I read a while back that once you hold the iPad mini, the original iPad feels like a brick. And after I bought a mini, I learned that is exactly the case. I'll never buy a full-sized iPad again.

Anonymous wrote:op here again-are there other alternative tablets we should consider? We own an ipad and a mac should we branch out? Again, the games are fun but this will be for school too-he is entering 5th grade next fall, Appreciate all input!!

Chrome book or $300 laptop.

I don't think any tablet would be ideal for school. I would get an inexpensive laptop.

op here again-are there other alternative tablets we should consider? We own an ipad and a mac should we branch out? Again, the games are fun but this will be for school too-he is entering 5th grade next fall, Appreciate all input!!

I wouldn't expect to do actual work on a mini except the occasional email or quick look at a document.

DD plays minecraft on the mini. Works well for her.

op here-thanks for the replies. I cannot imagine him using the mini for school work-anyone's child use it to access google docs? I can see it used for games although he likes minecraft and conquest-something like that-the world domination game which I would imagine are more difficult to play on a mini. I am picturing the mini more for a business traveler? I need to go look at it in person. thanks again

The ipad is very heavy.

Have you done an in person comparison? You should- then you'll see what we mean about the size and weight.

Anonymous wrote:I have a mini and when I lift a regular iPad I'm stunned at how heavy and cumbersome it is. See like it would be so easy to drop.

6 y/o DD has a mini and it's perfect. To me the bigger size is just too big. I also think it would be dropped a lot more if we had the regular one. It's just too heavy.

I have a mini and when I lift a regular iPad I'm stunned at how heavy and cumbersome it is. See like it would be so easy to drop.

We have both. DH likes the mini because he travels a lot and smaller is just better. The little kids like the iPad better for the bigger screen. Our 10 yr old neighbor is saving up for a mini. I think it's closer in size to the handheld gaming devices and he likes it and its improved portability. For book reading I prefer the mini. For just about everything else I like the iPad better.

Anonymous wrote:cost and size

is that it? bc I don't see any differences other than size and cost. Is there a reason someone would prefer the smaller version?

cost and size

what is the main difference? It is mainly for a ten year old (school and gaming) but siblings will use it too. He is a responsible kid and takes good care of his things. thank you