Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Why you should go with the new iPad Mini...

About a year ago, I wrote a blog on the pros and cons of the iPad Mini.  My biggest complaint at the time was the fact that the Mini's Specs were not on par with the full size iPad.  Well throw all that out the door!  I just went and played with the new Full size iPad Air, and it's nothing short of amazing, in fact if it had the fingerprint scanner that's on the iPhone 5S, I would call it simply "Amazing".  Why am I bringing up the iPad Air here, because, quite frankly, there's no need to go that route any longer...Apple has done an incredible job making the iPad Air smaller, but, now that the iPad Mini has the same specs, I can't see any reason to buy the iPad Air!  It's $100 more and doesn't offer anything but a slightly bigger screen!

The only difference in devices is this:  The iPad Air offers a 9.7 inch display, and the Mini offers a smaller 7.9 inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology (IPS stands for In Plane Switching, and it provides better viewing while on an angle).   They both have the incredible Retina display that provides 2048x1536 resolution, what you need to know here is that it's better than HD quality.  You also get brand new WiFi antennas, sadly that don't support the new AC standard, but you are getting multiple WiFi antennas to give you better and faster WiFi response.  Also included is the latest in Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.0.  Last but most important, you are getting the new A7 Chip with 64-bit architecture and the new M7 motion coprocessor (both introduced earlier in the iPhone 5S), and this last bit is THE reason to purchase the Mini, period end of story!  Same all the way around, minus the smaller screen.

Some of you may argue that it's only $100 difference, why not go with the iPad Air?  Think of it in terms of storage.  You can get the new iPad Air, WiFi only, 16GB for $499 (plus tax).  Or, you can get the iPad Mini, 32GB for $499 (plus tax).  Storage is king on these devices, and if you can double your storage, and only give up some screen size, it's a no brainer.  The new Mini is, in my opinion, the way to go.  

Here's a quick look at the front and back...I've made my decision, I hope I've made your easier as well!






1 comment:

  1. Thanks for writing about this as the timing is perfect. My wifes old iPad 2 needs to be replaced. I just can't decide between these 2. I bought the mini last year and it has served me well, however there is still a big difference in web browsing between the mini and the full size iPad. I guess I am getting old, but I struggle with the smaller size. If I enlarge the fonts, other layout issues are created.

    Ultimately it depends on what your needs are. My wife uses her iPad for everything - it is her computer. If that is you, then I recommend the iPad air. If you have a computer or laptop for backup and want ultimate portability, then the mini is definitely your answer based on everything listed in this blog post.

    One final note is regarding reading. If you are an ebook fanatic like me, the mini crushes the full size iPad. Anyway, my 2 cents. Thanks again for a great synopsis.

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