ipad 1 or ipad mini

mc99093

I need to get a iPad for testing purposes. Thought about getting the first iPad since its much cheaper now. But wasn't sure if that would give me a good overall test for the apple market since there have been 4 more models since that one and faster processors in them.

My question in your opinion is the iPad 1 adequate or should I go with the iPad 2 or mini?

Adrenaline

Ya'know, if your game runs well on the iPad 1, you're looking pretty good for all other newer devices. That's one way to look at it

gyroscope

Hi @mc99093 There's pros and cons whichever way you look at it, I'm thinking….

I've only got an iPad 1 for testing, as it happens, the advantages there are if your game runs on it there's almost a certainty it'll run on all other later versions (but not necessarily the other way around); cheaper to buy than a later model; comparing screen size with the mini, it's larger of course… I'm sure there's a few other advantages, just can't think of 'em at the moment…

A few disadvantages: not retina display, can't use the latest iOS (it's about 5.5 or something, max. iOS version on the iPad 1) not as fast/responsive as later models

If it was a straight choice of just buying an iPad 1 or an iPad 2, I'd go for the iPad 2.

The iPad Mini: if you get the latest version, it's retina display, and you can use the latest iOS; can easily judge whether or not a full-size iPad game will look and play OK on this smaller format; disadvantage, it's a smaller screen than an iPad…

Hope that's helped more than made you even more undecided! :-)

LuckyLurcher

I would avoid iPad 1. It has only 256MB RAM. iPad 2 has 512MB RAM and is the lowest spec iPad that Apple currently support. I own a 2 & a 4 which covers all my needs. The market for iPad 1 is minimal compared to the amount of other iPads in the world. I found it restrictive trying to get a game to work on iPad 1, so I no longer support it.

I would suggest an iPad 2 too.

Thunder_Child

After owning an ioad 1&2....I went to mini...best ipad IMO. Would and probably will uograde to the ipad mini air

LuckyLurcher

@sadida172 generally I would agree with you, but as this is to be used as a test device I would go with the iPad2 as it is currently the lowest spec iPad that Apple support- I'd guess they will be selling it for 1 more year at least & supporting it after that. Therefore it has a sizeable chunk of app sales to offer.

BazookaTime

I use an iPad mini.