I want to get a used ipad mini, but I'm considering the retina, but I'm not sure if the difference between the 2 is worth $100. I mainly intend the ipad for typing for papers, web browsing, youtube, some gaming ( I dont really play games on my ipod now, so I doubt I will do it on an ipad.) I am coming from an Ipod touch 4th gen.
Absolutely, especially given that you want to type papers on it. Also, the 8X speed difference and more ram make it worth it for things like games.
I have seen a number of members that bought their iPad's for one purpose and then the use gradually migrated. The money spent is definitely worth the difference in power. Sent from my iPad using IPF
Since Apple is still selling the 16GB version of the original iPad mini, the nearest Apple Store would be the best place to try it out.
Look at it this way. The iPad Mini is a small iPad 2. It's speed, graphics, everything is slightly updated tech from two years ago. The iPad Mini Retina is essentially an iPAD Air with a smaller screen. For $100 you are getting the most up to date iPad available. Buying older devices saves you up front, now. Buying the newest device will give you an extra year or more of staying current with updates and being able to use the newest apps. Whether you should buy old or new is mostly a matter of how you intend to upgrade. If you want a device for the next year, and maybe one after that, the older iPad is good. If you want to get the longest possible time before you upgrade again, then the newest will save you money (assuming you can resist upgrading whenever you see the newer, shinier models ). Anyway, that's the way I do it. I buy the best model I can afford at the time. I admit that with iPads and iPhones I also upgrade before I have to, but the older models go to my relatives so long term usability is still important to me. And I have a weakness for "ooo, new, shiny" things.
I think it is more fair to say that the iPad Air is a iPad Mini Retina with a larger screen. The iPad Mini came with the new look that the Mini Retina kept and the regular iPad (in the form of the Air) adopted.
All in the way you look at it, but since I'm feeling contentious, I'll point out: The only thing the iPad Air got from the Mini was the shape. Almost every other improvement of the Mini Retina (the screen, the RAM, the speed, the graphics, etc) came from the full sized line, and amazingly it went all the way to the top with the Air; which was something almost no one was expecting.