Thinking of purchasing iPad Mini

[CaroleF]

I have had a full size iPad for about 3 years now. I also have a keyboard that I can attach but I hardly ever use it. I bought the keyboard because as a touch typist I was used to using a laptop and can type much more quickly with a proper keyboard than a touch screen. However, as I hardly ever use my iPad for continuous typing - still use the laptop - I haven't really got my moneysworth from the keyboard. Anyway, I have got used to using my iPad - John can't seem to use it, everytime I give it to him to look at something he says - Oh, it's gone, and I didn't touch anything! Now I'm thinking that for our South America cruise next year it might be more convenient to have an iPad mini, easier to carry in a bag, lighter for one thing. I also have an iPhone - John doesn't have one of those either - says they are too large! I've been looking, mostly on the John Lewis site at the iPad mini. The iPad Mini 4 seems to be the one to buy but I see there is either the Mini 4 Wi-Fi or the one that is Wi-Fi and Cellular.

I'd be grateful for anyone's thoughts about the iPad Mini, especially those who have gone from the full size iPad to the Mini. Also where is the best place to consider buying it from - bear in mind I am not technically minded at all and I would want some help to set it up, linking it to my iPhone - or does that happen automatically?

Carole

[Stephen]

Brought one for Mrs S last Christmas which she likes very much.

Buy from John Lewis. 2yr warranty

https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/electr ... z4Z1z0hkpn

Buy case from Amazon, great value for money and a fraction of the cost of original iPad cover.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/k0k/JETech-S ... ini+4+case

[qbman1]

But the iPad is much cheaper on Amazon too

[Stephen]

But the iPad is much cheaper on Amazon too

Agree with you there QB.

Mrs S's iPad is a mini 2 and was allot cheaper than the current version.

[qbman1]

They keep adding all these fancy features that hardly anyone is ever likely to use and double the price as a result

[david63]

I will admit that I do not like hate anything that comes out of the Apple stable so I am not the best person to give advice on iPads/iPods/iPhones - however Mrs63 does have and use an iPad.

Prior to getting a full size, grown up, iPad she had an iPad mini and whist it had all the features of the full sized iPad she, and I, found that the display was somewhat on the small size (for those of us with failing eyesight) and using the touchscreen without a stylus was difficult.

I see there is either the Mini 4 Wi-Fi or the one that is Wi-Fi and Cellular.

You would only need the "cellular" model if you planned using your iPad via a mobile network in the same way as a phone is connected, and with the same charges.

linking it to my iPhone - or does that happen automatically?

I cannot say about linking to an iPhone but I suspect that it will work the same was as having two iPads - if you log in with the same ID then the two devices will synchronise.

[GillD46]

Yes, I have an iPhone and iPad and by using the same log-in they synch. It's great being able to access everything on either device.

[Jan Rosser]

I swapped my iPad for the mini version a couple of years ago and it's ok but if and when I replace it I think I will go back to a full size one. I also have an iPhone and a MacBook Air laptop so any serious typing I do on that (I'm a touch typist too). Somehow or other they do all sync but can't remember how I did it - they will help you in the Apple shop if you need it but I suspect it's all pretty automatic. I download books from an App which I can read on any of the devices and if I am reading on the iPad and then go to the laptop it asks do I want to go to the last page I was reading on the other device - for some silly reason this always amuses me

[wolfie]

We have an I Pad mini but mainly use it for Facetiming our family, taking photos and videos. Setting it up was easy and I am a certified technophobe.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I can't answer for the ipad family specifically but my tablet is a Samsung Galaxy 7 which is a similar size to the mini and sizewise I find it perfectly adequate and a lot better than a phone for doing stuff.

[Boris+]

Yes, I have an iPhone and iPad and by using the same log-in they synch. It's great being able to access everything on either device.

I agree with that Gill. having got a new iPhone and iPad. I was 'forced against my will' (silly me) to get these items, because my new camera didn't like downloading to my previous phone and tablet. After a week of trying everything and moaning, I gave in, and got the new stuff, and I have to say I don't regret it one bit. However, I was a little upset at the time, because my previous (and not very old) camera downloaded perfectly with my previous phone and tablet, and nobody told me when I got the new camera that there would be an issue with the new camera. Having said that, the new camera had been pre-ordered as it was one of the first to be delivered in the UK; so I suppose it was an incident waiting to happen.

If you order items direct from Apple online, when I got my items they offered to engrave a message (quite small and discreet) on the items free of charge - so I just went for some initials. It personalises the items, and it's discreet.

Ok, so I must admit that some things I have to install as apps on the apple equipment, whereas on my previous phone and tablet these specific things were accessed via the internet pure and simple.

I got an iPhone7+ and the iPad is the Ipad Pro.

So now it's time to get the luggage out and pack - and I've got used to the new camera, iPhone and iPad; and I don't regret any of the purchases.

Good luck with your decision/purchases, but if you are going to use either/both for downloading photos from your camera, PLEASE double check that the items you decide on will work nicely with your camera. The reason that I went for the slightly larger phone and tablet is that I use it for viewing/editing photos all the time. I only use my laptop for large amounts of typing (a touch typist, like the thread originator), and studies/filing/accounting work.

[CaroleF]

Thanks for all the thoughts. My sister-in-law has an iPad Mini so will also ask her what she thinks.

Carole

[david63]

On the point of buying any Apple product - unless you are lucky there are, in my experience, rarely any places that sell them less than full price, but if you get one from Tesco you do get points.

[BrianI]

Price wise there is little in it.
Prices on the Apple Store are
Mini £419
iPad £429
Both with 128GB memory.
Brian

[qbman1]

They are still £50 or £60 cheaper on Amazon

[david63]

They are still £50 or £60 cheaper on Amazon

Not always sure where they originate from with Amazon - sometimes they are from other countries

[Mr Dixon]

Apple prices are fixed by Apple! they do not allow discounting. Beware of amazon third party sites as previously mentioned, the origins may be unknown. You can buy from an airport store where there is a legitimate 'airport price' saving on apple products. This is not totally tax free but a saving, around £20 to £50 depending on the model chosen. Check out their online website.

[Ian Perth]

Have iPad and iPhone, always bought them refurbished from apple on line, you get more for your money and same guarantee so no brainier really. Just go to apple site look up refurbished iPads, they don't always have iPhones, they come on and off on line so you may have to check a few times but I can recommend this. Personally I like the larger iPad than the mini, hope you have some luck on apple.

[Kendhni]

Sometimes Apple stores do very good deals on pre-owned or refurbished devices.
My brother bought a refurbished iPad years ago (less than half retail price at the time) and it is still going strong - despite being heavily abused by several grandchildren.

[david63]

I noticed yesterday that Barclaycard are giving up to £80 cashback on purchases from Apple outlets (instore and online) until early September

[Gill W]

I've had the original version of the iPad Mini for nearly 5 years, and I've loved it from day one.

It's just the right size for me - I think the full sized iPad would be much too big for me. However,it has slowed up quite a lot in the last year or so and crashes from time to time, so this autumn I will be looking at buying a new Mini. I will go for the WiFi only model, as I don't need Cellular - I use my iPhone if I need the internet when we are out and about.

As you already have an iPhone, you wont have any problems with the iPad, as they are exactly the same to use. If you enable iCloud photo library, any photos and videos you take will be automatically downloaded on to your other device, which is very useful.