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every person's eyesight is different. i wear glasses and i have no problem with using an ipad mini all day to jot notes down... no headaches, no eyestrain.

Ok. Thanks.
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I don’t have the best vision but I’m not finding it hard to read at all. Bare in mind I do use glasses for reading regardless. If you are worried perhaps you should check it out in a store first? The laminated screen helps, and you can enlarge some fonts on your iPad, and even set things to Bold if that helps. Safari can be double clicked to zoom in but you can not enlarge the fonts.

Thanks. Yes, I think i will do as you suggest.
 
I absolutely do not need one at all. My purchasing one is non essential.. but I've been in love with the form factor of the mini since the 2nd gen. *I do wish this had the new "Pro" design, but I also don't mind the current one anymore since I don't actually have to use the home button for anything. I will tinker with this guy a bit and I may decide to take it back or keep it. I have a Xs Max and Pro 12.9" but the mini might continue to be that perfect tablet to grab for a quick sketch, note, or because it's a pound lighter than my Pro. lol




Kallum.
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LOL I certainly can understand that. I have found that pre-emptive alternative purchases (like you buying watch bands) doesn't work.

IMO, no iPhone can replace an iPad... even one as nice as the XR. The aspect ratio is all wrong for content consumption and light productivity. It's necessary for use as a phone, but not as a tablet. So in that respect, having an XR doesn't necessarily eliminate the need/want for an iPad Mini.

I much prefer to use something like the Mini when the conditions allow for the use of something larger. If I'm standing in a checkout line, using a phone is better. Sitting in a coffee shop, I'd rather use the Mini. It also helps allow the phone's battery to be available when I need the phone.

Having gotten used to the ultra-high pixel density of the Mini 4, I can't see myself spending top dollar for the latest Pros. Their screens look like a pixelated hot-mess by comparison. Add the smearing of ProMotion and... blecch! (hyperbole works wonders!) :D

Since you have other devices, this wouldn't be a primary device. I don't think waiting for a good sale on the Mini 5 and getting the base model is a bad thing. What happens though is doubt, uncertainty, and fear kick in and causes people to get the higher storage model (uncertainty as to whether or not the base storage is enough), and get AppleCare (fear of damaging the device), which inflates the net cost of the device well beyond what is reasonable.

I'm pretty much set on keeping my 2018 iPad w/Pencil, trading my Mini 4 in for a base 5... and picking up a Logitech Crayon to use with both devices.

Oh, I was supposed to talk you out of it... oops. :eek::D
I'm the complete opposite in terms of the quality of the Pro's screen, I love the mini but I don't like how it's so tiny. I have a bit of hawk vision with stuff, so the PPI comparison is not really different to me, (even with the differing aspect ratios)... I can still see and discern individual pixels from a foot or two away whether it's the 12.9 or 7.9, and even my Xs Max. That is not a bad thing it's reality to me, but the displays are still great so I live with that minor annoyance (as it is really only attributed to me and my OCD eyes. ;) ) Also, the Pro has such a more vibrant and brighter display IMO... and the 120hz makes it the greatest display besides my 4K tv.
But, YMMV. :)


Kallum.
 
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Me want iPad mini and I absolutely, positively need it. :D

(But my wife doesn’t believe me :()

You could tell her that you just ran into George Clooney and he agrees with you, and that if you do get one he'd like to come around to try it out.
 
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Oh yeah, I certainly feel your pain...
I’m very, VERY tempted to get a Mini, and I absolutely don’t need one.

I have a XS Max, 12.9” Pro and 15” MacBook, but still find myself yearning for a Mini. I owned a gen 1 back in the day and adored the form factor.

Not sure how long I’m going to be able to hold back on that little silver beauty.
 
I ordered a Mini 5 but the next day cancelled my order. Have the 11" Pro and just wanted a Mini but it would be used very seldom so . . . . cancelled.

Yes, I think that a very wise decision. It's really tough to do the right thing when virtually every impulse is telling you to pull the trigger. But, hey, you can purchase a fairly decent TV for the same price as the 256 GB model, at least in the UK.
 
Yes, I think that a very wise decision. It's really tough to do the right thing when virtually every impulse is telling you to pull the trigger. But, hey, you can purchase a fairly decent TV for the same price as the 256 GB model, at least in the UK.
But a TV and a Mini 5 are not very similar other than they both have screens and are electronics. I can use a Mimi 5 in bed and at our camp where there’s no electricity. Can’t do that with a TV.

“Do the right thing” seems a tad judgmental.
 
But a TV and a Mini 5 are not very similar other than they both have screens and are electronics. I can use a Mimi 5 in bed and at our camp where there’s no electricity. Can’t do that with a TV.

“Do the right thing” seems a tad judgmental.

1) It was put forward as an example of what one could do with the money instead. I could have mentioned pretty much anything that cost about the same. This was predicated on the understanding that he had little or no use for the mini.

2) Not judgmental at all. The right thing in this case amounts to not purchasing something that once again the poster had little or no use for.
 
1) It was put forward as an example of what one could do with the money instead. I could have mentioned pretty much anything that cost about the same. This was predicated on the understanding that he had little or no use for the mini.

2) Not judgmental at all. The right thing in this case amounts to not purchasing something that once again the poster had little or no use for.

Or not purchase anything at all... maybe that’s the “right” thing (whatever that means).
 
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I received the first retina iPad Mini as a gift, but I rarely used it (perhaps because it didn't cost me anything). I've turned to either my 9.7" iPad (or now, my 12.9 Pro) or my various iPhones over the years since. I still have the Mini, and it still works nicely on iOS 12, but I don't feel compelled to use it. It's a cool device and size, and it's great for many, but I guess it's just not for me.

All that said, I think the OP should get the new Mini, just because. :)
 
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Oh yeah, I certainly feel your pain...
I’m very, VERY tempted to get a Mini, and I absolutely don’t need one.

I have a XS Max, 12.9” Pro and 15” MacBook, but still find myself yearning for a Mini. I owned a gen 1 back in the day and adored the form factor.

Not sure how long I’m going to be able to hold back on that little silver beauty.
Your situation mirrors mine.
I own all three products you currently have, and have also owned a first and second gen mini in the past.

I only switched to the air line up because Apple wasn’t giving the mini the latest chip.

I just dropped by a store to get a feel of the form factor and I am so close to pulling the trigger on the mini.

I need help.
 
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I don’t need one but between my 12.9 Pro and my iPhone 8 I would get use out of one.

The pro lasts throughout the workday but definitely needs a Charge when I get home. A mini would be a nice device to have lying around the house, I just wanted one with the pro redesign and pencil v2 support.
 
Your situation mirrors mine.
I own all three products you currently have, and have also owned a first and second gen mini in the past.

I only switched to the air line up because Apple wasn’t giving the mini the latest chip.

I just dropped by a store to get a feel of the form factor and I am so close to pulling the trigger on the mini.

I need help.

Wrong place for help. I’m going to be an enabler. If you think that you will use it and you will enjoy using it, get it.

There is a return policy... I’m not a proponent of just buying to try, but there is the option to return it if you find that you don’t use it that much and/or don’t love it.
 
I completely understand! Fortunately, I'm still in love with my 11 IPP, so I'm finding it easy to say no to the mini.
However, in spite of the fact that my 13 MBP works exceptionally well, I'm craving a new iMac. Do I need it? Well, I could make a case for the fact that I work online (part of the time) and it would be helpful, but need is a strong word. But want? Oh, yes.
I did break down and buy the new Airpods yesterday. I love them already.
 
I bought a mini 4 for one of my younger grandsons from someone on here, got it in Friday, and OMG I wanted to keep it for myself.

Why are they so darn cute?

I have an XR and 11” pro and definitely do not NEED a mini, but now I just HAVE to have one.

I have a problem. I just ordered myself 3 watch bands to try and contain this.

Someone please - I need an intervention.

Maybe you need a few shares of Apple stock.
 
There are these fine and luxury moments, when we can simply permit us to "want it" and finally just to do it. (as for the wife: do remind her, when she got her last Gucci handbag...)

Sometimes I think by myself that it is REALLY luxury, trying to ESTIMATE it as well. :)
There are quite a lot, who struggle for more basic needs.
 
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Well, you all are a bunch of enablers. I sorta thought, maybe I’d like to add a Mini to “compliment” my 12.9” Pro, maybe? The local Best But has them, maybe, just maybe, I’ll take a look. Typing my response on the new SG 64GB right now. Now, to find a justification beyond “I like new stuff”!

A lightspeed jump ahead from the Mini 2 I had a few years back!
 
Haha. I’m probably a candidate. But, seriously, I don’t do too much justifying, I have reasons for buying the Mini 5 and I will use it, that’s enough justification.

Someone asked when I expect my 10.5 Pro to die ... no idea, i’ve had mixed results with the longevity of iPads ... an iPad 2 and an Air 1 and Air 2 I gave to family members are still going, but my first 12.9 died within a year of battery failure and was replaced, and my Air 1 developed a screen issue when it was six months old, and was replaced.

Part of the reason for buying the Mini is, I’m trying to put off having no headphone jack and Face ID for as long as possible. I’m hoping that in the next update of 12.9 there will also be Touch ID. I don’t suppose we’ll ever get headphone jack back, but it is a problem for people like me who use iPads for music, the latency in wireless headphones, or at least in ones that don’t require a mortgage, and now no way of sending to an audio system that isn’t Bluetooth.

It amazes me that apple is constantly trying to prove that ipads can be used for serious work, and then they remove one of the main functions for that in my area of serious work.
 
Although I see the attraction, without the pencil it is the same as the 4 but with much improved performance. Unless there is a real need to use handwritten or sketch notes, I am wavering, as my refurb 4 bought 12 months ago is still working very well, speed on ios12 is not bad and battery is still excellent ... so this is not as straightforward as I was hoping ;)

That’s roughly the way I see it.
I wanted to use a Mini with the Pencil but seeing as it only supports the 1st generation Pencil there is no way I will get the Mini 5.
I may as well get a cheaper Mini 4 and if I still need a pencil I’d probably look at the Logitech Crayon.

I was mainly considering one for reading in bed. The phone is just too small for actually reading, but I don't want to hold the iPP up when I'm lying down either.

Honestly, I think the mini 4 might work for me for now because of what I want it for. You wanna sell me yours? ;-p
I’m not sure it makes much sense to get a mini 4 right now instead of the 5. If the mini gets updated every year or two, it would make sense because you could save money now and skip to the next generation mini 6 and have an even better device. But the thing is I don’t think the 4 will last that long—7 years, as it’s already 3.5 years old and assuming the mini 6 comes out in another 3.5 years—and you’ll end up buying the mini 5 eventually anyway. Might as well buy it now if you can. The only exceptions are:
- if you don’t plan on buying another mini right away after your mini 4 dies
- you get the mini 4 now for dirt cheap and somehow get the mini 5 later for dirt cheap—the total of the two being significantly cheaper than the regular price for the mini 5.

The mini 4 hardware MIGHT last until the mini 6 if you don’t care about receiving software updates, but even still that seems like it’s pushing it.

I have a mini 4 now, and I was just going to keep using it til it dies before I upgraded to the 5, but after realizing the above, I realized there’s no good reason for me to wait that long. I’m just losing time with the mini 5 that I will inevitably buy anyway. However, I MAY wait for the first good sale.

Let me know if my logic has a hole somewhere.

I’ve never had a mini, and I do have 12.9 and 10.5 pros, so I definitely don’t NEED a mini, but have decided to get one, wifi and cellular, 256 storage, space grey. Because, I think it will last a good while and has headphone jack, which I need, and Touch ID which I prefer, and i love the portability of it


When my 10.5 dies I won’t replace that, i’ll Just have 12.9 and the mini, great combination. And I doubt I’ll ever be able to get another 12.9 with headphone jack and Touch ID.

Justifying it because I recently bought an SE instead of the XR, so saved most of the cost of the mini.

Haha I have the exact same device configuration—12.9, mini, and SE. Amazing combination for me as it fills all my (iOS) needs as adequately and efficiently as possible (with currently available products).
 
I’m not sure it makes much sense to get a mini 4 right now instead of the 5. If the mini gets updated every year or two, it would make sense because you could save money now and skip to the next generation mini 6 and have an even better device. But the thing is I don’t think the 4 will last that long—7 years, as it’s already 3.5 years old and assuming the mini 6 comes out in another 3.5 years—and you’ll end up buying the mini 5 eventually anyway. Might as well buy it now if you can. The only exceptions are:
- if you don’t plan on buying another mini right away after your mini 4 dies
- you get the mini 4 now for dirt cheap and somehow get the mini 5 later for dirt cheap—the total of the two being significantly cheaper than the regular price for the mini 5.

The mini 4 hardware MIGHT last until the mini 6 if you don’t care about receiving software updates, but even still that seems like it’s pushing it.

I have a mini 4 now, and I was just going to keep using it til it dies before I upgraded to the 5, but after realizing the above, I realized there’s no good reason for me to wait that long. I’m just losing time with the mini 5 that I will inevitably buy anyway. However, I MAY wait for the first good sale.

Let me know if my logic has a hole somewhere.



Haha I have the exact same device configuration—12.9, mini, and SE. Amazing combination for me as it fills all my (iOS) needs as adequately and efficiently as possible (with currently available products).


No holes in your logic, although I could pass a mini 4 on to my youngest grandson months down the road if I see I would really get some use out of a mini, whereas if I spend top dollar on a 5 and don’t use it much, I’m gonna likely regret it.

Since, at the moment, I’d likely only use the mini to read, and play a couple of my games, I’m sure the mini 4 would work well, and I can do WiFi only. If I found I was really gonna use it a lot more than that, I’d pass it on, and go for a 5 likely with WiFi and cellular.

But hey, who knows? I’m still on the fence; may wind up with a 5 yet, but I do have some feelers out for a WiFi 4.
 
No holes in your logic, although I could pass a mini 4 on to my youngest grandson months down the road if I see I would really get some use out of a mini, whereas if I spend top dollar on a 5 and don’t use it much, I’m gonna likely regret it.

Since, at the moment, I’d likely only use the mini to read, and play a couple of my games, I’m sure the mini 4 would work well, and I can do WiFi only. If I found I was really gonna use it a lot more than that, I’d pass it on, and go for a 5 likely with WiFi and cellular.

But hey, who knows? I’m still on the fence; may wind up with a 5 yet, but I do have some feelers out for a WiFi 4.
Ah I see. Yeah, that would be another exception.
 
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