Is the iPad Mini worth it if you have the iPad 3

**bgesullo** · 12-20-2012, 02:09 PM

I am debating on getting a mini but I already have the iPad 3. Is it worth having both. I would love to have one for home and one to travel with. Maybe it's just my inner geek in wanting something new. Thoughts anyone?

Sorry if this is already a topic!

**emirozmen** · 12-20-2012, 02:33 PM

Mini is great for the setup you want. However, if you admire retina displays so much you could hold off for the "new iPad Mini"

**bgesullo** · 12-20-2012, 05:37 PM

Yeah I'm kind of leaning towards that. I hate being a geek sometimes

**LVMHgirl** · 12-21-2012, 05:37 AM

TOTALLY worth it! I love having both to choose from. I do occasionally use both simultaneously.

**bgesullo** · 12-21-2012, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by LVMHgirl

TOTALLY worth it! I love having both to choose from. I do occasionally use both simultaneously.

Haha I would be the same exact way! Will decide after the holidays

**Sekelani Zwambila** · 12-21-2012, 05:11 PM

Wait for iPad mini with retina display. Don't waste your money

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

**bgesullo** · 12-21-2012, 05:12 PM

Yeah im feeling the same way

Sent from my iPhone 5 using iMore Forums app

**impaler** · 12-21-2012, 06:01 PM

To me, no. Had a iPad 3 since it came out, and the original iPad before that. I went and got one this week, and returned it after 24 hours. I know YMMV, but I can't use the screen after using the Retina as long as I have. Love the form factor, but can't use the screen - the text appeared so fuzzy to me that it was hurting my eyes. And I do lots of reading, so I depend on the clarity. I know I could have tried to keep it and get used to it, but I don't feel like I should have to compromise on the display.

**tonypich** · 12-21-2012, 06:05 PM

I sold my iPad 3 and went with the Mini LTE. Totally worth it. I know take it with me everywhere. Size is perfect unless you need to do lots of data entry, in which case you probably want to go to a physical keyboard device anyways. I use the MacAir for that.

**impaler** · 12-21-2012, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by tonypich

I sold my iPad 3 and went with the Mini LTE. Totally worth it. I know take it with me everywhere. Size is perfect unless you need to do lots of data entry, in which case you probably want to go to a physical keyboard device anyways. I use the MacAir for that.

I agree with the portability, and I know I'd carry a mini with me more than a iPad 3...there's a cool Logitech keyboard accessory I got at the Apple Store the other night, that uses the keyboard via Bluetooth connection to the iPad, and doubles as a fold-down screen protector. Also uses it as a stand. Adds significant weight, but it lets me do work on Pages files, iBooks I'm using for school, and with the cellular connection, lets it all sync back to iCloud on the go.

**GreenDize12** · 12-21-2012, 11:00 PM

I sold the iPad 3 for a Mini, and I'm glad I did. But I only recommend it if u don't care about Retina. Personally I could careless about retina but it seems most won't agree. It never awed me, I just want it to work.

**greer451** · 12-22-2012, 12:07 AM

I have a 3 and a mini. I take the mini everywhere with me. Screen doesn't bother me. I read all the time on it, as soon as I get home on my wifi, everything I've done on the mini syncs up with the 3. I also often use both at the same time. If I was forced to choose one device only it would be the mini. Even if apple does bring out retina, I'd need to see how heavy or thick it was. I like how light and thin the mini is. Not sure I would want to give that up for retina.

**StayARay** · 12-22-2012, 01:51 AM

I sold my iPad 3 to get my iPad mini. And I hv no regret at all

iPad Mini 32GB LTE Black

**rayjeremyyy** · 12-22-2012, 09:10 AM

Just wait for iPad Mini retina or stick with iPad 3

**David Fernandez** · 12-22-2012, 10:57 AM

I've officially turned my iPad 3 into my productivity laptop replacement and my mini is more of a consumption/productivity companion.

**Lisa Williams1** · 12-22-2012, 01:40 PM

I would only say buy it if you don't have any other means for Internet service. However, I am typing this message from my new IPad Mini. I love it and I am so happy that I bought it. I needed this because my iPhone or any smartphone for that matter doesn't open websites in it entirety especially when you really need to see information. I still have my old IPod, but I leave it in the bathroom to listen to music while I shower or take a bath. You must look at all of your options don't spend your money just to spend it. Either way, Have a Nice Holiday!

**Alexutz** · 12-22-2012, 03:17 PM

I would hold off. They're bound to get a new IPad mini out with retina display and better hardware. Felt a bit dissapointed when I saw the specs on the iPad Mini.

**o2sys** · 12-22-2012, 08:01 PM

Not worth it. I was in the same boat as you and the screen real estate is just perfect for what I use the ipad for.

If you have the iPhone 5, ipad 3 is perfect. The mini sits too much in between too have all three. If you didn't have an iphone 5 and had the iPhone 4/s the ipad mini would of made more sense. Leave the ipad 3 for home/work, use i4 as you do normally, and carry the ipad mini around.

Also not sure where you live but carrying an ipad mini during winter might be easy as you can put it in your jacket/coat but come summer time where is it gonna go? Your back pocket?

I used to do that with the Galaxy Tab 7" but it got old quick and the screen size gets annoying fast as well. Constantly have to zoom in.

**cvk14** · 12-22-2012, 08:09 PM

I was having problems hitting the tap targets in the UI. It's also one generation behind the iPad 3 hardware. Best to stick it out with the three.

**wolfedude88** · 12-23-2012, 12:41 AM

If you're looking to have both then maybe depending on what you want with it. If you would be getting rid of the ipad 3 to get it I would say it would be a bad idea. Not only is the ipad 3 a better spec'd tablet it was also more expensive and you would probably be out some money. I think the mini is great but I find it out that all everyone said was the ipad 3 was so awesome because of retina display and know to a lot they don't care anymore, it is kind of confusing.

If you could sell the ipad 3 for a really good price then it might be alright because I know a lot of people prefer the mini's size, I personally do.

**bgesullo** · 12-23-2012, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by o2sys

Not worth it. I was in the same boat as you and the screen real estate is just perfect for what I use the ipad for.

If you have the iPhone 5, ipad 3 is perfect. The mini sits too much in between too have all three. If you didn't have an iphone 5 and had the iPhone 4/s the ipad mini would of made more sense. Leave the ipad 3 for home/work, use i4 as you do normally, and carry the ipad mini around.

Also not sure where you live but carrying an ipad mini during winter might be easy as you can put it in your jacket/coat but come summer time where is it gonna go? Your back pocket?

I used to do that with the Galaxy Tab 7" but it got old quick and the screen size gets annoying fast as well. Constantly have to zoom in.

Most of the time my iPad is in my laptop bag. I usually don't carry my iPad unless I have a bag of some sort to carry it around. It's too big to just be carrying it around.

**rion_j** · 12-23-2012, 10:48 AM

something to consider if your waiting for retina ipad mini: There is NO guarantee a retina mini will be the same weight and form factor as the non retina mini. If you compare the ipad 2 to the ipad 3 & 4 w/ retina, there is a difference is weight which is noticeable. i've had every ipad and hope to get the mini for christmas because of the size, battery life and how much lighter and thin it is compared to the ipad 4. i also mostly use my ipad for gaming, so the mini will be perfect!

**robertk328** · 12-23-2012, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by rion_j

also mostly use my ipad for gaming, so the mini will be perfect!

Wouldn't the A6 in the iPad 4 be better for gaming ?

**rion_j** · 12-23-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by robertk328

Wouldn't the A6 in the iPad 4 be better for gaming ?

you would think, but i've yet to see a game take advantage of the A6 chip.

**phreddyl** · 12-23-2012, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by wolfedude88

If you're looking to have both then maybe depending on what you want with it. If you would be getting rid of the ipad 3 to get it I would say it would be a bad idea. Not only is the ipad 3 a better spec'd tablet it was also more expensive and you would probably be out some money. I think the mini is great but I find it out that all everyone said was the ipad 3 was so awesome because of retina display and know to a lot they don't care anymore, it is kind of confusing.

If you could sell the ipad 3 for a really good price then it might be alright because I know a lot of people prefer the mini's size, I personally do.

I agree that the 3 has better specs and selling it would mean a financial loss. It's for the $$ loss that I still have my 3. The mini is so much lighter and easier to hold that I would dump the 3 in a second if I thought I could get enough for it.
I would bet that many who have tried the mini feel the same way.