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Did anyone get a chance to compare the iPad mini with iPad 3 or 4 side by side for a longer period of time?
I took a brief look at them in a store, and while I can see the difference, I don't think it's a huge deal. Yes, I do have 20/20 or better vision. I could not examine them side by side, since those cables were not long enough, and I also didn't have more time to examine them closer.
If anyone used them side by side for a longer time, I would love to hear your opinion.
BTW, the mini seems so light compare to the full size iPad, and that is despite those security things on the back. I also like the smaller bezel on the mini.
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> Did anyone get a chance to compare the iPad mini with iPad 3 or 4
> side by side for a longer period of time?
Yes, at work we have iPad Minis, iPad 2s and iPad 3s.
The size and weight of the Mini is impressive. It fits easily into the pocket of my slacks. When I have one in my hand, I feel the same kind of techno-lust that I felt for the iPhone 4 after the iPhone 3. It's a sexy little thing. The lack of Retina-resolution is noticeable, but not annoying. I want to replace my iPad 2 with one, except...
Outside in the sunlight the image on the screen is next to impossible to see. It's much worse than with any previous iPad or iPhone. If you're going to use it indoors, no problem. If you plan on taking it outside then you should wait for the next version.
Also, the CPU/GPU speed ain't what it should be. Games take longer to load and occasionally drop frames on the Mini where they fly on the iPad 3. If you want it for game playing then wait for the next version.
I suspect that Apple will refresh it pretty quickly.
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Thanks Doc, very useful comments.
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As I noted the the other day, I compared the display quality on these 2 devices and concluded I'd rather wait for a Retina display on the iPad Mini. However, my eyes aren't what they used to be. YMMV
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I've used them both plenty side by side since my son got the iPad mini.
Having gotten used to Retina on both my iPhone & iPad, the lack of Retina on the mini really bugs me.
No doubt the size & weight are a huge improvement over the large iPad, but I'll be waiting for the Retina mini before replacing my iPad 3.
Overall I think it's a personal preference and also dictated by how often you move your iPad around. My iPad pretty much stays in the house except for some vacation travel. If I took it out of the house daily, the size factor would outweigh the lack of Retina.
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Interestingly... the lack of retina on the mini does not bother me. I think due in part to the smaller screen size, and the higher ppi for a non-retina display. However it makes the iPad 2 screen look prehistoric by comparison. Have not tried it outside.
