I'm heading to Best Buy tomorrow and I'm looking at 3 options here.....
Reduced Price iPad 3 32GB = $549.99
iPad Mini 32GB (if I like it) = $429.99
iPad 4 (w/ Retina Display) 16GB = $499.99
What option should I choose here? I don't really think I will need 32GB aside from trips where I won't have access to wifi, but it would be nice to have the extra space. Right now my iPhone 5 only has 5.9GB of 32GB used as apps. I will be using this to replace my aging laptop and it will primarily be a media consumption/web browsing device which I can do some word processing on if needed. I think I'm leaning towards an iPad 4 16GB, but I'm not sure.
How spoiled are you with the Retina or a high resolution display on your phone or any tablet? If yes, go with the iPad 4, if not go with the mini. Since you don't need the extra space, stick with the 16GB. On your next iteration, may be you can go for the 32GB.
If you wanna budget it up and get an iPad 3, I will suggest looking at the refurb iPad 3 on Apple Refurbs starting at $379 rather than buying a brand new one. Better deal.
I never had a retina iPad, so I'm not spoiled. Should I get the mini?
Yes, if you are in the market for a 7inch. Do look at the Nexus 7, unless you need the iOS.
I have to say, I wish the black iPad 4 had that black back on the Mini. Looks leagues better.
There is always one thing that Apple fucks you over with. Let us look at this year -
iPad 3 - Pretty good until you started using it and felt the need for a better processor/graphics
iPhone 5 - Bigger screen, I wish it was a 4.5inch in a very slim factor, may be next year
iPad Mini - Retina display and we all know it is coming next year.
iPad 4 - Redesign, similar to the iPhone 5 or the iPad mini with the black/white slate. We know that it will be coming next year too.
Final words, this is the tech world and you are never satisfied.