“I can now say I’m the proud owner of a brand new iPad Air,” Brandon K. writes for iSource. “Now that I’ve used the Air extensively since launch day, I can say with 100 percent certainty that I made the right decision.”
“The iPad Air is the latest – and definitely greatest – iPad offering from Apple,” K. writes. “I read an iPad Air review that said the size and weight difference between a 4th gen model and the Air was akin to seeing a retina iPhone for the first time. That is, you’re blown away and find it difficult to go back to the old way. That’s a great analogy, and although the retina vs. non-retina difference is a hands-down winner for me, the iPad Air does make it difficult, if not impossible to go back to the bigger iPad.”
“The iPad Air just feels right,” K. writes. “It doesn’t feel too bulky or cumbersome to hold. It rests much more comfortably in one hand. Typing in portrait orientation is much easier, even for someone like me with smaller hands. And, bonus, the screen size didn’t shrink. Simply put, this is by far the best iPad Apple has ever released.”
Read more in the full article here.
Related articles:
Wired reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: An immensely powerful tablet – November 7, 2013
The Verge reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best gets better – November 4, 2013
Ars Technica reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Very impressive – November 4, 2013
Bloomberg News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Hands-down the best tablet on the market – October 30, 2013
CNET reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best full-size tablet, Editors’ Choice – October 30, 2013
AnandTech reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: In a completely different league – October 30, 2013
USA Today’s Baig reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best of breed, superior to each and every rival – October 30, 2013
Mossberg reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: ‘The best tablet I’ve ever reviewed’ – October 29, 2013
Fox News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best in class – October 29, 2013
The Independent reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Super-light and most powerful – October 29, 2013
Best, except for the Retina Mini.
It turns out that both iPad Air and even more so iPad mini have some room for upgrade in the next year:
1) iPad Air will have touch layer merged with the screen itself, which will eradicate space-between-layers issue that affects readability under sun light — too many reflections, as of now;
2) iPad mini with Retina displays is manufactured on the same technology process as iPhone 4/4S screens: 326 dpi with 70% of sRGB colour gamut, with is undersaturation, unlike displays for iPhone 5/5s/5c and iPad Air.
That said, #1 issue will never affect you if you do not use iPad under sun, and #2 issue is not normally noticable — just like people using iPhone 4/4S never really understood that their screens were undersaturated.
Your Mom likes the Air
I ordered the mini.
Same. Sold the iPad 3 Retina, bought the Mini. When you’re holding in on your lap it’s the perfect size for the sofa, bed or on-the-go.
“Who needs an iPad Mini when you have the Air?”
Those who find the iPad mini dimensions, weight and/or price better for them.
All these differences are for a reason. The iPad Air is not the best solution for everybody.
It’s a good article with a bad title.
I’m glad somebody appreciates the mini. And that’s all I’m going to say.
I ordered both in 128 GB and LTE. Air already arrived, what a great machine. Mini to come next 10 days.
Please buy some more. It’ll help the share price.
Me too. ATT carrier. I’m grandfathered in unlimited. Want both maxed out for the long haul.
When you’ve made up your mind, just send the other one over. Thanks.
I went with the Air and it is amazing. So glad I went with the larger screen, my eyes just couldn’t do the Mini screen, Retina or not.
I went with the Air, my son requested the mini. Nice to have choice without sacrificing display or performance. The Air makes my iPad 3 seem 10 years old…
Both are fantastic. I went with the Air. Congratulations to those lucky enough to get the new mini.
Both are like magic. I recall when there were rumors that the PPC might hit 400MHz. There concepts of future computers showin thin displays and tiny CPU cases. We have exceeded those dreams.
That’s why Apple wisely released the iPad mini — different people have different uses, and the two sizes are far enough apart that they really are different, unlike Samsung’s plethora of phones, phablets, small tablets, tablets, TVs, and Microsoft’s Big Ass Low-Res Tablet-thingy.
Comparing mini to the air is like comparing compact car to full size car they both have there purpose and buyers, I prefer the air. I play a lot of games and a mini won’t due, I would like them to come out with 11 inch iPad.
I bought the original iPad, then the iPad Retina. Each was a delight and received a lot of use. The iPad Air is even more delightful, retaining the full screen size in a smaller and lighter form, with more speed (yes, the speed is evident in use) and power. Kudos to Apple. The original iPad was an iconic device. The iPad Air takes the tablet concept to a new level not approached by any competitor.
I also ordered the Smart Case. It’s attractive, provides more protection than the cover alone, fits well and doesn’t add much weight.
Don’t need either. Not excited at all now with Apple’s iPad launches. iOS 7 has quite spoiled my experience with iOS devices so I won’t be buying any until they get that right again, like iOS 6 did. Didn’t go for the iPhone 5S either. Too small screen and no innovation that I can use. Don’t want to fork over money to Apple for a sub-optimal experience on the software side.
I have a 50% Off Android Tablet sale on one of the Ads on this page. Almost every brand at 50% off.
Was the iPad Air even needed?
Spam by an idiot.
I do, for one.
I watch a movie in bed on my ipad, while I play poker on my ipad mini… Perfect match! 🙂
I have both and I ordered both of the new ones. I think the more appropriate question is why spend $100 more for the bigger one?
No, the question is why buy a mini when its only $100 more to get the full experience ? The only reason I once wanted a mini was because its light, and my new Air fulfils that while maintaining “full” size – until 11″ comes out 🙂
Missing the obvious here – most women and kids do not have man hands. I can just barely hold an iPad Air comfortably in one of my average sized man hands, but I’m fairly certain that the majority of potential iPad users can’t.
Good point. One of my wealthy clients gave each of three kids a 9.8″ iPad. I can’t tell you how many times they’ve been out for repair from hard drops. If you’re going to give a kid an iPad, give the the Mini and get a good sturdy case. Me, I’m loving my 64GB WIFI iPad Air. Love the 1lb. form factor. Glad I had the patience to wait too.
If digital comics weren’t one of my main uses for an iPad, the mini would be my default choice. But you need a decent-size screen to recreate the funnybook experience.