How To Buy an iPad mini

iPad Mini

So, after intently following Apple's iPad mini event, you've decided to pull the trigger. But whether you're completely new to the wonderful world of iOS, or a seasoned Apple aficionado, there's still a whole heaping ton of things to consider before spending your hard-earned dough. Thankfully, we've always got your back. Here's a handy guide to understanding all the choices surrounding the newest member of the iPad family.

When to Buy

Apple will start accepting orders for the iPad mini on Friday, October 26. Like any Apple device, there's a chance sales will initially go through the roof. So, if it's super important to you to have an iPad mini right at launch, it's probably best to place your order this weekend. But keep in mind, only the Wi-Fi version is available on Friday. The 4G LTE models will show up for sale a couple weeks later.

And if you're looking to trade in your bigger-screen iPad, NextWorth is offering a decent incentive with a 10-percent bonus on your old iOS device. You can lock in the quoted price until your little iPad mini arrives, too.

Wi-Fi vs. 4G LTE

But which iPad mini is right for you? There's a number of factors to consider when choosing between a Wi-Fi or cellular-ready device. Obviously, you're somewhat limited in accessing online functions on-the-go without 4G LTE, but there's a substantial price savings. The 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad mini is $329, while the 16GB cellular option is $459.

If you're not the type of person who feels compelled to access your iPad anywhere, at anytime, just save yourself $130 with the Wi-Fi iPad mini. This option is geared more toward users who use the device primarily from home, or can wait until they're in a hotspot to utilize online features. And if you're a Verizon or Sprint customer with an iPhone, you can always just tether with Personal Hotspot.

Of course, there are plenty of future iPad mini users who will get a lot out of the 4G LTE model. Thanks to its smaller size, the iPad mini seems like a great way to keep up to date on email and news during a work commute, for example. If you're stuck in traffic on the bus on the way home, you're suddenly going to wish you spent the $130 on 4G LTE. Shared data plans, available from most carriers, will keep the price down a bit, too.

Going the cellular route doesn't have to mean monthly bills, though. Purchasing the LTE iPad mini can be a smart investment for the occasional user, turning the plan on with your carrier only in the months you need access. If you're heading out on vacation, cellular availability is really handy.

Think About Storage

Each iteration of storage capacity, up to 64GB, adds another $100 to the price for either model. So, the 64GB 4G LTE iPad mini costs $659. While the lower-priced 16GB models seem awfully tempting, they're only practical for online browsing and storing a small amount of media. Download a couple movies, a portion of your iTunes library, and a few big games – you're out of space.

Of course, the 64GB option is probably overkill for most. Even for someone who plays a ton of iOS games, and uses the device daily, you'll have to store an awful lot of media to fill up that much space. The 32GB iPad mini is likely the optimal model for the majority of users. And if storage is a major concern, there's always Wi-Fi hard drives.

Don't Forget the Lightning

Speaking of Wi-Fi hard drives, don't forget about accessories for your iPad mini. Apple's new Smart Cover is an obvious choice, unless you want that beautiful glass display all scratched-up in a matter of weeks. Amazingly, companies like HardCandy already have protective cases available (if you needed any more proof the iPad mini was the worst-kept secret ever).

Keep in mind, also: the iPad mini uses the new Lightning connector. If you already own an iPhone 5, you may have already acquired an adapter for older 30-pin accessories, but you can also grab one from Apple for $30. Cupertino is allegedly working on a number of other adapters, as well.

The Other Option: Skip the iPad mini

OK, so it sounds weird to mention not buying an iPad mini in a guide to buying an iPad mini. But let's not forget about the bigger-screen iPad models. While Apple obviously placed its 7.9-inch tablet in the limelight during its October 23 event, the new fourth-gen iPad is still a big deal. Faster processor speeds, Retina display – it's still worth heavily considering going with the traditional iPad.

Moreover, the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 is only $399, now; a mere $70 more than the iPad mini. But if you're really looking for an amazing deal, a refurbished 16GB third-gen iPad is only $379 from Apple. Trust me, as a person who purchased a third-gen iPad only seven months ago, it makes me nauseous.

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