I [still] love it. [iPad mini]

[Ichinisan]

An iPad for power users...
...
...
...
think I just threw up a little. :'(


Maybe it's cause I don't have a tablet, nor anything really touchscreen in general, but I had to chuckle a little there. :sneaky:
*goes back to typing commands in cmd*

Ya know, there *is* such a thing as a "mobile power-user."

 

[Red Storm]

Sold the family's iPad 2 and put that money towards a Mini. Way better design and form factor.

 

[Aikouka]

Ichi, do you have a good recommendation on a case? Monoprice has one, but I've read that it is similar to their larger iPad case in that the magnet isn't that strong. I have their larger iPad case and the difference between the Apple product and it is significant. When I would carry the iPad with the Monoprice case on it, you would hear constant clicking from the device turning the screen on and off because the cover would move on and off. I have a Smart Cover on my iPad 4th generation and it barely moves at all. I saw a few covers at Target earlier today, and they all seemed to be latch-based, which I don't really want... unless they also have magnets built in. It may seem silly, but turning the device on via magnet is actually really handy. :$

 

[Ichinisan]

Ichi, do you have a good recommendation on a case? Monoprice has one, but I've read that it is similar to their larger iPad case in that the magnet isn't that strong. I have their larger iPad case and the difference between the Apple product and it is significant. When I would carry the iPad with the Monoprice case on it, you would hear constant clicking from the device turning the screen on and off because the cover would move on and off. I have a Smart Cover on my iPad 4th generation and it barely moves at all. I saw a few covers at Target earlier today, and they all seemed to be latch-based, which I don't really want... unless they also have magnets built in. It may seem silly, but turning the device on via magnet is actually really handy. :$

Too bad Apple doesn't sell the smart case for the mini yet (only the smart cover).

I have the smart cover and it works very well. Sometimes I think the magnet holding it shut is slightly too strong because the edge if the smart cover is too soft to allow me to lift it and I have to use my fingernails. I think the only way Apple could correct that is to stiffen the material a bit more at the edge, or have a tiny bit more overhang (not enough to be visibly perceptible).

If I hold it in such a way that my hand pulls the cover away from the edge, I will hear it clicking as it locks and unlocks. It's strong enough that gravity can't make it fall away.

I want a case made of TPU material that can cover the edges and protect it from nicks (love my Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Glow/Blacktop for iPhone 5). They don't seem to make one that isn't ugly / over-priced from some no-name manufacturer on Amazon. I think the Incipio "NGP" (next generation polymer) is probably perfect except that it's not compatible with the smart cover. I assume "NGP" is something like "TPU."

http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-NGP-Ca...cipio+ngp+mini

 

[badb0y]

Still not in supply around my area.

 

[ManBearPig]

I held the mini the other day. It really is a nice size. Seems a little more "personal" I think.

 

[Aikouka]

I want a case made of TPU material that can cover the edges and protect it from nicks (love my Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Glow/Blacktop for iPhone 5). They don't seem to make one that isn't ugly / over-priced from some no-name manufacturer on Amazon. I think the Incipio "NGP" (next generation polymer) is probably perfect except that it's not compatible with the smart cover. I assume "NGP" is something like "TPU."

http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-NGP-Ca...cipio+ngp+mini

Yeah, unfortunately, I can't find any TPU-based cases that have cutouts for the smart cover. Monoprice sells TPU backs for the Mini, but they also aren't compatible. They also sell a full-on case, but as I mentioned, the magnet isn't nearly as strong as it is on Apple's Smart Cover/Case.

 

[bearxor]

I finally got a hold of one for a lot of hands on use at work. I like it but do have some complaints. Typing on it is awkward. It's better in landscape mode, but portrait is a right PITA even with a split keyboard. The full size iPad is a lot better for typing on for me.

My main complaint is that this is just an iPad 2. I thought it would be fine but I fired up Crazy Taxi and played through the Crazy Box. I noticed significant slow downs during gameplay. I don't have these issues on my iPad 3 or iPhone 5.

I do like the size overall and I'm sure once I get to typing on it more often ill just learn to adjust. I can live with the 1024x768 screen, I just need some more processing power. An A6 would be just fine, thanks.

 

[Ichinisan]

I finally got a hold of one for a lot of hands on use at work. I like it but do have some complaints. Typing on it is awkward. It's better in landscape mode, but portrait is a right PITA even with a split keyboard. The full size iPad is a lot better for typing on for me.

My main complaint is that this is just an iPad 2. I thought it would be fine but I fired up Crazy Taxi and played through the Crazy Box. I noticed significant slow downs during gameplay. I don't have these issues on my iPad 3 or iPhone 5.

I do like the size overall and I'm sure once I get to typing on it more often ill just learn to adjust. I can live with the 1024x768 screen, I just need some more processing power. An A6 would be just fine, thanks.

I definitely do see some hitching that I don't get with my iPhone 5, but I still use the iPad mini a lot more for web browsing and watching video. The 3D capabilities still surpass most non-gaming computers (and even some "gaming" computers).

Pretty sure Apple will see that the mini is far more appealing and they'll give the next generation the proper treatment with the latest processor and Retina.

 

[Spineshank]

Still not in supply around my area.

Same here. Though I am thinking of waiting till the next revision now anyhow to get one.

 

[Red Storm]

Pretty sure Apple will see that the mini is far more appealing and they'll give the next generation the proper treatment with the latest processor and Retina.

The better they make the Mini, the less likely people are to buy the bigger (more expensive) model. This is fine for us the consumers, but not so for Apple. They kinda painted themselves into a lower priced (and lower margin) corner with the Mini. I've asked all my friends and family that are iPad owners if they like the normal iPad or the Mini, and all of them say the Mini. That's hundreds of dollars lost to Apple from just a handful of people, as they would have bought the normal iPad anyway if that was the only option. Good for us, and while not bad for Apple, definitely not as good.

 

[JackBurton]

The better they make the Mini, the less likely people are to buy the bigger (more expensive) model. This is fine for us the consumers, but not so for Apple. They kinda painted themselves into a lower priced (and lower margin) corner with the Mini. I've asked all my friends and family that are iPad owners if they like the normal iPad or the Mini, and all of them say the Mini. That's hundreds of dollars lost to Apple from just a handful of people, as they would have bought the normal iPad anyway if that was the only option. Good for us, and while not bad for Apple, definitely not as good.

Apple also has plans to improve the full size iPad next year. It will most likely look like a larger mini, which is a good thing. I have the iPad (4th gen) and my wife has the mini. I really like her mini, but I'd trade my iPad in for an updated iPad (lighter and sleeker) next year.

 

[sm625]

I chose iPad Maxi over the Mini.

hmm a mini pad or a maxi pad. Tough choice! Now apple just needs to make a $400 Douche. I'm sure it will be a big hit.

No trolling. -Admin DrPizza

 

[Ichinisan]

Apple also has plans to improve the full size iPad next year. It will most likely look like a larger mini, which is a good thing. I have the iPad (4th gen) and my wife has the mini. I really like her mini, but I'd trade my iPad in for an updated iPad (lighter and sleeker) next year.

Pretty sure that rumor is unfounded. The full size iPad needs the bigger borders on the sides because most users can't easily wrap one hand around the back to hold it with one hand. I think Apple wants the refresh schedule to be toward the end of the year, so products are refreshed each September/October/November and still in-time for Christmas. Keeping their releases close to each other will help to keep the technologies in-synch. For example, the first iPad had iOS 3 with no multi-tasking...even though it was laughable and useless, only because they were holding iOS 4 for the next iPhone that hadn't been officially revealed yet.

 

[JackBurton]

hmm a mini pad or a maxi pad. Tough choice! Now apple just needs to make a $400 Douche. I'm sure it will be a big hit.

Well there is always the Android shit pads. I heard poor nerds like those.




No profanity in the tech forums.

If you have a problem with that poster you quoted, then report him.

Quit trying to troll with him.


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

 

[JackBurton]

Pretty sure that rumor is unfounded. The full size iPad needs the bigger borders on the sides because most users can't easily wrap one hand around the back to hold it with one hand. I think Apple wants the refresh schedule to be toward the end of the year, so products are refreshed each September/October/November and still in-time for Christmas. Keeping their releases close to each other will help to keep the technologies in-synch. For example, the first iPad had iOS 3 with no multi-tasking...even though it was laughable and useless, only because they were holding iOS 4 for the next iPhone that hadn't been officially revealed yet.

If they use the new Sharp IGZO panel, I'll bet they use thinner side borders. I usually hold the iPad palm up or from the bottom. And if they shave some good weight on the new iPad, you should be able to easily hold it from he bottom.

 

[bearxor]

I think the bezels on the iPad could be about half the size they are now and still be just fine. That would still be significantly larger than the Mini's side bezels.

 

[TheStu]

I think the bezels on the iPad could be about half the size they are now and still be just fine. That would still be significantly larger than the Mini's side bezels.

All they have to do is just integrate the touch rejection software that the Mini has.

 

[Red Storm]

All they have to do is just integrate the touch rejection software that the Mini has.

I would prefer the bezel on the larger model, it's unwieldy compared to the Mini and needs the bezel aka handle bars. When I use the Mini in landscape I need and use the bezel, it's only in portrait mode where you can get away with the smaller screen. Portrait on the normal iPad is like landscape on the Mini, still need those bezels IMHO.

 

[Ichinisan]

All they have to do is just integrate the touch rejection software that the Mini has.

I have a mini, and I can tell you: the touch rejection makes it only barely tolerable to not have borders. I always have to hold it in such a way that my hand is not touching the screen. That wouldn't work with the 10" size.

 

[sportage]

I too have had all the iPads and so wanted a smaller version.
Now I have two mini's, one white one black one 16 gb, one 32.
I use them constantly. CONSTANTLY!
Hardly ever touched my larger iPads. Too bulky, hard to tote around.
The mini is exactly what I expected, functional somewhere between a phone and a laptop.
Or between a phone and a larger iPad.
Doesn't matter about the lack of features vs the larger iPads.
The smaller usable mini size makes up for any shortcomings.
And after all, the screen is not exactly un-usable or hardly awful.
The screen is very nice for movie viewing, game playing, web surfing.
No need to get picky when comparing the two iPad versions.
Smaller is just fine. More than fine. Near perfect.
Amazon kindle HD can't come close to the iPad mini.
I know, I compared. And the limits of amazon prime video is unacceptable.
Allowing only one copy on only one device at a time.
Were with iTunes you can have your purchased iTunes videos on whatever, whenever.
Your phones, your kids phones, and all the iPads in the house. No limit.
And the mini runs everything it's big brother runs. No limit there either.

The iPad mini? ....YES!

Ps. If you own a TiVo, you MUST also get the TIVO STREAM.
The TiVo stream, along with the TiVo iPad app, allows you to download nearly anything recorded on your home TiVo box onto your iPad. And watch it on the go.
The TiVo iPad app works just like your home TiVo interface for playing iPad TiVO-ed video.
Same blue interface, same TiVo sound effects. Even has the same TiVo 30-sec FF and RR skip.
I download letterman and stuff from the history channel as well as TCM movies recorded onto my home TiVo box, onto the iPad mini, almost every day for on the go viewing.
Great for those long flights, or boring nights in the hotel. Or lounging in bed.
Once downloaded, TiVo-ed video is on your iPad. No Internet access required to then view.
The TiVo app interface looks and acts exactly like your home TiVo interface.
And android based pads can't do any of that, either.... Only Apple.
All u need is a home TiVo, and the ninty nine dollar TIVO STREAM thingy.
No additional monthly fees to have the streamer. And it sure is nice to have.
And best of all, it WORKS flawlessly!

 

[Ichinisan]

I too have had all the iPads and so wanted a smaller version.
Now I have two mini's, one white one black one 16 gb, one 32.
I use them constantly. CONSTANTLY!
Hardly ever touched my larger iPads. Too bulky, hard to tote around.
The mini is exactly what I expected, functional somewhere between a phone and a laptop.
Or between a phone and a larger iPad.
Doesn't matter about the lack of features vs the larger iPads.
The smaller usable mini size makes up for any shortcomings.
And after all, the screen is not exactly un-usable or hardly awful.
The screen is very nice for movie viewing, game playing, web surfing.
No need to get picky when comparing the two iPad versions.
Smaller is just fine. More than fine. Near perfect.
Amazon kindle HD can't come close to the iPad mini.
I know, I compared. And the limits of amazon prime video is unacceptable.
Allowing only one copy on only one device at a time.
Were with iTunes you can have your purchased iTunes videos on whatever, whenever.
Your phones, your kids phones, and all the iPads in the house. No limit.
And the mini runs everything it's big brother runs. No limit there either.

The iPad mini? ....YES!

Ps. If you own a TiVo, you MUST also get the TIVO STREAM.
The TiVo stream, along with the TiVo iPad app, allows you to download nearly anything recorded on your home TiVo box onto your iPad. And watch it on the go.
The TiVo iPad app works just like your home TiVo interface for playing iPad TiVO-ed video.
Same blue interface, same TiVo sound effects. Even has the same TiVo 30-sec FF and RR skip.
I download letterman and stuff from the history channel as well as TCM movies recorded onto my home TiVo box, onto the iPad mini, almost every day for on the go viewing.
Great for those long flights, or boring nights in the hotel. Or lounging in bed.
Once downloaded, TiVo-ed video is on your iPad. No Internet access required to then view.
The TiVo app interface looks and acts exactly like your home TiVo interface.
And android based pads can't do any of that, either.... Only Apple.
All u need is a home TiVo, and the ninty nine dollar TIVO STREAM thingy.
No additional monthly fees to have the streamer. And it sure is nice to have.
And best of all, it WORKS flawlessly!

I have a TiVo Premiere 320GB and I hear a lot of recommendations for the TiVo Stream. I can't swallow the fact that MSRP is $130 - that's more than the cost of an Apple TV, for a feature that should have been built-in to the TiVo. Unless I can get the Stream for less than $50, I'll wait for the next-generation TiVo that shouldn't require the Stream device.

 

[Qbah]

The 512MB of RAM on my iPad2 is annoying me soooooo much recently. I use several apps usually (Spotify, Facebook, Flipboard, Safari with a few tabs, Beejive) and I can't really cycle between the goddamn things without them reloading. Especially annoying in Safari! I actually caught myself swearing at the tablet a few times already.

Then there are content heavy websites (content including ads) that are causing the whole tablet to literally stop and not register any input (tab changes, scrolling, typing, other applications switching). And this really makes me upset.

There is no way I'd spend any amount of money on a tablet with 512 MB or less RAM today, no matter how perfect its physical parameters are (and the mini is pretty much perfect in weight and size). Hell, I think 1GB would be pushing it also, especially if I'm to keep it for the next ~2 years and give me reasons to be annoyed. And that's NOT something I'm willing to accept when spending money on gadgets.

Apple. 2GB RAM. ASAP.

But I guess it's wishful thinking if even their A6X has 1GB... I feel really sorry for iPad1 users with their 256MB of RAM...

 

[Ichinisan]

The 512MB of RAM on my iPad2 is annoying me soooooo much recently. I use several apps usually (Spotify, Facebook, Flipboard, Safari with a few tabs, Beejive) and I can't really cycle between the goddamn things without them reloading. Especially annoying in Safari! I actually caught myself swearing at the tablet a few times already.

Then there are content heavy websites (content including ads) that are causing the whole tablet to literally stop and not register any input (tab changes, scrolling, typing, other applications switching). And this really makes me upset.

There is no way I'd spend any amount of money on a tablet with 512 MB or less RAM today, no matter how perfect its physical parameters are (and the mini is pretty much perfect in weight and size). Hell, I think 1GB would be pushing it also, especially if I'm to keep it for the next ~2 years and give me reasons to be annoyed. And that's NOT something I'm willing to accept when spending money on gadgets.

Apple. 2GB RAM. ASAP.

But I guess it's wishful thinking if even their A6X has 1GB... I feel really sorry for iPad1 users with their 256MB of RAM...

Not really having these problems with mine. Apps don't lose their suspend state just because the system purges it from memory. They get shut down because the OS only allows then to persist in the background for a short while unless they're hooked into an operating system API...and the app itself isn't really running then. I think you're describing applications that just simply don't save their state in an elegant way.

 

[Qbah]

Not really having these problems with mine. Apps don't lose their suspend state just because the system purges it from memory. They get shut down because the OS only allows then to persist in the background for a short while unless they're hooked into an operating system API...and the app itself isn't really running then. I think you're describing applications that just simply don't save their state in an elegant way.

I would think Facebook, Flipboard and *gasp* Safari are one of the most commonly used apps And their functionality representing the best the OS has to offer in terms of multitasking and memory management...

In Safari I'm greeted with white empty tabs most of the time which reload from scratch (takes a few seconds, even on WiFi). It's not a huge annoyance with forums, but the more content rich pages are a pain. Also, I have several tabs open (3 forums, 2 photo albums, a guide or two, local news portal) and trying to move between them triggers a reload too (very rarely not for one or two). Safari is the biggest offender here.

Flipboard loads and does return me to where I was, usually. But the reload is what annoys me. Chatting with friends and having to wait a second or three for the app to load again is far from fun too... Spotify doesn't suffer here, I don't remember it needing a reload when I'm checking what's playing atm

If only the device had more RAM, this wouldn't need to happen...I'd say 2GB for the most convenient experience.