iPad Mini

[AggieMike88]

I have a full size iPad with Retina for day-to-day use. But an considering obtaining a Mini for in-cockpit use.

FF and WX will be the two biggest users of storage. Both will have the just the regional charts in addition to the usual primary stuff. And then a smattering of other apps. All of the other "frills" apps will be on my "larger" iPad.

Will a 16GB Mini be sufficient?

 

[acluffpoa]

I operate the same way with two iPads. I think you could get away with 16 GB if you are careful as you have planned on what you put on the Mini. You are going to go with the cellular equipped version correct?

 

[mikegreen]

I use 16gb ipad mini for flying (FF) and general toy use. It is fine. FF only takes up 3GB or such with a ton of the east coast downloaded.

 

[AggieMike88]

You are going to go with the cellular equipped version correct?

Yes. Having the data plan is worth it to me (and not just because of the installed GPS)

 

[CT4ME]

I've used less than 1/2 of my 64 with these loaded: WX, FF, GP, SkyCharts Pro, & FltPlan Go. The Southwest, or West maps are loaded. Also loaded and taking up space because of off-line maps: ScenicMap(west), GPS Drive, and GPS Map (MotionX). Also on board, 500 books, 1000 photos, some videos, and dozens of apps.
32 will work well, and likely 16 if you are limiting the tablet to just one main aviation app.

 

[asgcpa]

I would advise getting the largest storage you possibly can because you can't add on. I have a 64, no music, no photos, 95% dedicated to EFB as well as training apps and I have about 22% free.

 

[Henning]

Problem with all the iDevices is that the memory isn't expandable, but the requirements always expand. Since the devices are high enough quality to last for a while, it's kind of foolish to minimize on the memory at purchase time especially when it's a one time expense. I bought this iPad2 with 32 gig and wish it had 64 now.

 

[AggieMike88]

Problem with all the iDevices is that the memory isn't expandable, but the requirements always expand. Since the devices are high enough quality to last for a while, it's kind of foolish to minimize on the memory at purchase time especially when it's a one time expense. I bought this iPad2 with 32 gig and wish it had 64 now.

Makes sense... While I don't plan on putting many "frill" items on the Mini, who knows how big the existing players will grow or what other new must have apps with large databases are in our must have future.

 

[Ted]

I got the 32 GB. I have ForeFlight on it, but I also keep the entire country since, well, I may go anywhere at a moment's notice. I find it sufficient, but FF is the only ap I use on it and the only one I intend to use on it.

I like the mini. I find it to be the right size for flying. But I do need to make or buy some sort of arm to attach it in a good location.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I would advise getting the largest storage you possibly can because you can't add on. I have a 64, no music, no photos, 95% dedicated to EFB as well as training apps and I have about 22% free.

Regardless of whether you can add or not, it's always best to get the most possible memory you can afford - Even on a device that can be upgraded, by the time you NEED more, the industry has moved on to some new format and you're stuck buying the old stuff at ridiculously inflated prices.

This philosophy has served me well for many years...

If you're wondering if 16 will be enough, get at least 32, maybe 64.

And, best wait 'til the end of the month, new models are expected.

 

[Perezhr]

Agree with what others have said regarding memory capacity. I have the mini 16GB and love it. I have most of the southeast loaded with no problem. I have two other iPads an intended to use the mini strictly for flying so thought the 16GB version was all I needed. Then I realized I enjoyed using the mini over the other iPads for nearly everything and I'm now constantly running out of memory. As soon as the retina mini comes out I will be upgrading to a minimum of 32GB. Really...I would not get less than 32GB. It will also be easier to sell when you finally want to upgrade.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[comanchepilot]

I am expecting a 128gb LTE Mini with Retina by Christmas . . .

Wife has a 32gb and its not enough with her music in it - can't really add any movies.

 

[John221us]

Agree with what others have said regarding memory capacity. I have the mini 16GB and love it. I have most of the southeast loaded with no problem. I have two other iPads an intended to use the mini strictly for flying so thought the 16GB version was all I needed. Then I realized I enjoyed using the mini over the other iPads for nearly everything and I'm now constantly running out of memory. As soon as the retina mini comes out I will be upgrading to a minimum of 32GB. Really...I would not get less than 32GB. It will also be easier to sell when you finally want to upgrade.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

+1 I bought a mini and haven't touched my full size since. I prefer the form factor for pretty much all uses.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I am expecting a 128gb LTE Mini with Retina by Christmas . . .

I hope you're right, but I fear that they'll keep the 128gb to the full-size iPad to try to get people to buy the bigger, more expensive one.

I wish my new phone had 128GB too.

 

[poadeleted20]

ForeFlight recommends 32 gigs, and they have no stake in selling you more memory. That's good enough for me.

 

[gprellwitz]

Dang, I could have shown you my iPad Mini Saturday! It's the 16GB, but I regularly get warnings about available space. That said, I haven't seen any instances where I'm missing data. The issue seems to be around the chart changeover cycle time. Buying your own, don't consider under 32GB, just for peace of mind. Not to say that I'm not grateful to ForPilotsOnly.com for the free iPad Mini!

 

[Rigged4Flight]

My rule of thumb with digital devices is always max out the storage - especially if it isn't expandable by the user.

What is just enough when you first buy will always be too small by the time you replace it. Always.

 

[FastEddieB]

I have been using a 1st Gen iPad, bought used right after the "2" came out. Typing this on it right now

It's 16g, and that's been fine. Run WingXPro7 on it, though some newer program functionality is unavailable on it.

Still, when I do get a mini, I'll go for 32g. Programs and photos and videos have a tendency to not get any smaller over the years. iTunes Match and online/cloud storage have helped immensely, with no real need for a huge library of music on the device anymore. I do think one might end up regretting not spending just a bit more up front for additional storage.

 

[poadeleted20]

My rule of thumb with digital devices is always max out the storage - especially if it isn't expandable by the user.

What is just enough when you first buy will always be too small by the time you replace it. Always.

That's probably a good general rule, but so far, it does not seem applicable to the iPad/ForeFlight combination. I bought my iPad1 almost three years ago specifically to use as an EFB with ForeFlight, and followed FF's 32gb recommendation rather than going for the available 64gb. While the iPad1's iOS5 is obsolescent, I still have plenty of room aboard even when I load the full US charts. When I replace it with an iPad mini, unless FF has changed their recommendation, I'll stick with 32gb.

Of course, I'm only using it for aviation purposes, so I don't have movies or photos or any of the other memory-hogs aboard. If you're going to do that rather than use it solely as an EFB, you might want to follow R4F's recommendation and max it out.

 

[Rigged4Flight]

Of course, I'm only using it for aviation purposes, so I don't have movies or photos or any of the other memory-hogs aboard. If you're going to do that rather than use it solely as an EFB, you might want to follow R4F's recommendation and max it out.

Good advice. I tend to be a packrat with stuff on my devices, which tends to skew my results a bit.