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Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

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Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#21

Post by aw3c2 »

nicholassmith wrote: post #15

I know a couple of people who've said, hands down, they'd take a Mini over an iPad 3. I would, in a heartbeat (and probably will next year, for 'testing') and I love the Retina displays, I just don't think you miss it that much with the iPad Mini unless you're reading, you have excellent eyesight and you hold it really close. I know some people will inevitable go "you can SEE the pixels, right there, there's a pixel"…

I looked at a friend's iPhone with high resolution display the other day. I was really impressed how I could not see any pixels.

Then I pulled out my old nexus one to compare how crappy it would look now. As it turned out I could not tell a difference. the 800x480 screen already is dense enough for me to not see any pixels.

Confirmation bias is a bitch.

Edit: Typo fixing and capitalisation.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#23

Post by rdl »

I don't have a mini (yet...), but I can't imagine any situation where I can carry the mini but not the full-sized iPad. Neither will fit in my pocket comfortably (like a phone), and either fits fine in any bag I own.

Since I reach for my MBA13 as frequently (more like 4x as often) as iPad when both are sitting in front of me, I don't think I'd be that likely to go for the mini vs. iPad at home or where I had both devices.

It seems like it makes sense for females with purses, maybe people wearing coats with big and not huge pockets, and very small people (kids, etc.) for whom the weight of an iPad is too much.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#24

Post by mtgx »

Wow. Look at every Apple user come out and say how much like they a smaller screen now, after downplaying all the 7" Android devices for being too small before the iPad Mini. And please don't tell me it makes such a big difference between a 7" and a 7.9", because in my mind the bigger display size is actually a disadvantage, as it's not a very comfortable one-handed device anymore. You can't use it like you would a smartphone anymore. You're still using it the same way you'd use a bigger iPad. It's just that it's lighter, while a Nexus 7 is both lighter and more comfortable to hold with one hand. Next you're going to tell me that a phone with a bigger display than the "perfect" 3.5" size is better, too. Oh wait.

I'm sorry for being so sarcastic, but after all the articles about how Apple "brilliantly" picked all those perfect sizes and screen ratios (iPhone 5 now switching to 16:9, anyone?), that have also topped HN, it's hard not to pick on this and call out the hypocrisy. In fact, I feel it's my duty to point this out. If even one person comes to the realization that Apple is not as perfect as the media makes them out to be, then I'll be happy.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#25

Post by nicholassmith »

aw3c2 wrote: post #21
nicholassmith wrote: post #15

I know a couple of people who've said, hands down, they'd take a Mini over an iPad 3. I would, in a heartbeat (and probably will next year, for 'testing') and I love the Retina displays, I just don't think you miss it that much with the iPad Mini unless you're reading, you have excellent eyesight and you hold it really close. I know some people will inevitable go "you can SEE the pixels, right there, there's a pixel"…

I looked at a friend's iPhone with high resolution display the other day. I was really impressed how I could not see any pixels. Then I pulled out my old nexus one to compare how crappy it would look now. As it turned out I could not tell a difference. the 800x480 screen already is dense enough for me to not see any pixels. Confirmation bias is a bitch. Edit: Typo fixing and capitalisation.

When I bought my iPad 2 I was very happy, then used it, then convinced myself I could see the pixels. 100% convinced, I was horrified thinking "I bought the wrong one, I should have spent the extra and got the iPad 3". Roll forward a couple of days after using it and I realised that I'd mostly talked myself into thinking I could, and that it was a non-issue.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#26

Post by thoughtsimple »

MattRogish wrote: post #9

Technology is all about tradeoffs, film at 11. But seriously, I held a Mini yesterday. As an iPad3 owner I can say I'd trade my retina and larger screen for the weight of the Mini any day. The weight of the 3 is really difficult to hold for long periods of time. Of course, I'd highly prefer a full-sized iPad that was as light as the Mini (or "proportionally light", like the iPhone5 vs 4). I'm not sure if battery tech…

>The weight of the 3 is really difficult to hold for long periods of time.

I have to say I've never really understood this complaint. Do people use iPads standing up or something? I have the iPad in my lap or on my chest if reading in bed. The amount of time I spend using it while I have to hold it unsupported is minimal.

The iPad 3&4 weigh about the same as a large hardcover book. Do people find the weight of hardcover books difficult to hold for long periods of time? The Hobbit is about 1.2 pounds, the iPad 4 is about 1.44 pounds. Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon is about twice the weight of The Hobbit.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#27

Post by untog »

aw3c2 wrote: post #21
nicholassmith wrote: post #15

I know a couple of people who've said, hands down, they'd take a Mini over an iPad 3. I would, in a heartbeat (and probably will next year, for 'testing') and I love the Retina displays, I just don't think you miss it that much with the iPad Mini unless you're reading, you have excellent eyesight and you hold it really close. I know some people will inevitable go "you can SEE the pixels, right there, there's a pixel"…

I looked at a friend's iPhone with high resolution display the other day. I was really impressed how I could not see any pixels. Then I pulled out my old nexus one to compare how crappy it would look now. As it turned out I could not tell a difference. the 800x480 screen already is dense enough for me to not see any pixels. Confirmation bias is a bitch. Edit: Typo fixing and capitalisation.

The Android community is terrible with this (and I say this as a very happy Android user). People complain about PenTile, SLCD vs AMOLED, etc. etc., but I swear- if you did a blind test, 90% of users wouldn't even be able to guess the screen resolution, let alone the technology used to make it.

If you stare at a phone/tablet in the store for long enough you can find any number of flaws in it. When you actually use the thing day to day to read e-mail and navigate your way around a city it doesn't matter one jot.

Re: Why everyone loves the iPad mini (even though the screen sucks)

#28

Post by jws »

rdl wrote: post #23

I don't have a mini (yet...), but I can't imagine any situation where I can carry the mini but not the full-sized iPad. Neither will fit in my pocket comfortably (like a phone), and either fits fine in any bag I own. Since I reach for my MBA13 as frequently (more like 4x as often) as iPad when both are sitting in front of me, I don't think I'd be that likely to go for the mini vs. iPad at home or where I had both dev…

I'm liking the mini precisely because I have it with me. It fits in my coat pockets. When spring comes around I'll probably have to start wearing clown pants.
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