I've been using both an iPad Mini and an iPad Retina for a few months and I find them both useful in certain cases. Here's a breakdown at what I like about both and which one I'd buy if I could only have one.
Good Things About the iPad Mini
Here's some good thigns about the Mini that separate it from the iPad Retina.
It Is So Light To Hold!
This really is the killer feature of this device. It is incredibly light. Everyone that I've given it to hold has said, "Wow!" This leads to much longer times you can spend holding it which means more general use. The iPad Retina weighs more than twice as much as the Mini.
Very Portable
This is my preferred travel tablet by far. It is pretty much always in my backpack when I go anywhere. Its small size and weight make it ideal. Also, it is not as disruptive to break it out when you are at someone's house. Its smaller presence make it seem less intrusive.
Less Cost and Risk
The lowest end version of the Mini comes in at $329. For the Retina it is $499. The Retina costs about 52% more than the Mini. There's also the increased risk in 2 ways:
- Because the Mini is smaller and lighter, it is easier to hold and I drop it less often, reducing the risk of it breaking.
- The initial cost is lower, so replacement is less costly if it does break.
Good Things About the iPad Retina
Here's some good things about the Retian that separate it from the iPad Mini.
Some Apps Work Best With the Larger Screen
Here's a few instances where the larger, clearer Retina screen improves the experience:
- Reading Magazines – Some magazines are really spectacular to read with the large, super clear screen. National Geographic is a great example.
- Looking at and editing photos – It you are looking at high quality pictures the Retina really helps you see the details. And there are some great editing apps that the large screen area really helps with.
- Some games need the bigger screen: The controls are so small that the Retina's bigger screen can make it much easier to play.
Better for People with Eyesight issues
The bigger, sharper screen makes things much people who have some visions issues.
Touch Interface is Easier to Use (Especially for Kids)
Fo rmost folks, the smaller interface of the iPad Mini is not an issue. But people who do not have as much dexterity/accuracy with their finger movements (children, people with arthritis) will find it easier to use the larger screened Retina. Everything is bigger on the Retina comapred to the Mini and that means the places you need to "touch" to get it to work correctly are bigger and easier to hit on the Retina.
Here's some images that show the relative sizes. Each of these have an Advil tablet placed on the display to show how much more accurate you need to be with a touch.
Retina Display – Advil pill representing fingertip has room for error when touching icon
Mini Display – Advil pill representing fingertip covers icon and leaves less room for error
The Big Screen Makes a Difference in Some Usage Scenarios
I have found a few scenarios where I like using the larger screen of the iPad Retina on a stand:
- A second (kind of) monitor – When I'm using my computer on my desk I will often put the Retina in my iProp stand next to me if there's something I want to have running while using my computer. Often its a YouTube video of something I'm trying to learn or a video podcast. Or it can be my Twitter stream updating regularly if a news story is breaking.
- A 2nd TV – I may be watching a movie, but also want to check in on the Red Sox game more easily. I put my slingbox on my Retina is set it off to the side so I can check in on the game occsaionally.
- Entertainment while doing chores – Similar to the 2nd TV, I will put the Retina on my counter when I'm cooking to watch CNN or the Red Sox. The bigger screen makes it easier to see while I'm moving around.
My Recommendation For Most People: Get an iPad Mini!
For most people the iPad Mini is probably a better fit than the iPad Retina. Here's why I like the Mini more:
- I use the Mini longer – I can use the iPad Mini for longer periods of time than the Retina. Much less arm and hand weariness because it is so light.
- I use the Mini more often – It is much easier to pick up quickly and check something. It also can be left around the house in more convenient places because of its smaller size so it is more likley to be in reaching distance for me.
- I am more likely to take the Mini with me – It is easier to carry around so I use it outside the house more.
- The Mini is a much better value – The Retina costs 52% more right now (May 2013).
There are some exceptions to this though. In these situations a Retina may be a better option for folks:
- The main users will be young children: They likely will do better with the bigger screen on a stand or on the ground.
- The main user has some dexterity issues: The larger screen will help them touch the right points.
- The main user has vision issues: Get the bigger, sharper screen.
- Your top needs are apps that work better with the bigger screen: I would argue that this isn't the case all that often, but it is definitely true some of the time. If you are using one of those apps alot, then maybe the Retina is a better choice for you.
If you do get an iPad Retina, I highy recommend getting an iProp stand. It will making using it much easier.