shouldn't have any problem at all!
 
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appleuserfan

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 16, 2014
94
37
I live in Italy, current price for the 128GB is 489E/547USD on Apple Store and 375E/419USD is the best price from resellers.
So you can understand why 300USD for a 32GB almost in mint condition with another year of warranty is a bargain here haha
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,921
13,274
Right now via Sprint, $329 iPad Mini 4. Zero down and 13.75/mo with zero interest for the 128GB model with cellular. I had to grab one!
That requires service though so additional what, $10/mo for the device access fee? Assuming one already has Sprint, of course. They've got no signal at my workplace.

In this case, I prefer the Best Buy deal. No strings attached.
 

PaulaE

macrumors newbie
May 10, 2017
13
8
Spain
I live in Italy, current price for the 128GB is 489E/547USD on Apple Store and 375E/419USD is the best price from resellers.
So you can understand why 300USD for a 32GB almost in mint condition with another year of warranty is a bargain here haha
I know your pain hahaha,here in Spain..the same..the price in compare with USA is TOO MUCH.
 
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jaeb0922

macrumors 6502
Jan 25, 2012
309
126
Rhode Island
That requires service though so additional what, $10/mo for the device access fee? Assuming one already has Sprint, of course. They've got no signal at my workplace.

In this case, I prefer the Best Buy deal. No strings attached.

Most will have a $10 access fee, but if you argue it, they will take it away. I have never paid an access fee since being with Sprint for the past 4 years. There will be like 5 bucks or so in taxes/fees a month though.

Id rather have my iPad fully cellular though. Just my opinion of course.
 
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