Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Dualvansmommy

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 31, 2014
90
12
I'm finding the current iPad lineup confusing and having major indecisive over which model to upgrade from my current iPad mini 4.

The reason i'm looking to upgrade is finding my mini 4 too small for my eyes with considerable eye strain. I have had the current version for 3-4 years which is a long time for me, so i'd like the next upgrade to last me that long, if not longer.

Main useage for the iPad would be emailing, browsing/surfing the 'net, watch my DVR shows through my cable app, catch shows/movies on netflix and Amazon, shop online, read newspapers/magazines (not books!-i prefer the kindle over this) I also have celluar service on my mini4, so would like to keep that in my upgrade-maybe! I don't think 12.9 is for me, as i find it's still too bulky to watch in bed/carrying it around the house, etc. EYE strain and ability to view my ipad for long period is extremely important to me.

help this novice buyer! I usually shop confidently with my apple products-knowing exactly which model suiting for my needs except this time! i think what's holding me back is the news of non lamiated in the new iPad? that's scaring me off for some reason but not sure why.
 
Are you sure that you have a Mini 4, as that only came out a year and a half ago, so you can't have had it for 3-4 years.

In any case, it sounds like an iPad Pro would be overkill for you, so the only choice for something larger than a Mini would be the new 2017 iPad which recently came out.
 
I'm finding the current iPad lineup confusing and having major indecisive over which model to upgrade from my current iPad mini 4.

The reason i'm looking to upgrade is finding my mini 4 too small for my eyes with considerable eye strain. I have had the current version for 3-4 years which is a long time for me, so i'd like the next upgrade to last me that long, if not longer.

Main useage for the iPad would be emailing, browsing/surfing the 'net, watch my DVR shows through my cable app, catch shows/movies on netflix and Amazon, shop online, read newspapers/magazines (not books!-i prefer the kindle over this) I also have celluar service on my mini4, so would like to keep that in my upgrade-maybe! I don't think 12.9 is for me, as i find it's still too bulky to watch in bed/carrying it around the house, etc. EYE strain and ability to view my ipad for long period is extremely important to me.

help this novice buyer! I usually shop confidently with my apple products-knowing exactly which model suiting for my needs except this time! i think what's holding me back is the news of non lamiated in the new iPad? that's scaring me off for some reason but not sure why.
If you don't mind only 2 speakers vs 4 speakers on the 9.7 inch Pro I'd get the new iPad. The display is a non issue, yah it feels weird compared to my Air 2 but to my eyes it looks superior due to the increased brightness of the panel. Do not let the non lamination scare you, other than slight more glare outside and weird feeling when tapping display it's fine. Also by weird I mean it's different but not bad in anyway. It bugs some people but just using it normally it's not a issue at all. I think you'd love the new iPad since it's got great battery life great for long movies or binge watching Netflix series.
 
Are you sure that you have a Mini 4, as that only came out a year and a half ago, so you can't have had it for 3-4 years.

In any case, it sounds like an iPad Pro would be overkill for you, so the only choice for something larger than a Mini would be the new 2017 iPad which recently came out.

You're right! I completely forgotten i was using my husband's iPad mini 3 before i got myself the mini 4, he never used his at all so it felt like it was mine all along. So, this is to say i've been using iPad mini for 3-4 years now.
 
I'm finding the current iPad lineup confusing and having major indecisive over which model to upgrade from my current iPad mini 4.

The reason i'm looking to upgrade is finding my mini 4 too small for my eyes with considerable eye strain. I have had the current version for 3-4 years which is a long time for me, so i'd like the next upgrade to last me that long, if not longer.

Main useage for the iPad would be emailing, browsing/surfing the 'net, watch my DVR shows through my cable app, catch shows/movies on netflix and Amazon, shop online, read newspapers/magazines (not books!-i prefer the kindle over this) I also have celluar service on my mini4, so would like to keep that in my upgrade-maybe! I don't think 12.9 is for me, as i find it's still too bulky to watch in bed/carrying it around the house, etc. EYE strain and ability to view my ipad for long period is extremely important to me.

help this novice buyer! I usually shop confidently with my apple products-knowing exactly which model suiting for my needs except this time! i think what's holding me back is the news of non lamiated in the new iPad? that's scaring me off for some reason but not sure why.

I know you mentioned eye strain in your Post, I would look into the 9.7 iPad Pro. The Reason I suggest this model, is it has Tru-Tone display, which uses sensors to adapt to the color and intensity display in the room. Basically this allows a much more easier transition on your ice for reading, based on the overall environment in your room.

https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jodiuh
I'm going to piggy back on relentless powers comment...

True Tone does wonders for eye strain.

Also, fwiw, I'm very sensitive to displays and the 2017 gave me severe eye strain. The Air 2 did not, but it was slow. The Pro 9.7" has been great worth exceptional of the uneven color temp from left to right.

Best Buy recently had a discount of $100 off plus another $100 off of adding Apple care. You have to sign up up for student coupons. But anyone can. Also, staples had the 128gb for $449 recently.

He $100 off Apple car can be refunded. So basically with the staples pricematch and Apple care fund, it came out to $470 out the door. For what used to be $750 put the door.

I can only assume this to mean a new Pro coming soon.

So I would your eyes on slickdeals.net for current Pro deals for a $500 128GB Pro 9.7" or wait for the next model to be introduced.

Oh yes, the display gap on the 2017 drove me nuts. Text becomes illegible and a much narrower angle than the Air 2 or Pro so you don't have as much leeway when it comes to tilting the display itself. I also find reading more comforting on a laminat display.

More like a big book vs a book with a piece of glass on top.

Edit: I have had three glasses of wine now in addition to prescribed Xanax (trying to fix a sleep schedule), so apologiesaboit this posts grammar.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 44267547
I'm going to piggy back on relentless powers comment...

True Tone does wonders for eye strain.

Also, fwiw, I'm very sensitive to displays and the 2017 gave me severe eye strain. The Air 2 did not, but it was slow. The Pro 9.7" has been great worth exceptional of the uneven color temp from left to right.

Best Buy recently had a discount of $100 off plus another $100 off of adding Apple care. You have to sign up up for student coupons. But anyone can. Also, staples had the 128gb for $449 recently.

He $100 off Apple car can be refunded. So basically with the staples pricematch and Apple care fund, it came out to $470 out the door. For what used to be $750 put the door.

I can only assume this to mean a new Pro coming soon.

So I would your eyes on slickdeals.net for current Pro deals for a $500 128GB Pro 9.7" or wait for the next model to be introduced.

Oh yes, the display gap on the 2017 drove me nuts. Text becomes illegible and a much narrower angle than the Air 2 or Pro so you don't have as much leeway when it comes to tilting the display itself. I also find reading more comforting on a laminat display.

More like a big book vs a book with a piece of glass on top.

Edit: I have had three glasses of wine now in addition to prescribed Xanax (trying to fix a sleep schedule), so apologiesaboit this posts grammar.

i think the deal at staples expired, as just went on slickdeals then staples website from the link directly. Wasn't up there anymore, as slickdeals DID say it was only good till April 27th. Well past that now!

on apple, iPP still showing full price. Hmm. Does anyone know when the new release is coming out? wondering if it's worthwhile to wait or just buy this version elsewhere on a deal before the new release.
 
Bummer.

I would say if you can't find the 32GB for $400ish or the 128GB for $500ish, then just wait.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.