Pricing & Opinions on iPad Mini 2 or iPad Mini 3

[nmcgrath]

Just found out yesterday I will require an iPad the day I start my college course (would have been nice to know in 2014 when I was accepted), it is now a month before I start, I am wondering if anyone can give me any of their opinions on the two, and how low do they get in cost (i.e. Best Buy sometimes has sales for $___).

Right now my online research has the following prices:

iPad Mini $268 (Best Buy) 16Gb Wifi
iPad Mini 2 $309 (Apple Educational Store) 16Gb Wifi
iPad Mini 3 $378 (Walmart.ca) 16Gb Wifi

I understand I can probably write this off in my taxes if it is required as school material, so I would probably want one with the A7 Processor so after my 2 year program, I can still sell, if needed.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[barbis9]

Have you thought about buying a refurbished one from Apple? They come with a warranty and still work great.

I would go for the regular ipad mini (not #2 or #3) but get more GB as you can't add more (upgrade) the unit.

I don't know your age but find that for myself that I prefer an ipad over the ipad mini for doing most things. I own both sizes and use the ipad 95% of the time.

Also if you have a phone plan like Telus - you can get an ipad on it and pay over the contact. Never checked out how feasible it was but my boyfriend said Telus offers that option. Something to check out.

And finally I love, love both my ipad and mini and prefer it over my laptop and desktop....it is that amazing.

[nmcgrath]

I have looked into refurbished...but cannot find any at the Apple Store online, or any any reputable sellers. I would want to Mini 2 or 3 due tot the processor's limitations for iOS updates.

[kerrylj]

I have an ipad and am in school. I have tried doing schoolwork on it with a Bluetooth keyboard and it totally stinks for doing things like assignments. It would be ok if you also have a computer for completing the assignments.

The word processor on the Ipad is crap compared to using something like word on a computer.

Just my experience.

I am not sure where you are getting the information about getting a tax write off for a computer when in school. I see you are in Alberta so perhaps there is something else there I am not aware of.

I know some programs, like the one my son is in, require a specific computer and software. They pay a fee to the university and get the laptop for each year and then it is included in the tuition. At the end of the program they can buy the computer from the school for a small fee. These are not computers the students buy themselves and get to claim credit for.

These links talk about allowed deductions for students:

http://www.cga-ontario.org/assets/fi...dents_2011.pdf

https://support.turbotax.intuit.ca/t...w=GBD_TURBOTAX