[Not cars] iPad Air vs. iPad mini 2 Opinions?

"PushToStart" (pushtostart)
10/30/2014 at 19:02 • Filed to: off topic, tech, opinions

So I'm considering getting an iPad here pretty soon, and I'm trying to decide whether I want the full size iPad Air, or going with the smaller option, the iPad mini 2. Keep in mind that I'm not considering the newest gen devices (they're more expensive and I don't think the extra cost is worth the difference), but I figured I'd ask here to see what people thought about the two. I'm a fan of iOS, so don't try to sell me on an Android tablet, I just want to know what you all think about these two options, and if you think the iPad Air is worth the extra $100 over the iPad mini 2.

DISCUSSION (28)

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:04

It depends if you want holding it to be very uncomfortable or just slightly uncomfortable. I hate using iPads.

Steve in Manhattan > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:07

We have an iPad Air Gen 2, I think. I got a Gen 1 a few months after it came out. For us, they turned out to be good for nothing but games. Make sure you're going to use it before you buy it. We've done nothing useful, at all, with them. Sent 2 Gen 1s to Gazelle for cash early this year. They were just sitting in a drawer.

PushToStart > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
10/30/2014 at 19:07

Lol, well the full size iPad is a little bit cumbersome at times, but I do like the bigger screen, but I'm not sure if it's something I'd actually prefer to own over something a little smaller/more compact.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:08

I have an mini and it's great, perfect size for sitting in bed and reading!

PushToStart > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish
10/30/2014 at 19:09

Cool, that's going to be a definite portion of what I will use it for. I assume it's good for Oppo duty as well?

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:10

I haven't a clue, I only Oppo on the laptop!

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:14

I just really struggle to understand what theyre for. My girlfriend bought a tablet and then never found a use for it other than occasionally watching netflix on plane rides or something.

If you carry it around I guess the mini makes more sense. If its for browsing or watching videos at home the big one.

AthomSfere > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:26

The choice is obvious...

Kinja'd!!!

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:27

I own both. First gen iPad mini and an android tablet

For price, android all the way, I picked up a used (but still in immaculate shape) HP 7 (not hp slate 7) with a charger and a case for 40 BUCKS

I have used both the iPad Air and mini, and to be blatantly honest, I like the iPad mini better. It's fine for using oppo on, in fact I do use it for oppo over my computer, (I'm typing this on my iPad mini right now)

I'll even attach some screenshots of oppo on my iPad mini for reference of how big it is.

Kinja'd!!!

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 19:32

Neither - get the iPhone 6+ instead

Manuél Ferrari > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
10/30/2014 at 19:32

This is why I like big phones better than tablets. I can still comfortably type on a big phone. I can't type worth crap on a tablet.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 20:14

Yeah I can't think of anything I'd do with a tablet I can't do on my phone.

Manuél Ferrari > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
10/30/2014 at 20:18

The only thing I ever use a tablet for is watching videos. But even then I'd rather watch the videos on my laptop if it's handy. Or say screw all that and watch stuff on an actual TV

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 20:23

I use my laptop for stuff like that too. A laptop can be set down whereas a tablet has to be held or propped up by a flimsy case.

PushToStart > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 20:44

6 Plus seems so big though. My friend has a 6 and even that's a little big, but not too bad. (for reference, I think the iPhone 5 is the perfect size, but that's just me...) Plus, I'm not eligible for an upgrade yet, and so I'd be paying like 700-800 bucks for a phone lol

Manuél Ferrari > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
10/30/2014 at 21:15

Plus it can be hooked up to an external monitor. I have a full monitor, keyboard, mouse setup at home. No substitute for a bigger screen and real keyboard!

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 21:19

It's such a catch 22. The bigger it is the nicer it is to use, but the harder it is to carry around.

I have the iPhone 5 too. I love how easily it fits in my pockets. But I hate using it. The virtual keys are so narrow that it makes it hard to avoid typos. And I really hate using sites like Oppo on it. The text is so small, especially in the comments.

I tried the iPhone 6 and it was soooooooooooo much better. And it wasn't that much harder to carry around. It actually felt pretty good in my pocket.

But I returned it. The battery life still wasn't good enough for me. It was better than the 5, but not great. So I went ahead and ordered the 6+ even though it's gonna feel huge in my pocket. I want the larger battery for better standby time.

I'm really bummed about how tall the 6+ is. But looking forward to the bigger battery.

I considered the 6 with a Mophie case that extends the battery. But those cases are expensive. Cheaper to spend the extra $100 on the 6+

PushToStart > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 21:26

The 6+ is really big though, I mean a lady could carry it in a purse, but in a pocket, I don't think that'd work for me, especially with all the bending that supposedly happens. As far as battery life goes, as long as it gets me through the day, I don't care. I use my phone a decent amount, and it seems to last perfectly fine. I normally have about 20-30% left at the end of the day. and if I am running a bit lower than normal I can always plug in to replenish it and give it some juice while I'm working on something else by just plugging it in to my computer or whatever, no big deal.

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 21:29

I know, I know... It's gonna be a pain in my pocket. If I went out a lot I wouldn't do it. But I mostly only walk to my car and to meetings at work. I never leave my phone in my pocket when driving or sitting at a desk or table.

If I had a social life I would get the 6. But since I don't I'll go 6+. I can't get through the day with one charge on the 5 or the 6 cause I use my phone so much during meetings. People talk too fucking much and I get bored and check emails or Oppo...

PushToStart > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 21:34

"The iPhone 6 Plus: it's PERFECT if you don't have a social life!"

hahahahaha

But yeah, I always have my phone in my pocket, I don't normally set it on my desk or take it out when I drive.

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 21:39

Haha I should be in the commercial. "Hi I'm Rusto. I have no life. So the iPhone 6+ is perfect for me!".

You shouldn't leave your phone in your pocket all the time. It's gonna give you ball cancer!

PushToStart > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 21:45

So by getting an iPhone 6 Plus, and therefore not keeping your phone in your pocket anymore, the iPhone 6 Plus actually reduces your chances of getting ball cancer!

So, new slogan!

"iPhone 6 Plus. Because you don't have friends and you also don't want ball cancer."

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 21:48

This needs to be in an official iPhone commercial!!

Also - Apple should buy Ferrari

PushToStart > Manuél Ferrari
10/30/2014 at 22:15

Lol, introducing the new iSpeciale

Manuél Ferrari > PushToStart
10/30/2014 at 22:17

YES!

It makes sense. Apple is a premium brand that charges more for their products than their competitors do.

They could sell bespoke iPhones to their Ferrari customers that non-Ferrari owners can't buy.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Manuél Ferrari
10/31/2014 at 05:25

Agreed.

Alex B > PushToStart
11/15/2014 at 19:48

I have an iPad mini 3. Perfect size for most everything. Although, at times I do wish I had gotten an iPad Air 2.

PushToStart > Alex B
11/15/2014 at 23:55

I tried out both back-to-back, and the Air just felt too big, but the Mini felt basically perfect.