Which IPad?

[stmartinfan]

My heavily used I Pad (2nd generation, I think) is finally loosing its battery. Any recommendations on which of the options to replace it with? I Pad 2, I Pad Air or I Pad Mini? I use it several times a day for email, social apps, games, books, etc. and for travel. I'd probably get the biggest processing size no matter which option. Thanks for any recommendations!

 

[Magic1962]

I have both the iPad 2 and mini with retina display....I don't have the newest version of the mini but I love it.... My wife has one also those are our go to devices......I have 64g she has 32g both with just WiFi....... I would not get the newest mini but get it with retina display..... Dave:whoopie:

 

[taterhed]

Buy a refurb Air from Apple. Much lighter. Much cheaper.

 

[BevL]

I have an iPad air, not the newest model but the original version. I really like it. I read a lot on my iPad, and the mini just seemed a bit small for my 55 year old eyes.

My mom has an older version iPad and it is really a noticeable difference in weight between mine and hers.

If I'm correct, I don't think you can get a 32 G iPad air in the newer version, it jumps from 16 to 64. I have a 32 and can't anticipate running out of room. But I don't watch a lot of full length videos and I never take photographs.

 

[taterhed]

Refurbished Apple iPad air is running just over $400 and refurbished Apple iPad air 2 is just over $500 nicely equipped. That's from Apple factory. We have an air and air2 they're both very nice

Sent from my spell phone...doh!

 

[Ken555]

Hard to go wrong with any of them. Only you can decide on size, so I'd suggest visiting an Apple Store and test them yourself.

The newest version is fastest and lightest. I've got the iPad Air newest version 128GB and am constantly struggling with storage constraints, but I use it often and for lots of tasks.

Even with the refurbished units, you may purchase AppleCare for the iPad and they will replace the unit if the battery is unusable within the coverage period (two years from purchase). Have fun!


Sent from my iPad

 

[Glynda]

Air 2

I had the second iPad made and got the iPad Air 2 in July. Love it! Love the difference in weight and speed and the Retina display. Hubby has the mini and doesn't use it because he finds it too small and says he might as well use his phone. I prefer the larger size too.

 

[tompalm]

Get the mini or the Air. It depends what you plan to do with it. If using only for travel outside your home, the mini is a lot lighter and easier to carry around. If using it while sitting around the house, go with an iPad Air.

The mini 2 and 3 are exactly the same. I just picked up a mini 2 with data at Best Buy on the Black Friday in July sale that Amazon and Wallmart had. BB matched Wllmart's price at $265. I only use that when I am out of the house and it is great for in the car and using a GPS in town.

The Air is great for sitting around the house and surfing the net. The Air 2 might be faster and worth a little more money. Check prices on Amazon and eBay for the best deals. Go to BBuy to get it.

 

[BevL]

And I've heard nothing but good things from people who have had to use Apple Care extended warranty. I have it on both iPads and my phone. Hope to never need it but definitely a good peace of mind investment.

 

[Ken555]

Get the mini or the Air. It depends what you plan to do with it. If using only for travel outside your home, the mini is a lot lighter and easier to carry around. If using it while sitting around the house, go with an iPad Air.

Next time you visit an Apple Store, or anywhere that sells these (including Costco), take the mini and physically put it on top of the Air. You might be surprised how little size difference there really is now that they've made the Air smaller. I've done this with a few people in the last year, all of whom thought they wanted the mini and ended up buying the Air. There's also not a huge weight difference.

Of course, the mini is a great size and very applicable to many people.

Tech specs spell it out, but I've noticed many need to see this comparison in person before they realize the larger unit really isn't that much larger. The Air is also thinner.

The iPad mini 3
Height: 7.87 inches (200 mm)
Width: 5.3 inches (134.7 mm)
Depth: 0.29 inch (7.5 mm)
Weight: 0.73 pound (331 g)

The iPad Air 2
Height: 9.4 inches (240 mm)
Width: 6.6 inches (169.5 mm)
Depth: 0.24 inch (6.1 mm)
Weight: 0.96 pound (437 g)


Sent from my iPad

 

[tompalm]

I had the same feelings or thoughts that Ken555 did about the size and weight difference until I spent an entire day toting my iPad Air around Manhattan all day. I kept it in my backpack and by the end of the day was feeling the added weight. I decided not to take it anymore on that trip when doing a lot of walking and on my feet all day. But, I tried it again out and about off the cruise ship in Alaska or New Zealand and the added weight and size was a pain to carry around. It is not difficult to carry the Air, but the mini is a lot easier and fits better under the seat of my car, in my cargo pants pocket, backpack and the small size is just easier to use when sitting in my car. The biggest advantage is the mini fits great in a woman's purse and hardly noticeable.

But, if you are getting it to use around the house and don't plan to hike around a big city or carry it all day, go with the Air. Like Ken555 says, it is not that much bigger and the Air is a lot easier to see your email.

 

[Ken555]

I had the same feelings or thoughts that Ken555 did about the size and weight difference until I spent an entire day toting my iPad Air around Manhattan all day. I kept it in my backpack and by the end of the day was feeling the added weight. I decided not to take it anymore on that trip when doing a lot of walking and on my feet all day. But, I tried it again out and about off the cruise ship in Alaska or New Zealand and the added weight and size was a pain to carry around. It is not difficult to carry the Air, but the mini is a lot easier and fits better under the seat of my car, in my cargo pants pocket, backpack and the small size is just easier to use when sitting in my car.

The weight difference is 0.23lbs not counting a case. Sure, that adds up over time but it's still not that much of a difference.

The biggest advantage is the mini fits great in a woman's purse and hardly noticeable.

This is likely the most important criteria for you, and you are certainly not alone. Convenience is always a priority.

But, if you are getting it to use around the house and don't plan to hike around a big city or carry it all day, go with the Air. Like Ken555 says, it is not that much bigger and the Air is a lot easier to see your email.

lol - you're contradicting yourself again!

Not only is the air easier see your email, it's a lot easier to type on (without an external keyboard) since the keys are larger on screen.


Sent from my iPad

 

[jehb2]

Buy a refurb Air from Apple. Much lighter. Much cheaper.

-1

Do not buy any refurbished electronic. Do not buy any floor model / display model electronic. Spend the money, get the current model of whatever you choose. You will be much happier in the long run.

 

[slip]

-1

Do not buy any refurbished electronic. Do not buy any floor model / display model electronic. Spend the money, get the current model of whatever you choose. You will be much happier in the long run.

I have bought three refurbished iPads from Apple over the years and never had
A problem with any of them. It saved a lot of money, they are certified and you
Get the Apple warranty. It has worked for us.

 

[SMHarman]

Refurbished Apple iPad air is running just over $400 and refurbished Apple iPad air 2 is just over $500 nicely equipped. That's from Apple factory. We have an air and air2 they're both very nice

Sent from my spell phone...doh!

-1

Do not buy any refurbished electronic. Do not buy any floor model / display model electronic. Spend the money, get the current model of whatever you choose. You will be much happier in the long run.

Except Apple often sell current model customer returns as refurbished and it saves you $$$

I'll often but open box from Amazon Warehouse also.

 

[jehb2]

My husband broke his iPhone. He had Apple extended care and was given a refurbished phone. It was 6 months of misery. Fortunately, an apple manager took pity on him. The manager looked up all his customer support calls and finally decided to just give him a new phone.

This past Christmas we purchased 1 IPad Air 2 and two iPad minis from Target and got a total of $360 back in Target gift/cash card. Plus, because I used my Target credit card I got an additional 5% off the original price not the sale price because it wasn't technically a sale.

 

[Ken555]

-1



Do not buy any refurbished electronic. Do not buy any floor model / display model electronic. Spend the money, get the current model of whatever you choose. You will be much happier in the long run.

ROFL

The iPad has no moving parts. It either works or it doesn't. What do you really think is going to happen with it being slightly used and refurbished?

Your generalization doesn't apply to these types of devices.


Sent from my iPad

 

[Ken555]

My husband broke his iPhone. He had Apple extended care and was given a refurbished phone. It was 6 months of misery. Fortunately, an apple manager took pity on him. The manager looked up all his customer support calls and finally decided to just give him a new phone.

If I told you the same story about a new iPhone, would you then say not to buy any new electronic devices? It happens...


Sent from my iPad

 

[pwrshift]

I still have and use the original iPad with 64gB and although it crashes a lot that's probably because I wouldn't upgrade the IOS because I don't want to lose the original map with street view. It also means I can't get upgraded apps sometimes. But I have to give Apple credit...it's lasted longer than my laptops.

Question: can you use and read the newer iPads in direct sunlight by the pool? The old one I've got is useless in the sun.

Regarding refurbished: I dropped my iPhone 4s and needed a new one. They sold me a refurb for $180 CDN that works just fine.

I am thinking about getting a 6 or 6+ but can't decide on the size. The big one would probably stop me from using the iPad as its almost a mini iPad size but I like carrying my phone in my shirt breast pocket..

Brian

 

[taterhed]

-1

Do not buy any refurbished electronic. Do not buy any floor model / display model electronic. Spend the money, get the current model of whatever you choose. You will be much happier in the long run.

Actually, I've purchased 2 of my 3 tablets from Cowboom. I didn't rec'd cowboom because it has an element of risk and requires some savvy and judgment to determine if you're getting a deal or a 'lemon.'

I bought my Kindle fire for $50 and my HDX 4g LTE for $125. Both were virtually new and operated (and still do) like new. They were both less than 25% of original purchase price when I bought them. I love them and use them in a lot of situations where I would NOT take a $500 tablet (or even a $200 tablet).

It's been my humble experience that many people scratch a new toy or tire of something they really can't afford and return it as 'broken.'

My experience may not match yours, but I would bet a big steak dinner on that fact that Apple will support it's products (even refurb) 10 times better than any body else.

As for black-friday or Xmas deals on Ipads etc... You're right: nothing will top a good black-friday/Xmas price on an Ipad mini or 'last-gen' Ipad. IF you can wait another 5 months.

Enjoy your shopping. Pay full price, I'm sure it'll work better and last longer. (yes, that's sarcasm).

 

[stmartinfan]

I am thinking about getting a 6 or 6+ but can't decide on the size. The big one would probably stop me from using the iPad as its almost a mini iPad size but I like carrying my phone in my shirt breast pocket..

Brian

My husband got the larger 6+ and still carries it in his shirt pocket. in fact, hates to buy shirts without a pocket for that reason!

He does still use his IPad..a larger gen. 2 one...when he's at home for things like social media, email,games, etc. I think it' style bigger screen and the larger keyboard that make it better for him.

 

[stmartinfan]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Helpful info for when I look at them in real life! Good discussion of refurbished, too. I've tended to avoid those, because the price break hasn't seemed enough to warrant the hassle if you get a lemon. But refurb direct from Apple seems like a good way to mitigate that.

Now to make a decision before my current one becomes a brick when the battery gives up completely!

 

[Bucky]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Helpful info for when I look at them in real life! Good discussion of refurbished, too. I've tended to avoid those, because the price break hasn't seemed enough to warrant the hassle if you get a lemon. But refurb direct from Apple seems like a good way to mitigate that.

Now to make a decision before my current one becomes a brick when the battery gives up completely!

Refurbished iPads are on sale now. See this link
http://www.techbargains.com/apple-ipad-deals

We bought a refurbished one from the Apple Store and I can guarantee you that you cannot tell the difference between it and a brand new one. I always wait until I get two or three generations behind and then but refurbished from Apple. Saves a ton of money since I don't have to be the first to have the latest toy.

 

[theo]

A definition question...

I'd like to take still another opportunity to admit and openly demonstrate my technological ignorance by asking if someone can please tell me in layman's terms what the term "retina display" means?

Side note P.S. to Ken 555; I know that you erroneously somehow previously thought that I was / am "anti-Apple", but for the record, when I finally broke down and ditched the old flip-phone and bought a smartphone some months ago, I got the iPhone 5s. It is a truly remarkable device whose use and operation is almost child-intuitive, even for the terminally techno-challenged, among whose number I readily include myself.

 

[PrairieGirl]

I would suggest that if you think you might purchase a mini, first try one out visiting websites that you commonly use. Then compare how they appear to you on the mini with how they look using an Air.

For me, the view on the mini is just too small - I have to wear my reading glasses! But the Air is just perfect without them.

I made this recommendation to a friend who had planned to get a mini and she ended up with an Air instead - and is still thanking me to this day!