i currently use an ipad mini 2. Love the form factor as i travel alot. It also fits perfectly in my cargo pants pocket when im not carrying a backpack. But as an artist, i really want to use the Apple pencil for drawing. Would love an ipad mini pro, but one wasnt announced with the new 10.5". Hoping one is announced later this year, but most people seem to think the mini is history. I probably cant wait much longer than the fall, as my ipad mini 2 is limping along. The screen is cracked and the home button doesnt work anymore. I have to use a virtual home button which is a pain and sometimes doesnt work. Also its really slowing down. The 10.5" ad pro is sweet...but id prefer a mini pro over it. What do y'all think about the possibility of Apple releasing a pro mini in the near future?
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wait for ipad mini pro? Or get 10.5" pro?
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The Mini is being discontinued. Go with the 10.5.
You don't know that for sure. However, if the iPad Mini does see a refresh, it's likely going to be a specification update over a complete hardware revamp.
As far as an iPad Mini pro is concerned, I don't see Apple venturing on introducing the Mini into a Pro. Mainly because Their displays with the iPads are increasingly becoming larger and I don't see the Mini having "Pro" capabilities with a 7.9 display, especially with the Apple Pencil support, which is more appropriate for larger displays with sketching and drawing.
While you make a very valid point about larger displays, the Mini would be the perfect size for note taking and other such things. I may crave a larger screen to get deep into a drawing, but for practice sketches on the go, story notes and watching movies, I'd love a Mini pro. It would not need all the bells and whistles, but I'd happily pay a little more to get a Mini that allows me to use the pencil.
OP, as we do not know what is in store for the Mini, I would say play with a 10.5" in the store and see if that's what you want.Alternately, you can also fire off an email to Tim Cook and let him know you want a Mini Pro with pencil capabilities (I will be doing that in a couple of months). For me personally, I love the 12.9" and the Mini 4. I never got used to the 9.7" size, so the 10.5" is not in my wheel barrel.
While you make a very valid point about larger displays, the Mini would be the perfect size for note taking and other such things. I may crave a larger screen to get deep into a drawing, but for practice sketches on the go, story notes and watching movies, I'd love a Mini pro. It would not need all the bells and whistles, but I'd happily pay a little more to get a Mini that allows me to use the pencil.
OP, as we do not know what is in store for the Mini, I would say play with a 10.5" in the store and see if that's what you want.Alternately, you can also fire off an email to Tim Cook and let him know you want a Mini Pro with pencil capabilities (I will be doing that in a couple of months). For me personally, I love the 12.9" and the Mini 4. I never got used to the 9.7" size, so the 10.5" is not in my wheel barrel.
I don’t see Apple releasing an iPad Mini Pro when they just discontinued the 9.7 Pro model (and the keyboard for that model was horribly cramped). Those who want the Pro model features will adjust to two sizes alreay available
While you make a very valid point about larger displays, the Mini would be the perfect size for note taking and other such things. I may crave a larger screen to get deep into a drawing, but for practice sketches on the go, story notes and watching movies, I'd love a Mini pro. It would not need all the bells and whistles, but I'd happily pay a little more to get a Mini that allows me to use the pencil.
Understandable and there certainly is a strong demographic still really like the iPad Mini for obvious reasons, as there are multiple threads on this. But ultimately, I see it wayside as the iPod touch. I personally feel it just does not fit in Apples agenda anymore, even though the consumers agenda differs.
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Oh, I understand. ASK - of course, which is why I said not all the bells and whistles.
They have not discontinued the Mini yet though. 9.7" was too close in size to the 10.5".[doublepost=1499642617][/doublepost]
And it may very well not, but we'll see. Until such time, I will hope for it.
Awe that's cute...acting like someone who has some inside information by parading personal opinion as fact.
Usually I let these go by, but when someone comes to this forum asking for advice, it is important to separate opinion from fact from personal preference.
To the OP, there isn't any definitive information regarding the fate of the Mini. There are some of us who are hopeful that Apple will update the Mini later this year. Possibly a spec bump, possibly a price reduction, and longshot of a Mini Pro. These are just pie in the sky wishes, but they are possible... and maybe nothing happens.
In the meantime, I'd suggest keeping a look out for sales on the Mini 4.
I'd get the iPad pro now. It's POSSIBLE a mini pro will ever exist, but the mini has been the redheaded stepchild of the iPad family for several years now. When the mini 2 came out, it was the same specs as the iPad Air, just smaller. Since then, the Air went to the Air 2, while the mini just got a touch ID sensor. The 9.7" size then went to the iPad pro, with an A9x, while the mini finally went from the A7 to the A8 (not even the A8x). Then, the 9.7" transitions to the 10.5" size and A10x, and the mini stayed unchanged again. So since the Air and mini 2, that's three major updates to the bigger iPad and only one meaningful one to the mini.
Might they update it some day? Sure, possibly. But IMO, if they do, it'll be like the last update the iPod touch got: one last bump to keep it behind the flagship products but somewhat competitive, and then just let it die. Hell, maybe the upgrade from mini 3 to mini 4 already was that bump, and now we're seeing the slow death. It seems unlikely that after so much neglect, they're suddenly going to make it spec-competitive with the bigger iPads again.
If that was going to happen, there have already been two new iPad release dates this year -- wouldn't it have happened either alongside the 2017 iPad in March or the 2017 iPad Pros in June? Are they really going to roll out a third wave of 2017 iPad updates, this one just for the mini? I doubt it.
Might they update it some day? Sure, possibly. But IMO, if they do, it'll be like the last update the iPod touch got: one last bump to keep it behind the flagship products but somewhat competitive, and then just let it die. Hell, maybe the upgrade from mini 3 to mini 4 already was that bump, and now we're seeing the slow death. It seems unlikely that after so much neglect, they're suddenly going to make it spec-competitive with the bigger iPads again.
If that was going to happen, there have already been two new iPad release dates this year -- wouldn't it have happened either alongside the 2017 iPad in March or the 2017 iPad Pros in June? Are they really going to roll out a third wave of 2017 iPad updates, this one just for the mini? I doubt it.
Like others have said--I don't think there's a need for a mini Pro save for one feature--Apple Pencil support. If they skipped all the other stuff and just supported that accessory with a processor/RAM spec bump, I think a lot of people would love it.
That being said, the only part of your question that's a sure thing right at the moment is the 10.5" Pro, and I can tell you from first hand experience for the last few weeks that it's a WONDERFUL device. I am loving mine.
That being said, the only part of your question that's a sure thing right at the moment is the 10.5" Pro, and I can tell you from first hand experience for the last few weeks that it's a WONDERFUL device. I am loving mine.
I reluctantly traded my mini 4 for the new 10.5. Loved the mini but the writing's on the wall in my opinion. Wasn't going to take the chance in ios11 not running well on it. And how long it will continue to get iOS updates. I'm very happy with me 10.5 tho. Very nice, powerful tablet. But I miss the mini's size!
I would buy a mini-pro in a heartbeat, if Apple ever offered such a thing. I personally think it would be perfect for note taking, for my own needs. I love the 5X8 notebook size. Is it in the future? Who knows. Did Apple discontinue the 9.7" simply because the demand is for larger screens? Or did they do it because it opens the gap in marketing for a slightly larger thin bezel mini? I can only dream that its the latter
I think there are two major reasons for the existence of the 10.5" Pro:I would buy a mini-pro in a heartbeat, if Apple ever offered such a thing. I personally think it would be perfect for note taking, for my own needs. I love the 5X8 notebook size. Is it in the future? Who knows. Did Apple discontinue the 9.7" simply because the demand is for larger screens? Or did they do it because it opens the gap in marketing for a slightly larger thin bezel mini? I can only dream that its the latter
a) It puts the onscreen keyboard and Apple Smart Keyboard much closer to "full sized". I don't think they'll ever go back to a Pro model smaller than this now for this very reason.
b) It adds differentiation between the 9.7" iPad and the smaller model iPad Pro. The screen size difference isn't huge, but it's big enough to be noticeable when comparing the two models side by side. Also, the thin bezels make it feel a little more premium when comparing to the 9.7" iPad.
In my opinion, this change has accomplished something that the iPad line sorely needed: simplification of the product line and at the same time, differentiation between the different price tiers. We now have mini, standard, pro. The only one of those subsets that is now overdue for an update is the mini.
It's hard to say if Apple really should do a mini 5 or not, and if they do one, I hope they do what they did with the 2017 iPad--just call it "iPad mini" and stop numbering stuff. If they added Pencil support to a new model mini but skipped some of the stuff that is in modern day Pro models, I think that would sell well and move a lot more Pencils too. They could put the first gen Pro screen in it, maybe give it an A9X or A10 instead of an A10X, and maybe 2 GB of RAM. All that would be in the interest of keeping the mini price down at the level mini prices should be.
Only Apple knows if this is worth it though. There are certainly some passionate mini users out there (I always loved the form factor myself), but I don't know if that pool of users is big enough to necessitate an upgrade to the form factor, especially if some of them base their passion more on price than size. The $329 iPad might serve that audience quite well going forward.
Agree if you're thinking about a Pro version, but it's possible Apple does a refresh/spec bump and put an A9 or A10 chip inside a "new" Mini
I definitely get it with the screen sizes of the lager models being more online with a “full sized” keyboard. More real estate is probably more beneficial for split screen use too.
But of course with a mini, you wouldn’t need a keyboard and split screen really isn’t necessary either, it would be just a nice little note taker as is. I would have bought a mini, rather than my 9.7” IPP had it had pencil support. Now I think it would be a nice compliment to the larger 12.9 I purchased.
This following statement is purely based on my own personal preferences, but I found for my own needs and owning a 9.7”, that it’s that 9.7/10.5 that’s the most useless size to me. I realize others have different needs, opinions, preferences, and ideas about what works for them.
I can still dream
I’ve said it from the beginning and I’ll say it again, Apple aren’t looking to release a 7.9” iPad Pro. As for their plans with the iPad mini, a refresh is not off the table but it wouldn’t be an iPad Pro. Best to get the 10.5”, even if it’s almost twice the size.
I honestly think the Mini has ended, if it hadn't, there would have been a mini pro out by now
I would just cut your losses and purchase what is available now and which fits your needs
If however a Mini is released, you can always decide to sell what you bought and purchase a Mini with the funds (and have change)
I would just cut your losses and purchase what is available now and which fits your needs
If however a Mini is released, you can always decide to sell what you bought and purchase a Mini with the funds (and have change)
I definitely get it with the screen sizes of the lager models being more online with a “full sized” keyboard. More real estate is probably more beneficial for split screen use too.
But of course with a mini, you wouldn’t need a keyboard and split screen really isn’t necessary either, it would be just a nice little note taker as is. I would have bought a mini, rather than my 9.7” IPP had it had pencil support. Now I think it would be a nice compliment to the larger 12.9 I purchased.
This following statement is purely based on my own personal preferences, but I found for my own needs and owning a 9.7”, that it’s that 9.7/10.5 that’s the most useless size to me. I realize others have different needs, opinions, preferences, and ideas about what works for them.
I can still dream
You and me both. I never got used the 9.7" (always returned them), and when I saw the new iPPs, I took one look at the 10.5" and then I bought the 12.9".
I drafted my email to Tim Cook about a Pencil capable Mini and mentioned I wouldn't miss ASK or four speakers, just want a slightly better display, Pencil support and maybe 3GB of ram. Of course, I tell him I absolutely adore the 12.9", but the 10.5" is too cumbersome for my commute/on the go needs and now that I am drawing again, I'd love a Mini Pro too.
When Apple says it's discontinued I'll believe it then, but if Tim Cook and co. learn there's a demand for Pencil support for this iPad, who knows?
The 10.5" iPad Pro is really nice, however there are many of us that favour the size of the mini.
iPad Mini is a product that people love. It's not like the iPod Touch which has become superseded by the iPhone.
Since getting the Mini I've taken it everywhere with me. It's the perfect size for traveling around with. The 10.5 is too big.
In my travels I've seen so many people wandering around with Mini's in their hand but I've never seen anyone with a 9.7" iPad.
If Apple release a pro version of the iPad Mini I will be lining up to buy one. If they discontinue the Mini then I'll be looking for an alternative. I prefer iOS so its going to mean opting for an Android device.
iPad Mini is a product that people love. It's not like the iPod Touch which has become superseded by the iPhone.
Since getting the Mini I've taken it everywhere with me. It's the perfect size for traveling around with. The 10.5 is too big.
In my travels I've seen so many people wandering around with Mini's in their hand but I've never seen anyone with a 9.7" iPad.
If Apple release a pro version of the iPad Mini I will be lining up to buy one. If they discontinue the Mini then I'll be looking for an alternative. I prefer iOS so its going to mean opting for an Android device.
Being we did not see a refreshed iPad mini this year, I think the chances of it surviving until we see another iPad refresh is 2018/2019. The iPad mini has plenty of potential to make a comeback, but its up to Apple if they expand its capabilities and retain the form factor.
If Apple made an budget iPad mini like what they did with 9.7 inch iPad, I would definitely buy the cellular model with lowest storage option. The size is great for travel.
For me the 10.5 (and 9.7 before it) was too big to travel with and not big enough for home use. I use the 12.9 at home which is great at the desk and on the couch. I reach for my Mini 4 LTE when I am out and about. I am hoping for a Mini refresh, but I am do not need a pro version.
Get an iPad Pro 10.5.
iPad mini is gonna discontinued, look what they did to the MacBook Air, they cut the 11-inch model and only sell the higher end model, and they did pretty much the same to the iPad mini, no 32 GB model for sale.
iPad mini is awkward in some ways: Apple wants to sell cheaper iPad, now there's iPad 2017 with cheaper price but better performance. People wants portable iPad, now there's iPhone Plus can do the same job, sort of. Apple wants pro iPad apps, a 7.9 inch display is not gonna help this in any way.
iPad mini is like the iPod, MacBook Air and the MBP 15''(2015) now. You get better option, but cost more.
Although Mini is good due to its size, the Pro got much faster speed, better camera, 120Hz refreshing display and better speaker. When you get benefits for the Pro feature, you may forget the size problem.
iPad mini is gonna discontinued, look what they did to the MacBook Air, they cut the 11-inch model and only sell the higher end model, and they did pretty much the same to the iPad mini, no 32 GB model for sale.
iPad mini is awkward in some ways: Apple wants to sell cheaper iPad, now there's iPad 2017 with cheaper price but better performance. People wants portable iPad, now there's iPhone Plus can do the same job, sort of. Apple wants pro iPad apps, a 7.9 inch display is not gonna help this in any way.
iPad mini is like the iPod, MacBook Air and the MBP 15''(2015) now. You get better option, but cost more.
Although Mini is good due to its size, the Pro got much faster speed, better camera, 120Hz refreshing display and better speaker. When you get benefits for the Pro feature, you may forget the size problem.
Best advice I can give since you really cannot wait much past fall is to get the 10.5 Pro from Costco. Their 90 day return policy gives you more time to see if there is any info on a new Mini.
I really doubt there will be a new Mini for the fall. Apple has their hands full with the new iPhones.