Best bang-for-buck iPad deal?

[wurm]

I'm seriously thinking about buying an iPad for my wife. We use T-Mobile, so I'd probably just get a wi-fi version. She won't be storing much on there at all, so 16GB should be fine. Don't know whether she'd prefer a Mini or regular model. There look to be good deals on a iPad 2 at the Refurb store, but is a 2 a bad idea? Does retina display make that much of a difference? She'd likely be using it mostly for casual browsing and email, maybe e-books (she has a 1st gen. Kindle now).

So what would be the best bang-for-buck? I'd like to keep it under $400 if that's possible. For comparison purposes, she'd probably be happy with a Kindle Fire HD, but I realize that's not really a comparison. Thanks for your input.

(Posting from work, so a lack of immediate reply on my part does not mean your comments aren't appreciated...just that I have work to do).

[cbelt3]

mrs. cbelt3 adores her iPad mini. She carts it everywhere... fits in most purses, etc...

[DavidS]

Just a thought. Does she have a lot of books on her Kindle? While she can download the Kindle iOS app, the Kindle Lending Library is a nice bonus that you have to have a Kindle to take advantage of. I just bought a Kindle Fire HD refurb for $90 for myself (replacing a Nook Color that I never really liked). It is certainly not an iPad, but I'm learning to enjoy using it.

[jdc]

Honestly, for longevity, an Air.

After spending 30 minutes with a 4th gen and an Air at a friends hours, they AIr is really all that.

Ive seen them for $440?

I suppose a retina mini would be the next logical step.

My wife never takes her table anywhere except for around the house, so her needs might be different than yours.

[sekker]

iPad mini is likely the best bang for the buck - for at least the next year or two.

iPad mini retina is a far better iPad - and is a sweet machine.

I know price is a factor, but the free tmobile 200MB/month deal turns an iPad into a fantastic travel companion.

[RAMd®d]

I've got an iPad 3 (Retina) and a miniR with the T-Mobile 200mb deal.

I'm guessing there will be new 'Pads in the fall when iOS8 is announced/shipping.

I'm not getting another one until they have Touch ID. I love it on the 5s and miss it big time on my 'Pads.

You might wait until the next 'Pads ship. The price of previous versions should drop some.

[graylocks]

if she'll be reading e books i'd get the mini. iPad is too heavy for long term holding.

[Speedy]

Retina. The iPad is heavy for long term reading. I set its foam rubber sleeve on a blanket on my belly and then the iPad on edge on the sleeve. Still heavy.

[wurm]

Thanks, all. I forgot about that T-Mobile deal with the 200MB free. Big price difference between iPad and Kindle Fire. Yes, I know they're not the same thing, but I have to consider what it will be used for most of the time (and my budget).