iPad mini Returning my Mini today

[EssModelsRule]

I guess in that case they could have kept the Mini 4 around simultaneously and slashed the price to $250, maybe dropped the storage down to 64GB, and keep it around for the low-end-but-specialized users like restaurants and retailers who use them for singular tasks, or people who just want one for books and nothing more (in which case an e-ink reader would be a better purchase, in my opinion).

I guess in part I’m happy because the Mini 5 hits a lot of points I wanted in finally upgrading from my Mini 2, and although it keeps almost the same external design it debuted with way back in 2012, it isn’t an underwhelming upgrade in terms of performance. Plus, since the Mini tends to not receive yearly updates, not putting the latest SoC in it would hamper it further in the next couple years if that remains the situation.

And while I like the idea of a Mini Pro, given everything it entails I could see it being a device with a $700 entry point. I kind of like the fact that the Mini 5 is a powerful enough tablet yet still relatively affordable.

Also, as an aside, if I were designing a Mini Pro, I’d keep the same 7.9 screen size and trim the bezels off to match the current 3rd-gen Pros. The current screen size feels just right. I like tablet-y tablets.

To hit $250 would likely mean a return to the Mini 2 chassis with unlaminated display. Would be appealing with A11 at that price I suppose.

For you the Mini 5 knocked it out of the park and that’s great. It’s blazing fast and the screen quality is fantastic, I’m truly not knocking it. Perhaps my own expectations were just a bit unreasonable. I’d still like the slimmer bezels from the 10.5” to be grafted onto the Mini at least.

Hmmm, shrink the bezels around the 7.9” screen. I kind of like where you’re going with that; just keep the 10 hour battery life please! Probably makes more sense than going up to a nearly standard size 9” because the small housing would still mean something like a Smart Keyboard would be too small.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

Even with the 12.9 inch iPad Pro, it feels to small for spreadsheet task. I have the iPad mini 1 to iPad mini 4. Ever since the 12.9 inch iPad Pro came out, I ditched the mini for good.

Oh I agree, I prefer working on a 52” display. But given the choice between a mini that feels too small but is in my pocket, or the iPad Pro that also feels too small but is out in the car (if I thought to bring it at all) (& if it has a charge), ultimately the mini’s mobility provides tools for use at any given moment, whereas the Phone+iPad Pro combo was cumbersome, clumsy, less reliable, and wayyy wayyyy more costly than the benefit it provided.

I think part of it is, I have just enough attention span or patience to keep track of (and keep on top of charging) one device.

And I wonder, if I didn’t have to draw something 10x a day at random times and send those drawings off, if my entire perspective would change on this thing.

 

[millydog]

I’m looking at returning my mini 5 as well. I thought that it would be great to use at work with my 1st gen pencil, great for portability, reading books, forums, games, etc. I also had an idea to use it to play Harry Potter Wizards Unite (when it’s realeased) while also playing Pokémon Go on my iPhone XS Max. However, I find it more awkward to put in my back pocket than I thought I would and I find myself just missing my iPad Pro 10.5 when I use it. I have both an iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 3rd gen, so I find that the mini didn’t fill any void after all. I’ve had a buyers remorse feeling for the past 2 days that I’ve had the mini. I think it’s cute and fast, it’s just that I now realise that it’s overkill for me to have yet another iPad. It also had me thinking about which iPad I should put my SIM card in to for the day and take to work. I struggle enough with that decision and the two Pro iPads, so I’m better off not adding another one to the mix. It has been a hard decision and I’ve gone backwards and forward on this so many times. I just think that my mini purchase has made me realise how much I like my iPad Pro 10.5 for portability already. I’ve even been thinking lately that I should have upgraded the 10.5 to the 11” this year instead of upgrading my 12.9 2nd gen to 12.9 3rd gen. I love the big screen, but it’s hard to take places and I like to take my iPad everywhere. I almost think that I should consolidate and trade them both for an 11”, but I think I’ll stick with what I have and upgrade the 10.5 to an 11” gen 2 when they are out.
Thanks for reading, this has been doing my head in over the past 2 days.

 

[StralyanPithecus]

I’m looking at returning my mini 5 as well. I thought that it would be great to use at work with my 1st gen pencil, great for portability, reading books, forums, games, etc. I also had an idea to use it to play Harry Potter Wizards Unite (when it’s realeased) while also playing Pokémon Go on my iPhone XS Max. However, I find it more awkward to put in my back pocket than I thought I would and I find myself just missing my iPad Pro 10.5 when I use it. I have both an iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 3rd gen, so I find that the mini didn’t fill any void after all. I’ve had a buyers remorse feeling for the past 2 days that I’ve had the mini. I think it’s cute and fast, it’s just that I now realise that it’s overkill for me to have yet another iPad. It also had me thinking about which iPad I should put my SIM card in to for the day and take to work. I struggle enough with that decision and the two Pro iPads, so I’m better off not adding another one to the mix. It has been a hard decision and I’ve gone backwards and forward on this so many times. I just think that my mini purchase has made me realise how much I like my iPad Pro 10.5 for portability already. I’ve even been thinking lately that I should have upgraded the 10.5 to the 11” this year instead of upgrading my 12.9 2nd gen to 12.9 3rd gen. I love the big screen, but it’s hard to take places and I like to take my iPad everywhere. I almost think that I should consolidate and trade them both for an 11”, but I think I’ll stick with what I have and upgrade the 10.5 to an 11” gen 2 when they are out.
Thanks for reading, this has been doing my head in over the past 2 days.

At the end you’re the one who knows better than the rest of us. Sometimes I feel the same but instead I want to get rid of my iPad Pro 12.9, then I realize that for drawing and my technical papers I need it, since it was a work related purchase and I didn’t pay a cent for, it’s a keeper too ...

Just be happy with your decision and go on.

 

[sracer]

I’m looking at returning my mini 5 as well. I thought that it would be great to use at work with my 1st gen pencil, great for portability, reading books, forums, games, etc. I also had an idea to use it to play Harry Potter Wizards Unite (when it’s realeased) while also playing Pokémon Go on my iPhone XS Max. However, I find it more awkward to put in my back pocket than I thought I would and I find myself just missing my iPad Pro 10.5 when I use it. I have both an iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 3rd gen, so I find that the mini didn’t fill any void after all. I’ve had a buyers remorse feeling for the past 2 days that I’ve had the mini. I think it’s cute and fast, it’s just that I now realise that it’s overkill for me to have yet another iPad. It also had me thinking about which iPad I should put my SIM card in to for the day and take to work. I struggle enough with that decision and the two Pro iPads, so I’m better off not adding another one to the mix. It has been a hard decision and I’ve gone backwards and forward on this so many times. I just think that my mini purchase has made me realise how much I like my iPad Pro 10.5 for portability already. I’ve even been thinking lately that I should have upgraded the 10.5 to the 11” this year instead of upgrading my 12.9 2nd gen to 12.9 3rd gen. I love the big screen, but it’s hard to take places and I like to take my iPad everywhere. I almost think that I should consolidate and trade them both for an 11”, but I think I’ll stick with what I have and upgrade the 10.5 to an 11” gen 2 when they are out.
Thanks for reading, this has been doing my head in over the past 2 days.

That's reasonable. But I would add that depending upon how you use your iPads, there may not be any benefits of upgrading the 10.5 to an 11" (gen 2 or otherwise) until significant iPad-specific improvements are made to iOS.

But I am curious as to how you see the 10.5 as "portable" compared to the Mini. Yes, compared to the 12.9 it is more portable... but not as much as the Mini. Having the 12.9 Pro was the reason that caused me to even consider a Mini. After 10 months of ownership of a 12.9 Pro and wrestling with it in mobile situations, I bought a Mini 4 as soon as a good sale popped up.

As I wait for the next good sale on the Mini 5, I've been trying to use my Mini 4 instead of my 2018 iPad for daily use (digital planner, notebook, projects, etc.) to see if the Mini 5 would be a suitable replacement. If the form-factor works, I'll trade both in for a Mini 5 and then keep a spot open of a larger iPad when/if Apple makes the necessary improvements.

 

[millydog]

That's reasonable. But I would add that depending upon how you use your iPads, there may not be any benefits of upgrading the 10.5 to an 11" (gen 2 or otherwise) until significant iPad-specific improvements are made to iOS.

But I am curious as to how you see the 10.5 as "portable" compared to the Mini. Yes, compared to the 12.9 it is more portable... but not as much as the Mini. Having the 12.9 Pro was the reason that caused me to even consider a Mini. After 10 months of ownership of a 12.9 Pro and wrestling with it in mobile situations, I bought a Mini 4 as soon as a good sale popped up.

As I wait for the next good sale on the Mini 5, I've been trying to use my Mini 4 instead of my 2018 iPad for daily use (digital planner, notebook, projects, etc.) to see if the Mini 5 would be a suitable replacement. If the form-factor works, I'll trade both in for a Mini 5 and then keep a spot open of a larger iPad when/if Apple makes the necessary improvements.

Yes, I will definitely weigh up whether I need to upgrade, usually I upgrade based on a want, rather than a need though. I am a bit of an iPad addict.

The iPad mini is definitely more portable than the 10.5, but since both fit perfectly well in my handbag, which I take everywhere anyway, I consider that I might as well take the 10.5. The 12.9 isn’t as portable for me since it doesn’t fit in my usual handbag. I can transfer it to a different one that I have that is a cheaper bag though, but I find it a bit heavier, not a deal breaker though. I just think that since the 10.5 fits well in my handbag already, I had been using that iPad as my take everywhere iPad. Then since I picked up the mini it just felt very mini and it made me realise that I like the larger screen now. It’s just that I’ve grown accustomed to the bigger screens. I had used a mini 2 a while ago and loved it at the time, but I don’t feel like I could make it my main iPad anymore. I could make the mini a second iPad, but since I’ve still got the 10.5, I’ve decided not to. It’s kind of like the 10.5 feels like my mini now that I have the 12.9.
I do think it’s a matter of what you get used to. By not using your larger iPad, I think you increase your chance of getting accustomed to the mini again. I wasn’t about to stop using my 12.9.

 

[rui no onna]

Yes, I will definitely weigh up whether I need to upgrade, usually I upgrade based on a want, rather than a need though. I am a bit of an iPad addict.

The iPad mini is definitely more portable than the 10.5, but since both fit perfectly well in my handbag, which I take everywhere anyway, I consider that I might as well take the 10.5. The 12.9 isn’t as portable for me since it doesn’t fit in my usual handbag. I can transfer it to a different one that I have that is a cheaper bag though, but I find it a bit heavier, not a deal breaker though. I just think that since the 10.5 fits well in my handbag already, I had been using that iPad as my take everywhere iPad. Then since I picked up the mini it just felt very mini and it made me realise that I like the larger screen now. It’s just that I’ve grown accustomed to the bigger screens. I had used a mini 2 a while ago and loved it at the time, but I don’t feel like I could make it my main iPad anymore. I could make the mini a second iPad, but since I’ve still got the 10.5, I’ve decided not to. It’s kind of like the 10.5 feels like my mini now that I have the 12.9.
I do think it’s a matter of what you get used to. By not using your larger iPad, I think you increase your chance of getting accustomed to the mini again. I wasn’t about to stop using my 12.9.

Same situation with me.

To me, the 12.9" felt like carrying around a letter-size manila folder. The 10-11" class iPads are more akin to say, a 6"x9" steno pad. I can easily fit the steno pad in my purse or carry it around by hand. The manila folder? I'd need a laptop bag or portfolio case for that.

The Mini is smaller sure but it's not small enough to fit in my jackets or pockets anyway (I'm 5'2") so it makes no meaningful difference in terms of portability.

 

[VertPin]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

 

[sracer]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

Well, now you know how I felt a year ago when I was one of a few who wanted an updated Pencil-enabled Mini. Most others said that Apple should just discontinue it.

As soon as Best Buy has a good sale, I'll be "in" and join you.

 

[Josieb1]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

Me too, i’ll Always have a mini.

 

[Ladybug]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

I love my Mini 5 so you are not alone. I picked mine up at Best Buy on March 26 and there has never been any question of my returning it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

You shouldn't assume. A lot of people are enjoying their new mini. Not every one that likes the new mini feels the need to post of such on this forum, or post numerous times where you will see it. Are you looking or validation for your mini purchase? if not, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[thadoggfather]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

nah we in this together fam.

While I really like my mini5, I wont for a second doubt there are crappy units out there or that people just arent satisfied. Happens with virtually every release.

 

[*~Kim~*]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

I’m the same. Have had a soft spot for the Mini since my auntie showed me her Mini 1 (though I didn’t want one with non-Retina.) An iPad 3 stuck on iOS 9.3.5 together with the lack of a 9.7” update made it an easy buy for me, though I can see why the owners of previous Minis might not have so much love for it. It is after all essentially a 7 year old design which leaves it with the largest bezels of any iPad percentage wise. The large bezels are handy for holding it in landscape, but they do look a little odd in comparison to the slim side bezels.

Having used the Mini it is much better for me than the standard size, all things considered. The only time that I miss the 9.7” is when I want to watch a video that won’t full screen, because of the black letterbox, for want of a better way of describing it.

I don’t see myself being able to justify multiple iPad ownership any time soon and as such I doubt Apple will get another penny from me for a non-Mini.

 

[bevsb2]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

I still love mine, purchased at launch.

 

[mac4good84]

I feel like I’m the only person on this forum who adores their mini 5 weeks in and never wants to give it up

Nope you’re not alone at all. I’ve had my mini 5 for almost 2 weeks now and I can safely say this device isn’t going back. I’ve had zero issues and this thing really does blow the mini 4 out of the water. I tried 11 and 10.5 inch pros before this one and the mini just disappears in terms of portability. I turned into a mini guy and can’t go back now lol.

 

[millydog]

I’ve actually found myself still going backwards and forwards on my decision on whether to keep the mini 5 or not. It doesn’t do anything new over my existing iPad, but it is much more portable. I guess I’m undecided again and I’m presently leaning towards keeping it.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I was thinking of getting the new mini 5 (upgrading from the 4). At the moment I have a 4 hour daily commute and I use my mini during my commute. However I’m going to be starting a new job which is only 25 minutes away from my house so I’m not sure how much I’m going to be using my iPad mini going forward.

 

[bevsb2]

I was thinking of getting the new mini 5 (upgrading from the 4). At the moment I have a 4 hour daily commute and I use my mini during my commute. However I’m going to be starting a new job which is only 25 minutes away from my house so I’m not sure how much I’m going to be using my iPad mini going forward.

You can get a lot done on the new speedy Mini 5 in 25 minutes.

 

[scotsmandc]

i went from 2017 10.5 pro > 11" pro > 12.9 pro > mini.

not 100% happy with the mini. I find it a tad too small but i love the portability. after owning the last few iterations, i think i should've kept the 2017 10.5 pro.

 

[millydog]

I felt pressured into making a decision on keeping the mini or not since it had to go back via courier if I was going to return it, with additional public holiday after Easter as well. So my decision time was cut short. I was still swaying backwards and forwards over whether to keep it or not, but my time was up so I decided to return it before that was no longer an option. Then I tried not to think about it anymore, but I find myself still reading all of the mini threads and wishing that I kept it. I’m use to bigger iPads now and thought that the mini was a little small to be my main iPad, but now I find myself wishing that I had it again as my take everywhere iPad. I have a few use cases for which it would be perfect, so it looks like I’m going to get it again.

 

[jeyf]

i would return it
i kept myself from buying a mini

 

[StralyanPithecus]

I have a tip for knowing if you need the mini or not (works for other things). Just turn it off, put inside a drawer for a few hours and continue with your life. If after that you have the need to reach the drawer for it, keep it. If you didn't need it for more than, let's say a couple of days, return it.

 

[gahig ulo]

I felt pressured into making a decision on keeping the mini or not since it had to go back via courier if I was going to return it, with additional public holiday after Easter as well. So my decision time was cut short. I was still swaying backwards and forwards over whether to keep it or not, but my time was up so I decided to return it before that was no longer an option. Then I tried not to think about it anymore, but I find myself still reading all of the mini threads and wishing that I kept it. I’m use to bigger iPads now and thought that the mini was a little small to be my main iPad, but now I find myself wishing that I had it again as my take everywhere iPad. I have a few use cases for which it would be perfect, so it looks like I’m going to get it again.

good decision,2019 ipads is no change expect the internals not even the cameras.for me i made the right decision of returning my mini and got the pro 10.5 for 70$ more refurb from apple.when i saw this video today i was twice glad lol.

 

[macduke]

If I had stupid money I would buy one just for travel. But any time I have to do something on my daughter's Mini it feels so unbearably cramped. Fine for a five year old but not me. I'll probably end up picking up this new one for her at some point so that her younger brother will have something to start learning on.