iPad mini Received iPad mini as gift, very impressed with the form factor

[retta283]

As some of you might know, I own a 12.9" iPad Pro, and have enjoyed it. When I last visited my nephew and his family, I complained that my phone was too small for extended reading, and that I would consider a slightly larger device in the future to help with this. This was before I had purchased the Pro.

Now almost 2 months later, I received an early birthday present from them. iPad mini 5 wifi with base storage. I was quite surprised by this, but also thought I would not have any use for it, being a Pro owner. But after a few days of using the mini, I am very impressed. It works great as an ereader, and I also find it easier to catch up on my emails with it. Very light and thin device, which is perfect for reading. I think I will contiue to use this, I am really enjoying the form factor. I wonder how much this will effect my iPP usage.

Honestly, I think this is one of the best products that Apple currently offers, and is a good value, especially if you can get a sale on one. I now can easily see why so many forums members love their Mini, it really is quite a nice device.

 

[LibbyLA]

But bezels! But Home button! (Sarcasm there for anyone who doesn’t “get” it.)

I currently have an iPad Pro 11 and an iPad Pro 10.5 (backup). I had a Mini 4 but when the Mini 5 was released, buying one was a no-brainer for me. I love my iPP 11 with keyboard but the Mini 5 is handy to tote around, use while riding in a vehicle, use in bed, etc. It’s what I use when viewing pics on SD cards from trail cameras. It’s just so easy to grab and go.

 

[Professor Rucy]

Way to go dropping that “subtle” hint! LOL

I went from a 9.7 iPad to a mini to a 12.9. I love my 12.9 but sometimes just want the mini again for light reading at night and using certain apps, like Anki. My wife has my old Mini 3 but damn that thing is slow. I would get a mini 5 but it’s too expensive right now compared to, say, the 10.2. Dilemmas, dilemmas.

... maybe you could tell your nephew about me next time? J/K

 

[ScreenSavers]

The mini is very nice. I've used the 11" iPad Pro, 12.9", and the Mini 5. I really don't mind the "old" design (I'm currently using the Air 3) but a "new" design mini would really be a sweet spot for a lot of users.

 

[ruslan120]

Agreed!

I paired mine with a “Soke” case (I think that’s what it’s called?) which holds an Apple Pencil for doodling, and a Logitech K380 bluetooth keyboard. Completely agreed that it’s terrific for anything on-the-go, like taking notes or a quick video.

The two accessories make it an awesomely handy iPad. Would recommend/10.

 

[KittyKatta]

If there was a way to share a single iPad between family members then I’d buy a 12.9 for doing work and we’d be carrying the kids Mini5 whenever I leave the house. But Apple hates families so I had to settle for an in-between size.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I have had every generation of iPad mini. The original iPad mini was my first iPad. I have a 10.5 pro and before that I had an air 1 and 2. However I’ve always found the bigger iPad too cumbersome to take out of the house. They are awkward to hold on a train for example. I take my iPad mini out with everyday it fits in my bag and doesn’t take up hardly any space. Nice and comfortable to hold and is good for most things.

 

[thadoggfather]

Mini 5 remains the perfect performance-to-price ratio iPad in my eyes.

Sure you could get that $329 10.2" 'new' iPad, but for $70 more going from A10 (2016 tech) to A12 and a laminated P3 screen? No brainer.

 

[rui no onna]

I’ve always found the bigger iPad too cumbersome to take out of the house. They are awkward to hold on a train for example. I take my iPad mini out with everyday it fits in my bag and doesn’t take up hardly any space. Nice and comfortable to hold and is good for most things.

I guess this is one reason I'm not more fond of the mini and prefer 10-11" class. In a private car with someone else driving (carpool), it's easy enough to use the 10-11" iPads. I don't have any issues fitting them in my purses either.

That said, I do tend to carry both a Kindle/Kobo and an iPad in my purse. Can't beat e-ink for reading in bright light.

One task I prefer on the mini is gaming. Bigger display than iPhone while still compact enough to make controls easy.
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Mini 5 remains the perfect performance-to-price ratio iPad in my eyes.

Sure you could get that $329 10.2" 'new' iPad, but for $70 more going from A10 (2016 tech) to A12 and a laminated P3 screen? No brainer.

I would agree except it's common enough for retail pricing in the US to be:

$249 iPad 10.2" 32GB

$399 iPad mini 5 64GB

$399 iPad Air 3 64GB

 

[TechRunner]

I wanted a Mini 5 myself, but during Cyber Monday got a chance to grab a 10.2 for a ridiculously low price, so simply couldn't justify the price difference. I had a Fire HD 8 before, and thought the size was perfect, so I'll eventually have to swallow hard and grab a Mini. The 10.2 has been pretty great, though, especially considering the price!

 

[AutomaticApple]

But bezels! But Home button! (Sarcasm there for anyone who doesn’t “get” it.)

So subtle...

Yet so obvious... 🤣

 

[thadoggfather]

I guess this is one reason I'm not more fond of the mini and prefer 10-11" class. In a private car with someone else driving (carpool), it's easy enough to use the 10-11" iPads. I don't have any issues fitting them in my purses either.

That said, I do tend to carry both a Kindle/Kobo and an iPad in my purse. Can't beat e-ink for reading in bright light.

One task I prefer on the mini is gaming. Bigger display than iPhone while still compact enough to make controls easy.
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I would agree except it's common enough for retail pricing in the US to be:

$249 iPad 10.2" 32GB

$399 iPad mini 5 64GB

$399 iPad Air 3 64GB

that is true. Mini5 rarely goes on sale and the 10.2" does often. Something to factor in for sure

Makes my $375 day1 mini5 feel like the steal of a lifetime lol. I'll bet Best Buy regretted offering that one briefly

 

[Shanghaichica]

I guess this is one reason I'm not more fond of the mini and prefer 10-11" class. In a private car with someone else driving (carpool), it's easy enough to use the 10-11" iPads. I don't have any issues fitting them in my purses either.

That said, I do tend to carry both a Kindle/Kobo and an iPad in my purse. Can't beat e-ink for reading in bright light.

One task I prefer on the mini is gaming. Bigger display than iPhone while still compact enough to make controls easy.
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I would agree except it's common enough for retail pricing in the US to be:

$249 iPad 10.2" 32GB

$399 iPad mini 5 64GB

$399 iPad Air 3 64GB

I have a kindle as well. I seem to be accumulating gadgets in my bag these days. I’ve always liked the mini for gaming.

 

[Jimbo Limbo]

Even more handy is iPad mini with LTE. So easy to bring around with you in a jacket pocket. I did not use a phone for the last six years. I only got my kid's hand me down iPhone SE because I wanted an Apple Watch and needed a phone for it.

Mini is great for gaming too!

 

[kazmac]

Congrats, OP. Enjoy it.

 

[ejin222]

Ever since I got my Mini 5, my 2018 12.9” has been collecting a lot of dust haha

 

[Deliro]

Ever since I got my Mini 5, my 2018 12.9” has been collecting a lot of dust haha

Same here. Typing on the 12.9 (without keyboard) is a pain vs the mini. Casual consent consumption the mini is better.

 

[rdy0329]

This goes to show that there are a lot of use case for iPadOS that warrants different sizes and specs. I’m in the 10-11” iPad camp since I have a big phone and an even bigger desktop.

i loved the mini I had but am spoiled by the pro‘s display and quad speaker to ever go back, esp since my Desktop is a windows.