iPad 5 or iPad mini (2)

I've actually been a little torn on this one, but it'll likely come down to space issues. Assuming the 5 has a 128 gig model again, that will be the deciding factor. If the Mini 2 had that option, I'd go Mini 2 in a heartbeat. Sigh.

 

^Yeah... space is a big factor for me too, and i'd want the mini as well, but it better have the specs of ipad4 at least, as even apple knows how inferior ipad3 was.

 

Well you say that, but I've been rockin' it a year with no noticeable performance problems or limitations of any kind, so...

 

The constant bitching over the iPad 3's performance is almost unwarranted.

 

I do fine on my iPad 3? What's so bad? Unless you're loading a very large animated website.

 

I have an iPad 3 (no problem whatsoever, other than its time for an upgrade) and can't wait to get my hands on an iPad 5! Bigger is better!

Seriously though, iPad Mini is cool and all, but I like my screen bigger.

 

Theres simply no substitute for the Ipad Mini, its the best size for absolutely everything, especially gaming. Light, big screen, easy thumb and finger access, I couldnt imagine ever using anything else or anything bigger. Absolutely get the new mini, I cant recommend it enough.

 

I've got an iPad 3 and is definitely going to upgrade to iPad 5.
I like the Mini, and will probably buy it eventually, but it'll be mostly for reading ebooks on...

I've never understood the complaints about the iPad being too heavy or cumbersome to play games on in any way when there's so many great cases with in-built stand.

I never hold my iPad when using it.
It's either resting on a table when I'm sitting upright or resting on my thigh when I'm lying on my couch, only supporting the ipad by a finger when nessecary using the Targus 360 stand.

I've been using similar stands since I bought the original iPad.

 

As far as gaming goes the mini is head and shoulders above the ipad. If the new iteration of the mini is comparable to the ipad 4 (spec wise) then I'd say its a no brainer, mini for the win.

 

In its current state? Not at all. With improved specs? Not really. The smaller screen just isn't as immersive and never will be.

 

I haven't noticed any difference in immersion. The screen is the perfect size for the distance I tend to hold it from may face.

 

EP, I will have to agree with the others, though the ipad 3 has had a tarnished reputation for being underpowered, I really to this day, have only felt an urge recently to upgrade cause of Asphalt 8. Until just recently, it barely has crossed my mind, since I can't load many 2 gb console like games anyway.

It really only affects the near 2 gb console like games, and really how many can most people keep on their systems at one time cause of disk space issues? (Maybe 3)

I still love my ipad 3, and will always remember the days, when we were some of the first to have ipad retina screens, and the great times playing so many games on my ipad 3, that it handled fine without any problems.

And ipad retina on the web has been amazing, it really is almost better than most laptops to surf on the web with such a clear and amazing screen.

But it is time to consider upgrading to an ipad 5, but only cause many of here are hardcore ios users who want the best performance possible. For the majority of users that just want to websurf, play angry birds, or watch youtube, or play 95% of the games on the market with not much of a difference, an ipad 3 is sufficient.

Always will remember the good times with my ipad 3, and honestly, having ipad retina way before many others, it was worth getting, and I still would have bought it in hindsight, though playing A8 on both the ipad 4 and ipad 3, does make me yearn a little for the ipad 5 a little now. If the ipad 5 has a significantly better cpu/gpu than the ipad 4, then I am definitely getting one. But it is just a size and weight thing, then maybe I will wait for an ipad 6 cause for the most part, even an inferior ipad 3 is still somewhat sexy.

 

Yep and if you think the iPad is too heavy... Then you need to start working out. Also as I recommend using icloud if you have such space issues etc. to OP, I do think you jumped the gun, it will be awhile until either option is available and I am sure whatever problem you had you could have solved it without selling it.

 

If some people are to be believed, the full-size iPad is the same size and weight as the average laptop. The iPad mini is comparatively lighter, yes, but that doesn't make the bigger iPad "heavy" by any means.

For those considering between devices in the current generation, do note that while there are numerous ways to work around any potential weight issue with the bigger iPad, there's no way to work around the lower resolution, smaller screen or weaker processor of the iPad mini.

Another thing to bear in mind if you're looking at the next-generation devices is that the intent for the 5th-gen iPad is to be lighter and slightly smaller form-wise, while a Retina-based mini will be noticeably heavier than the existing first-gen one, so the gap between the two devices will be even smaller in that regard.

 

And out comes my favourite example for why the Mini still isn't perfect for gaming: Brogue. One of my favourite iOS games by a long shot, and still tricky even on a full sized iPad. Shrinking the screen by any amount is a bad idea when it comes to that game.

Also, drawing apps, for the artistically inclined.

 

This.

Seriously.

 

I rarely use my iPad why holding it with my palm or such. I only use it either placed on a table, or against my pillow on the bed before I sleep or when I am sitting down, I will cross my legs and place it there. I also don't walk around the mall carrying the iPad with my hand. Either Its in a Bag, or I leave it at the house.

In anyway, the weight is really not an issue. Obviously the Mini is way lighter and smaller, which would appeal to some, but as I've said, I like the screens bigger. To each his own I guess.

 

A major factor which made the retina ipads heavy was use of a dual bar lighting scheme which was required to power the big ipad retina screens, which basically requires a much larger battery.

Because of the much bigger battery needed to power the dual bar system, the ipad retinas had to be heavier.

Supposedly, the ipad 5 will be a new tech IGZO screen, requiring only one light bar. So the battery in theory would be much smaller causing less weight, plus the fact the form factor is supposed to be reduced causing more weight loss.

What is remaining to be seen is what tech the new ipad mini retinas will use. Apple was trying initially to make the ipad 4 use the above new tech using one lightbar with less weight, but they couldn't. Now it is still unsure whether Apple can even produce a retina ipad mini this cycle. Let alone an IGZO one light bar version.

Not saying this will happen, but it would be funny if an ipad 5 came out with a reduced form factor, the new IGZO screen with only one light bar and a smaller battery. So a drastic reduced weight difference over the ipad 4.

It would be ironic if IGZO with one light bar could not be implemented for the ipad mini 2, so they went back to the ipad 3/4 tech of using two lightbars with the old screen tech, so the battery would end up being heavy. And the ipad 2 retina would end up being much heavier and thicker than the current ipad mini 1.

And then, boom, the ipad 5 could be the same weight as an ipad mini 2, since they would be using two different screen technologies (and batteries to match).

Not saying this will happen, but it will be funny if it happens, and everyone is saying, what the heck, why is the ipad mini 2 retina, the same weight as an ipad 5???