Air vs. iPad. iPad mini. Which tablet with Retina choose? - Computer World (press release)

do not know which one to choose an iPad? Buy both – the advice Tim Cook served to one of the journalists after Apple’s October conference, during which daylight saw a brand new iPad Air and iPad mini Retina screen . The differences between the two models are very subtle and is largely limited solely to the question of size: the iPad Mini has a screen 7.9 inches, while the iPad Air – 9.7. Attempts to select one of them can be seasoned so a headache, which have experienced several members of our editorial board. They call it a problem in the first world.

Once the choice was easier

So far, the selection of one of iPads could decide specification that clearly favored the larger variant. If someone wanted to performance, he took a big iPad, because this offered him greater speed. With the launch of new models of difference within the hardware was almost completely obliterated. Both are in fact the same 64-bit processor Apple A7 (known from the iPhone 5s), and the only difference is the clock frequency, which the iPad Air is 1.4 GHz, while the variant mini – 1.29 Ghz. Performance tablet is no longer so factor that may speak in favor of one of these models, the more that the other components – RAM, GPU, and hearing – are they identical.

older model did not have an iPad mini screen Retina. For people who like compromises and who appreciate the image as sharp as a razor this fact could be disqualifying. The successor to this problem has been stripped and – like its bigger brother – also can display the image in a pleasant to the eye resolution of 2048 x 1536. The emergence of Retiny on board a smaller iPad faded so another difference between the two top levels.

Approaching the topic from the other side, before the advent of Aira, the biggest advantage of the iPad mini on the big brother was his weight. The difference between these models was nearly 400 grams for the benefit of a smaller version, which in the case of a portable device, which is undoubtedly tablet, is already a pretty big difference. When designing the iPad Air, however, Apple engineers have gone to their senses and impressive way it odchudzili. It weighs only 470 grams now, so it is about 200 grams lighter than its predecessor (iPad 4th generation), and hence – only 140 grams heavier than the iPad mini . The difference in weight is therefore not so perceptible, as it has done so far – especially that subjectively Air does not seem heavier than the mini, probably because it is larger and the weight is distributed differently.

As you can see , the choice of the iPad in late 2013 and 2014 year is extremely difficult task, because the two devices are almost identical, and they differ in principle only the diagonal of the screen. Let us try to consider all the “for” and “against” and to answer the question, which of the new iPad worth buying.

Why buy an iPad mini?

At the forefront of the issue price. We all like to optimize costs and we are committed to the state of our wallets and choosing the iPad mini can save a bit – it’s a fact. Basic – 16 GB with WiFi – costs 1699 PLN in Poland, while Aira prices start at 2,099 dollars. The difference is thus equal to 400 z? in favor of a smaller tablet and is valid for all available options. Exactly compared to Aira will save because deciding on both the iPad mini in the basic version (16 GB with WiFi), as well as the best equipped (128 GB with WiFi + 4G). The lower threshold is also a range of entry into possession of the tablet from Apple, because buying a smaller version does not cross the psychological barrier of 2,000 zlotys, and for some it already means something. Besides, for the price of the iPad Air with a capacity of 16 GB you can buy an iPad mini version of 32 GB, which get round a lot more games, applications and multimedia.

second issue is ergonomics. There’s no denying that the 8-inch iPad mini is more practical than its bigger brother. It is smaller and lighter, and thus – easily fits in your pocket (eg jacket or coat), and after throwing a bag or backpack is a smaller load. People who depend on mobility and your iPad will often take a trip, they should choose a smaller model. Apparently the difference in weight in relation to the larger model is small, because of only 140 grams, but they can be felt. This also applies to the use of the device with one hand for a long period of time. As far as possible and comfortable for both models, it is inevitably a hand holding an iPad mini tired later than wielding iPad Air.

Applications : The iPad Mini is a tablet, which will be perfect for travel. It is small and lightweight, they are very practical. On the plus side is further supported by its price – about $ 400 less than in the case of each model Aira.

Why buy an iPad Air?

If you decide that an additional $ 400 for the purchase of the tablet is not a problem for us, choosing Aira get bigger, because the 10-inch screen. And although for some people the smaller size iPad mini is its main advantage, as for others they are just her size larger model. This provides for a much more comfortable working conditions. The onscreen keyboard is comfortable to use, when there are more space, and the two extra inches really do make a difference. So if the tablet are going to write a lot, it’s definitely wiser choice would be the iPad Air, which when creating longer texts simply works better. Especially in the case of people with slightly larger hands and thicker fingers, for which insertion marks on the 8-inch screen iPad mini may be quite problematic.

larger screen is also useful when creating graphics, video editing, music recording and during all other activities associated productivity. In the case of serious work and classes iPad Air is simply irreplaceable. Additional two inches also positively affect sensations accompanying the broader entertainment. On the larger screen better watch movies and more comfortable playing advanced games, and photos, articles, and virtual storage simply look better. Therefore, at least one thing seems clear: the condition that we intend to use the tablet primarily at home , the bigger model will be a very good choice. The more that all slimming meant that hold large iPad in one hand is now easier task by half than it did in the previous models.

There is still the question of performance. We have already mentioned that the iPad mini treats processor with a frequency of 1.29 GHz, and the iPad Air – 1.40 GHz. Larger tablet is so little quicker. And although for most people it will be noticeable, however in the future, while using slightly more advanced software, this additional power supply can be useful.

Applications : iPad Air should select people that the tablet does not intend to travel a lot. For an additional 400 z? in relation to the mini version get a bigger display, and hence – a better experience when using different types of media.

According to the author: Not long ago he had a similar dilemma: I did not know which to choose iPad. Long juxtaposed with each other all the pros and cons of both models, until at some point it turned out that it would be best to have both – as recommended Tim Cook! In time I came to the conclusion that it really is 99% of the tablet I use at home, so I appreciate the advantages of a larger screen iPad Air will not be difficult for me. Of course, I realize that smaller and zgrabniejszego iPad mini could take everywhere with you, for example in order to use the internet during the tram ride through the city. I would be a great solution, a real breath of the twenty-first century. Finally I decided, however, that such temporary use is enough to me smartphone with internet package. Besides, once in a while it’s worth to put all the electronics on the side, and instead of staring at the screen just to look out the window and look around yourself.