iPad ipad Mini $749

[sunking101]

With the base model having only 64GB of storage and that being frankly laughable in late 2022, is $749 for the 256GB model too much money considering that it only has 4GB of RAM? I mean this thing isn't exactly future-proofed is it?

The 5th Gen AIR has double the RAM and a faster chip for not a lot more money yet if we want the smaller form factor we're forced to pay big. Sadly only budget Android tablets play in the 8" marketplace these days so it's iPad or bust for people wanting a premium portable....

So as we approach 2023 is the iPad Mini still a worthy purchase or should we be waiting for the Mini 7?

 

[kristalsoldier]

Unlikely that you will be seeing a new iPad mini in the short term.

 

[JPack]

It's a niche device and someone pays for the low volume.

Given the history, if it gets refreshed, it'll be late 2023 at the earliest.

 

[Realityck]

It's a niche device and someone pays for the low volume.

Given the history, if it gets refreshed, it'll be late 2023 at the earliest.

Yeah being able to hold a iPad with only one hand is clearly niche.

 

[ericwn]

I'm sure the mini used to be a pretty popular model up until v3/4 but to me Apple seems to be more interested in pushing its other models and keeps dragging the mini along for those of us who just want to have it because of the form factor. To me the bigger storage model is overpriced and the entry level storage model is getting there too.

 

[JPack]

Yeah being able to hold a iPad with only one hand is clearly niche.

You can hold any iPad with one hand, but can you can use it with one hand? There are certainly niche customers like pilots who want the small form factor, but the vast majority of customers buy a tablet for the big display.

 

[sunking101]

You can hold any iPad with one hand, but can you can use it with one hand? There are certainly niche customers like pilots who want the small form factor, but the vast majority of customers buy a tablet for the big display.

...but the 8.4" tablet IS a big display. It's way bigger than a ProMax or S22 Ultra. Plenty big enough for a lot of people.because any bigger and the thing becomes uncomfortable to hold.

 

[JPack]

...but the 8.4" tablet IS a big display. It's way bigger than a ProMax or S22 Ultra. Plenty big enough for a lot of people.because any bigger and the thing becomes uncomfortable to hold.

With a big display, people expect big capabilities. Look at where iPad is going - it's no longer just a big iPhone with a Pencil. iPad is a lightweight, multitasking computing device with a keyboard. Some can envision themselves replacing their notebook computer with an iPad. Nobody can say the same with the mini.

 

[sunking101]

With a big display, people expect big capabilities. Look at where iPad is going - it's no longer just a big iPhone with a Pencil. iPad is a lightweight, multitasking computing device with a keyboard. Some can envision themselves replacing their notebook computer with an iPad. Nobody can say the same with the mini.

Who wants to sit on the couch browsing the web with a big iPad and keyboard? That kind of set-up has its uses but then so too does the Mini. If I'm sat at a table with a big iPad and keyboard then I may as well be using my MacBook.

 

[Shanghaichica]

It was reasonably priced at £479 which is what I paid for mine when it launched. However now it starts at £569 following the price hikes in the UK.

 

[JPack]

Who wants to sit on the couch browsing the web with a big iPad and keyboard? That kind of set-up has its uses but then so too does the Mini. If I'm sat at a table with a big iPad and keyboard then I may as well be using my MacBook.

That's why Apple's Magic and Smart Keyboards rely on convenient magnets. Browse on the couch without the keyboard. Attach the keyboard when you need to work at a desk. You can't rip off the screen on a MacBook.

 

[sunking101]

That's why Apple's Magic and Smart Keyboards rely on convenient magnets. Browse on the couch without the keyboard. Attach the keyboard when you need to work at a desk. You can't rip off the screen on a MacBook.

I've been browsing on the couch with my 11" tablet for around 20 minutes now and it's already becoming uncomfortable to hold.

 

[rui no onna]

With the base model having only 64GB of storage and that being frankly laughable in late 2022, is $749 for the 256GB model too much money considering that it only has 4GB of RAM? I mean this thing isn't exactly future-proofed is it?

The 5th Gen AIR has double the RAM and a faster chip for not a lot more money yet if we want the smaller form factor we're forced to pay big. Sadly only budget Android tablets play in the 8" marketplace these days so it's iPad or bust for people wanting a premium portable....

So as we approach 2023 is the iPad Mini still a worthy purchase or should we be waiting for the Mini 7?

How soon do you need it and how badly do you want the mini form factor?

If you don’t need a mini right away, I’d be inclined to wait for next gen. Caveat there, no guarantees the next mini will have the updates you want even if you wait.

Mind, I’ve been seeing the iPad mini 6 256GB wifi for $549 at Amazon US lately.

 

[rui no onna]

I've been browsing on the couch with my 11" tablet for around 20 minutes now and it's already becoming uncomfortable to hold.

I’ve been reading/browsing on the iPad Air for around a couple of hours and I have no issues.

Granted, the Air is in a Smart Folio-like case with the cover folded and it’s sitting on a throw pillow so I’m not holding the full weight of the iPad in my hands. I’m pretty much just supporting it from the edges.

I have baby hands and RSI so it’s difficult for me to hold/operate the iPad mini single-handed, too.

 

[sunking101]

I’ve been reading/browsing on the iPad Air for around a couple of hours and I have no issues.

Granted, the Air is in a Smart Folio-like case with the cover folded and it’s sitting on a throw pillow so I’m not holding the full weight of the iPad in my hands. I’m pretty much just supporting it from the edges.

I have baby hands and RSI so it’s difficult for me to hold/operate the iPad mini single-handed, too.

Sure you can prop them on cushions etc and I do if watching a film but these big tablets are uncomfortable for someone like me who is used to browsing on phones and small tablets. They are heavy and cumbersome.

Here is me holding mine now...

 

[darngooddesign]

I have baby hands and RSI so it’s difficult for me to hold/operate the iPad mini single-handed, too.

IMO, the Smart-Cover folded into a triangle makes holding the Mini a lot easier.

 

[ndouglas]

I've been browsing on the couch with my 11" tablet for around 20 minutes now and it's already becoming uncomfortable to hold.

Wow seriously ? I mean everyone‘s different but I have a hard time imagining how or why it’s uncomfortable. I have never used a mini though and I find the 11” ipad just perfect for me so far, it’s been about 3+ years now I guess.
Then again I haven’t used any non-ipad tablets either so my experience is quite limited to that.

Anyway, honestly just surprised, not trying to question or detract from your experience. It sounds like a Mini would indeed be worth it for you. I would personally be fine with 128gb to take the price down a bit but again, everyone may have different requirements for their devices.

 

[rui no onna]

Sure you can prop them on cushions etc and I do if watching a film but these big tablets are uncomfortable for someone like me who is used to browsing on phones and small tablets. They are heavy and cumbersome.

Here is me holding mine now...

I can’t comfortably hold any iPad like that for longer than 5 minutes including the mini. 😅

My weight limit is something like the Kindle Paperwhite 3 (~200g).

IMO, the Smart-Cover folded into a triangle makes holding the Mini a lot easier.

I still need it resting on something, though.

 

[ndouglas]

I can’t comfortably hold any iPad like that for longer than 5 minutes including the mini. 😅

My weight limit is something like the Kindle Paperwhite 3 (~200g).




I still need it resting on something, though.

Yes good points i don’t hold it like that either. Genuinely curious what else makes it uncomfortable though for OP?
Maybe they’re used to holding a mini size like that…?

 

[rui no onna]

Yes good points i don’t hold it like that either. Genuinely curious what else makes it uncomfortable though for OP?
Maybe they’re used to holding a mini size like that…?

If he holds tablets in portrait like that, I can easily see how it’s problematic for the OP and how an iPad mini might be better suited.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Sure you can prop them on cushions etc and I do if watching a film but these big tablets are uncomfortable for someone like me who is used to browsing on phones and small tablets. They are heavy and cumbersome.

Here is me holding mine now...

I definitely use my mini 6 more for those specific reasons. I only really find my 11 inch pro useful on a table with the Magic Keyboard attached. Otherwise it’s much too cumbersome for long use periods.

 

[rillrill]

My current dream iPad is a mini with proper monitor support to do some desktop work when needed and a more portable tablet when I don’t. See you in 2 years.

 

[Shanghaichica]

If he holds tablets in portrait like that, I can easily see how it’s problematic for the OP and how an iPad mini might be better suited.

Well you know how much I complain about the bigger tablets lol I use my 11 inch pro in landscape and it still gets tiring. I can game on my mini for hours but my 11 inch pro gets tiring after 5-10 minutes. I’d need to use a wireless controller. I know these are first world problems though.

 

[rui no onna]

Well you know how much I complain about the bigger tablets lol I use my 11 inch pro in landscape and it still gets tiring. I can game on my mini for hours but my 11 inch pro gets tiring after 5-10 minutes. I’d need to use a wireless controller. I know these are first world problems though.

When I got the mini 4, I found it to be the perfect size for touchscreen gaming. Notably bigger display than a smartphone but still easy enough to use touchscreen controls. 😂

I wouldn’t want to play something like Genshin Impact on 9.7” or bigger iPads without controller either.

I mostly use the 9.7”+ iPads in landscape with the case cover acting as stand with majority of the weight on my tummy, legs or pillow. I just support it a bit via the edges with the occasional tap/swipe to turn pages. 🙂

 

[slplss]

Yeah being able to hold a iPad with only one hand is clearly niche.

Gave my mini 2 to grandpa years ago. He reads on it, plays poker, always holds it in one hand. When I put my 12.9 Pro in his hands, he didn’t know what to do with it 🤣.