The retina display is far superior but the latest iPads have that. If you are looking at the iPad Mini, I would wait for a few months till the next generation comes out with the retina display. It is far less pixilated. This makes it easier for reading books and surfing. I have both. If you have an Apple store handy to you, I'd get it there as the service is better if you develop issues under the warranty period. Usually, they will just give you another on the spot. (unless it is engraved or dropped)

If you go to the Apple store - take a look at the clarity of the current Mini and compare it to the full size retina iPad.

Congratulations on your win.

Nope, don't want a mini. The Apple store is about 4 hours away. I'll be near there in the next month when I go stay with son, wife and 2 grands. Newest 2 weeks old and I said I'd be back when son went back to work.

Also, be sure to check out the refurbished items on the Apple site. You get the same 1-year warranty direct from Apple.

Maybe it's a generation thing but I have a laptop, I pad and Iphone...the least used is IPad.....

But myk ids love theirs and never use their laptops, or hardly use their laptops.

So...that is my input.....I am 73

I would say buy the latest version, whatever that is at the time. There's usually not that much savings by buying the latest minus one version. I don't know what how you plan to use your iPad, but the best way to save is by buying a lower amount of internal memory (assuming you don't plan to store a lot of video on your iPad) and skip the 3G/4G option if you have wifi at home and plan to use your iPad mostly at home.

I don't think it's generational thing, but more an eyesight and/or arthritis thing.

Older eyes and stiffer fingers prefer the computer.

Personally, I love my iPad. But when I need to do plenty of typing, I move to the computer.
My iPhone is sooooo handy, especially on the road. But that little screen CAN be tough to see.

I dislike using my lap top, use my iPad, but love my PC when I'm home which is most of the time. Cant' beat a 25 inch screen and fast internet.

I bought the mini ipad at Christmas through the Apple store online as no one had them. I love my ipad!!! I don't see any difference between the mini & the regular ipad(my brother has the reg.), mine is clear, etc. I bought one with just wifi on it & I take it all over & get the free wifi..I didn't want to pay more per month..but that's just me! lol! I also bought a stylus to use if I need/want to use it...sometimes those little boxes are hard to 'hit'! We need to plan a lunch sometime!

Forgot to mention that I read books too and don't have a problem with that on the mini. You can always make the text larger.

Hi Mary7060, You must have heard me talking about you a few weeks ago. I had taken a friend to lunch at The Old Place Inn. Yep, lunch would be great.
We tried to go to dinner at the Back Woods Bistro last Sunday, only to find out it's closed on Sunday. first choice was the Thai place in Oscoda, but that too closed. Ended up at Ky Cuyler's, but sure had a nice drive as it was a sunny day!
k

I have 32MG on my iPod, should I get same for iPad or just 16MG?
All opinions welcome!
This is so much fun planning!

Kathy, I have 16 MG on mine, but depends on how many games, pictures, you plan to do. Send me an email when you might want to get together!

Love my iPad. I had the iPad 1, but gave it to my granddaughter a few months ago when iPad 4 came out. I'm even thinking of getting a mini because I want to have something slightly bigger than my iPhone when out and about...Nuts, I know! Plus the Apple store has the refurbished mini for $279 right now. I have bought many, many ipods, etc. from Apple refurbished and have never had one problem with any of them. They have all been like new. I like my retina display, but I think the mini even without retina display is perfectly fine. My first iPad I got with both wifi and 3G, but won't anymore because it is easy to tether and use it with the cell phone's coverage. Also, the iPad 2 is still produced and a very economical. alternative. I don't know what your winnings were, but I say go for it now!!