Which would you buy, iPad or iPad mini?

[i0Nic]

Assuming Apple does come out with a 7.85 inch iPad mini, which iPad would you buy?

Also consider the reduced specs or functionality the smaller device would have. Is there a feature the iPad mini would need to have in order for you to get it? Example, would it need a Retina screen or a rear camera for you to purchase it over the regular iPad?

For those of you that will get likely get both devices anyway, stop and think about which you would prefer - given the size differences and likely cost differences.

Interested to hear your thoughts and get some discussion.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

I bought the iPad in 2010 and the iPad 3 this year, but I think that if I had the choice between a $499 9.7" iPad and a $199-$249 7.85" iPad, I had probably settled with the 7.85" iPad.

Assuming all the specs are (almost) the same except for the retina display (so 1024*768 7.85" against 2048*1536 9.7") I would still settle with a 7.85" iPad.

I mean, you immediately save $300 and would still get an almost equal iPad (except for the retina display).

I believe Apple needs to reduce the price of the 9.7" iPad, if the smaller iPad costs only $199. I suppose this would be the best set-up:

2012:
$199 - iPad mini 16 GB (equal to iPad 2)
$299 - iPad 2 16 GB
$399 - iPad 3 16 GB (or 32 GB)

2013:
$199 - iPad mini 2 16 GB (equal to iPad 3)
$299 - iPad 3 16 GB
$399 - iPad 4 16 GB (or 32 GB)

I believe this is the onliest way for Apple to stay competitive with... Apple.

The iPad mini will always have the same specs as the previous-gen "premium" 9.7" model.

So this is what you get:

$199 - cheapest iPad model, 7.85", previous-gen specs
$299 - same as model above except 9.7", previous-gen specs
$399 - 9.7" premium model, 9.7", newest specs and newest features

If Apple is going to introduce an iPad mini, I believe it will be a very risky move. They make A LOT of profit with the $499 iPad (and up). If they introduce an iPad mini at $199 they risk losing customers (as in: first people would settle with the expensive $499 model, now they settle with the much cheaper $199 model). A $199 model will be less, really less, profitable.

 

[h1r0ll3r]

Though I'm sure the iPad Mini will be cool and all, I prefer the larger size of the iPad as I watch a lot of movies on mine. The 7" size is pretty handy I'll say judging from all the other 7" tablets out there. Even if the iPad Mini is true then I'd still stick with the larger model.

 

[blevins321]

The Mini will be a cool addition to the line..and it'll be nice to see what Amazon does to improve the Fire to keep it competitive. That said, I'll be sticking with my retina "iPad 3" because it's now replaced my laptop for anything done mobile. Reading, emails, web browsing, everything when I'm traveling for work.

 

[ChristianVirtual]

60% for 9.7"
40% for 7.8"

Still would think about use both; regular I prefer the bigger screen but during commuting I really wish a smaller one; but iPhone is too small.

 

[Kavier]

Wouldn't pull the trigger on a mini if it was an option - like the larger screen.

 

[Michael CM1]

Unless it sports a Retina display, which I don't think anybody expects it to, stick with the third-generation iPad. The display is 90 percent of why you buy a tablet.

 

[Piggie]

More nicely rendered, realistic photo's which look just as if you can get one now

http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/08/this-is-how-the-ipad-mini-could-look-next-to-the-ipad/

 

[yanksrock100]

If Apple made an iPad mini at $250, I would but it. At half the price, its a great deal. I have the Nexus 7, and its a great tablet, great size. An iPad mini will be even better though.

 

[Eckscaliber]

I was all excited about buying an iPad Mini, until I found out it didn't have the Retina display. That is my deal breaker. I now plan on getting a "New" iPad ASAP.

 

[Gutwrench]

I sometimes have a hard enough time tapping a specific web link on a regular sized iPad, so on a 7.85 it would drive me crazy. I'd send most of my time expanding the page so I could tap a link with my Sasquatch fingers.

​

 

[faroZ06]

I like the regular iPad more, but if the mini iPad was much cheaper, it might be better overall for me.

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I was all excited about buying an iPad Mini, until I found out it didn't have the Retina display. That is my deal breaker. I now plan on getting a "New" iPad ASAP.

Thanks to my bad eyes, the iPad 2 is already "retina" for me.

 

[sarahbaby]

Ipad2

I think ipad 3 does not have major difference with ipad2. I bought a ipad 3, because i want to use the latest version.

But it is not worth the money

 

[Fattytail]

I was all excited about buying an iPad Mini, until I found out it didn't have the Retina display. That is my deal breaker. I now plan on getting a "New" iPad ASAP.

Uh, right. Because you know EXACTLY what specs the as-of-yet unannounced iPad Mini (if that's what it's even called) will have.

Anyway, I'm torn. I like the portability of something in the 7-8" range, but the usability really takes a hit, especially in stuff like browsing the web and even reading ebooks. The 9.7" screen on the current iPad shines for stuff like that. I'll have to play with an iPad Mini in person.

 

[Rodster]

I own an iPad 2 and iPad 3 so you can probably guess my next purchase.

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Uh, right. Because you know EXACTLY what specs the as-of-yet unannounced iPad Mini (if that's what it's even called) will have.

Anyway, I'm torn. I like the portability of something in the 7-8" range, but the usability really takes a hit, especially in stuff like browsing the web and even reading ebooks. The 9.7" screen on the current iPad shines for stuff like that. I'll have to play with an iPad Mini in person.

Yup that pretty much sums me up as well.

 

[Skika]

I have the new iPad and i think the screen size is just perfect for portabilty/usability.

 

[aarif2012]

I prefer an iPad + Nexus7

 

[frosse]

I think that the 7" will be great to read books on but less good for watching movies and browsing the web so I think I'll get the full size iPad next year. Currently don't have one.

 

[student_trap]

Hope this doesn't sound ridiculous, but i'd buy both.

(although considering I already have two iPads, i'd go for the smaller one)

 

[mark28]

The iPad 3 ofcourse. A 7" iPad won't still fit into your pockets so what's the point of the smaller size.

Screen real estate is good for a tablet, especially if you read alot so that the text is bigger.

 

[LYFK]

I really think the choice of iPad screen size depends on what other Apple products you own, and that you should seek as even a spread as possible.

As a busy student, I would personally love to have a 4" iPhone, a 7.85" iPad and a 13" rMBP (or MBA).

A professional would probably want a greater spread like a 4" iPhone, a 10" iPad, a 15" rMBP and a 27" iMac (or Mac Pro).

 

[TannerH]

I bought the iPad in 2010 and the iPad 3 this year, but I think that if I had the choice between a $499 9.7" iPad and a $199-$249 7.85" iPad, I had probably settled with the 7.85" iPad.


I believe Apple needs to reduce the price of the 9.7" iPad, if the smaller iPad costs only $199. I suppose this would be the best set-up:

There is no way the iPad Mini will be just $199. That's how much iPod Touch and iPhone 4S starts at. So, people would get more for their money with an iPad Mini than with another smaller device. They'll price it at either $299 (probably) or if they're really pushing it, maybe $399.

 

[koigirl]

If I could only have one, I'd stick with my full-size iPad. But if they release the mini at a $250-300 price point this fall, I will be purchasing one for all three of my kids for Christmas and will be pining for one for myself as well to keep in the car for convenience. It sounds like a great addition to the iOS family to me.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

There is no way the iPad Mini will be just $199. That's how much iPod Touch and iPhone 4S starts at. So, people would get more for their money with an iPad Mini than with another smaller device. They'll price it at either $299 (probably) or if they're really pushing it, maybe $399.

I'm just saying what the rumours say (which is: "iPad mini will be priced at $199 to $249").

 

[s15119]

I'd never use the rumored mini and I don't think it will come to frutition - but if it did, I'd have no use for it. The current iPad is the perfect size for a tablet. Apple nailed it and should continue to develop in that space rather then developing a new sized iPad.