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General discussion

buying my first ipad

by mrmagee1000 Nov 9, 2014 12:56AM PST

I've been thinking about getting an ipad for a while now and I think it's finally time. But I wanted to get some advice as to which one to get. The two I'm debating between are a refurbished iPad 4th generation and a refurbished iPad Mini 2.

I mostly want the tablet so that I can 1) read high res comics 2) sketch and paint with apps like Procreate 3) play app games 4) and occasionally watch netflix or something.

The mini 2 supposedly has a more powerful processor which would have improved performance, but the iPad 4 has a larger screen which would be nice for reading comics and painting. Refurbished versions of both are fairly cheap as well (my price point is around the 299 mark) So I'm pretty torn...

Does anyone have any advice on what they would do or know of any factors that would sway me one way or the other?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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The mini is well.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 9, 2014 12:58AM PST

If you think the screen will do for you, then that's fine. I find I want the bigger canvas for drawing. For me, the 4th gen would be the winner for this round.
Bob

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I concur
by Pepe7 Nov 9, 2014 12:50PM PST

Once everyone in my house started finding out the availability of lesser priced refurbished versions of the larger sized iPads, their minis went unused.

IME the iPad '4' (not really the name, btw) is perfectly capable of whatever you throw at it. I swear that when I upgraded my router to to a faster 'N' version of wifi, the only devices in the house I noticed the difference on were the iPads <shrug>.

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Smaller screen/lesser freedom of navigation
by SitarHero Nov 10, 2014 6:28AM PST

I have an iPad Mini and while it is great for writing, playing games and watching movies while being extremely portable, a larger screened iPad will probably be better for using Procreate.

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Buy iPhone 5S instead
by mellisa13 Nov 10, 2014 7:40PM PST

I would advice you to go for iPhone 5S instead of iPad as it has more features and looks great. Yes it may has small screen for you comics and painting but it will be a perfect device for you.
But if you are stuck at iPad then I will suggest you iPad Mini due to its great feature. Close your eyes and go for it then.....

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This reply sounds like...
by Pepe7 Nov 11, 2014 6:09AM PST

...a nonsensical robot was hired to write it Wink

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Wow! Way to go off on a tangent.
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Nov 11, 2014 8:13AM PST

What part of "larger screen which would be nice for reading comics and painting" did you miss?

If I remember rightly, the iPhone 5S does not have what could be described as a "larger screen"

P

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Smaller screen
by tinapanpan Nov 11, 2014 5:37PM PST

If I were you, I'd prefer iPad Mini. For it is convenient for writing, playing games and watching movies.

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refurbished one
by CellClinicVancouver Nov 16, 2014 10:22AM PST

I would go with the refurbished mini.

You can get one cheap now and i like it because it can fit right in your hand

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Re: buying my first ipad
by mayjessie Nov 16, 2014 11:27AM PST

If I were you, I prefer the 4th gen.

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