iPad Mini Review

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Tiff
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  • Product: iPad Mini 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • Date Purchased: 11-12-2012
  • Purchase Price: $492
  • Place Of Purchase: Apple.com
  • My Rating: 9/10
  • Would I Purchase This Product Again: Yes

I have to come right out and say that I love my new iPad Mini. I always thought the iPhone and iPod were a bit too small for web surfing and email. I also wanted something a little smaller and lighter than the iPad. So I was excited when Apple came out with the iPad Mini.

iPad Mini and Pencil

I really like the design and feel of the iPad Mini. It is much lighter than the iPad (by almost 50%) and is also thinner as well. It fits well in your hand and is comfortable to hold. The size is more similar to a Kindle or Nook.

As far as usability and features it seems very much the same as the iPad. There seems to be a few new features, but I think this is because I have not upgraded my iPad to the latest OS. For example, I could create a Wi-Fi hotspot which allowed my kids to connect to the internet in the car.

I really like the fact that the iPad Mini comes with cellular (4G/LTE) capabilities. This is a huge benefit in my opinion since you can sign up for a $20 a month plan for 1GB of data (which I never use up since home and work have Wi-Fi). I really only use the cellular data when I am out and about. Its great for maps and directions, or to quickly look up something on the internet. Most of my friends with iPhones pay more than $50 a month for voice and data plans. I like the fact that you can have a data only plan (which saves money).

The only real con is the connector (called the lightning connector) is not the same as the iPad. This is a bummer since I bought the HDMI converter cable for my iPad and cannot use it with the mini. I also need to use a different cable to charge the system as well. However, the new lightning connector is supposed to be faster than the older connection.

In conclusion, the mini is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to carry around the larger iPad, but also doesn’t like the small form factor of the iPhone or iPod. The mini is still large enough to comfortably surf the web, read and answer email, view calendars and events, and enjoy the apps. After using my mini for over a week I am very happy with my purchase and can easily recommend it to others.

Other iPad Mini 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular Reviews

A Month with the iPad Mini
Rating: 8/10
The best analogy I can make to the iPad mini is the new Porsche Boxster. The Boxster is a brilliant roadster that’s fun, well executed and is a fantastic looking thing. It’s also the cheapest and smallest Porsche you can get... Sometimes you don’t need to get the biggest thing with the best specs. Sometimes less is more, and the iPad mini has proven it to me.
iPad Mini Review
Rating: 9/10
To think of the iPad mini as a companion to the 3rd or 4th generation iPad — some kind of secondary player to the bigger version — would probably be a mistake. With a price tag starting at $329 and heading all the way up to $659 (with LTE and 64GB of storage), this isn't really a step down from the existing iPad (well, the iPad 2 at least) as much as it is a step to the side.
 
tiffA Mom Knows Contributor

About Tiff

Passions in my life include: Family, Vacations, Reading, God, Financial Planning, and Technology. I stay at home with my 4 lovely children who keep me running from one end of town to the other.

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