ipad mini questions and data plan

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › ipad mini questions and data plan

turneg01

78 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#116905 13-May-2013 16:50

Hi guys

Im always on the run and i thought the ipad mini would be a good purchse for me.

I would mainly use it for

internet browsing
gps navigation
listening to music - mainly via spotify (when im at home)

1) Are ipad minis any good or should i just go for the ipad? Anyone had any issues with the size being to small?

2) For gps navigation, does the ipad mini have a dock that i can have in my car?

3) What carrier/plan is best? 2 degrees any good?

4) Where is the best to buy the ipad mini or are they a set price everywhere?

Thanks in advance

turneg01

78 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#817641 14-May-2013 19:44

anyone?

alasta

6888 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3362

Trusted

Subscriber

#817733 14-May-2013 21:13

1.) Only you can judge but I hardly ever leave home for more than a couple of hours without my iPad, and I find the full size model perfectly portable. It fits nicely in my blokey backpack, but might be more awkward in a woman's handbag. In my view any potential iPad buyer should look at the full size model first and then look at the mini only if there is a specific reason to go for the smaller size.

2.) I'm not sure of the answer to this, but if you can find one then it could be a good enough reason to go for the mini rather than the full size model. A car mount is essential to use the turn-by-turn navigation safely. I'll get around to finding one for my iPhone someday (my full size iPad is too big).

3.) I'm on 2degrees and had quite a lot of problems with billing early on, but they seem to be pretty good now. My only gripe is their nagging SMS messages, but if an iPad is the only device you're planning to connect with 2degrees then that won't be a problem because the iPad can't receive SMS. I like the ease of being able to pay $100 for 10Gb and not have to worry about renewing it for six months. Note that you'll pay a premium for data outside of their native coverage area, but there are very few such places now.

4.) There tends to be very little variation in pricing of current model Apple products. JB Hifi are sometimes a bit cheaper, but only by a few dollars.

Hopefully that helps.

wscalioni

73 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#822407 20-May-2013 13:40

Hi,

Well, choose between iPad and iPad mini really depends on what you want to do with it. Trying to give you some hint...

1) Are ipad minis any good or should i just go for the ipad? Anyone had any issues with the size being to small?
The iPad mini hardware is comparable to the iPad 2 hardware, so it is good enough if you don't need much processing power.

2) For gps navigation, does the ipad mini have a dock that i can have in my car?
There are a few options. You can take a look here, for exemple: http://dx.com/s/ipad+mini+mount

3) What carrier/plan is best? 2 degrees any good?
Since you are going to need only data, I believe the 12GB package has a good value: http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/mobilebroadband/prepay-pricing
But I've never used it, so cannot tell you about the quality of the service.

4) Where is the best to buy the ipad mini or are they a set price everywhere?
Usually the price is the same everywhere, but last month, Yoobee was giving a $120 discount on any iPad mini. If you can wait, you may find some cheap options.

Cheers.

Willy Scalioni

trig42

5889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2094

ID Verified

#822451 20-May-2013 14:28

Be aware, the WiFi only iPad Mini does not have GPS.

The Cellular model has A-GPS.

khull

1245 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 133

#822459 20-May-2013 14:48

You could potentially get GPS information by tethering to an iPhone (or another iOS device with 3G). Very inconvenient - for me mobile devices without packet data access is pointless

alasta

6888 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3362

Trusted

Subscriber

#822699 20-May-2013 21:56

trig42: Be aware, the WiFi only iPad Mini does not have GPS.

The Cellular model has A-GPS.

I'm pretty sure this applies to the full size iPad as well as the mini.

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1528

#822704 20-May-2013 22:11

curious, why would you use the ipad mini for gps rather than just your phone. a phone screen size suits the sizeof a satnav device, but theipad mini will takeup quite a bit of room on your windscreen

MobEvangelist

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Trusted

#826294 27-May-2013 14:34

The Telecom network is probably best for 3G access and as they deliver the Dual Channel upgrades data speeds are stable and more reliable. (and of course as LTE is delivered and new devices option that this will become an option)

I find the other network (2degrees users still roam onto the Vodafone network outside the central core footprint as far as I know) can still drop down to 2G in some locations which will manage voice fine but data is dial up quality if that

I've used the iPad1 and the following models but haven't gone to a Mini as for the smaller screen the iPhone 4 is fine (I read ebooks on Kindle etc on that) - as the next versions drop I may look to move but it would be as a companion device to the larger / smaller screen devices.

MobEvangelist

thegeekboy

97 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 19

#830936 5-Jun-2013 13:12

Here's something to add to the conversation...
You can get an iPad mini for $99 with a "Speedy Lite" data plan of 1GB or 2GB.
The 1GB option means that you'll be paying $60 per month for the privilege - and get 4G as part of the bargain.
That might be appealing if you're in Auckland or Christchurch - or by Lake Brunner...
www.vodafone.co.nz/ipad/

I have the WiFi iPad mini - and love it. No data plan for me.

As rumours have it, the next iteration of iPad will be getting the iPad mini treatment (narrow sides, slimmer etc). in July.
If I were you, I'd hold out for that. Get the best of both worlds - Retina + lightweight.

maslink

131 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 41

Subscriber

#831352 5-Jun-2013 22:14

turneg01: Hi guys

Im always on the run and i thought the ipad mini would be a good purchse for me.

I would mainly use it for

internet browsing
gps navigation
listening to music - mainly via spotify (when im at home)

1) Are ipad minis any good or should i just go for the ipad? Anyone had any issues with the size being to small?

2) For gps navigation, does the ipad mini have a dock that i can have in my car?

3) What carrier/plan is best? 2 degrees any good?

4) Where is the best to buy the ipad mini or are they a set price everywhere?

Thanks in advance

1. I have an iPad 3, and while I have looked at the mini for improved portability, the non retina screen is a deal breaker as I do a lot of reading. If you mainly want it for games or even the odd bit of email and web surfing, the mini would be fine.

2. No idea, sorry.

3. Used to be telecom, but have switched to 2deg. No issues, works fine. 12Gb data packs work well, also have a small monthly data pack which has data carryover which is working well for me cos one of the places i often use it has no 2deg coverage - but it roams seamlessly to Vodafone 3G and uses the national data in the carryover pack.

4. Best place to buy is the US, preferably a state without sales tax like Nevada :-) If the short term future doesn't hold a trip to the US for you, then there's not much in it - keep an eye out at JB or Warehouse or DSE and you might find them for $20 off.

Chris.

nitrotech

1285 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 168

#831359 5-Jun-2013 22:34

If you're going to get a data plan why not buy it for $99 from vodafone on a $60 1gb plan for 24 months.

I personally love the full size iPad but I know many people who love their mini and I am contemplating getting a mini when the new version comes out just because it will be easier to carry around for work.

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/mobileInternetDetails.jsp?skuId=sku11580026

Geekzone support

Support Geekzone with one-off or recurring donations Donate via PressPatron.

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 537
Inactive user

#831417 6-Jun-2013 06:57

maslink:

1. I have an iPad 3, and while I have looked at the mini for improved portability, the non retina screen is a deal breaker as I do a lot of reading. If you mainly want it for games or even the odd bit of email and web surfing, the mini would be fine.

2. No idea, sorry.

3. Used to be telecom, but have switched to 2deg. No issues, works fine. 12Gb data packs work well, also have a small monthly data pack which has data carryover which is working well for me cos one of the places i often use it has no 2deg coverage - but it roams seamlessly to Vodafone 3G and uses the national data in the carryover pack.

4. Best place to buy is the US, preferably a state without sales tax like Nevada :-) If the short term future doesn't hold a trip to the US for you, then there's not much in it - keep an eye out at JB or Warehouse or DSE and you might find them for $20 off.

Chris.

Correction, Nevada does have sales tax, and it is quite high compared to California or Hawaii.

I would prefer to suggest getting from Australia duty free is a better option if you know someone travelling there, you will save some and get the same model NZ uses.