Why I’m Returning My iPad Air

I stayed up past midnight last night to order an iPad Air for in-store pickup. It turns out there were a lot available. Not quite the rush I expected. I just collected it. But on the way home a curious thing happened.

I decided that I will be returning the iPad Air, unopened.

I own quite a number of iPads already. In fact, I've bought one of each model, except for the iPad 4 (which wasn't all that different from the iPad 3). Mind you, having 4 iPads at home isn't the reason I'm returning the new one.

Maybe it was when I was playing around with the display model in the store while waiting for my package. At first glance, I didn't actually realize it was the new iPad Air. It was only when I picked it up and the lighter weight was apparent. That's when it started to dawn on me: It doesn't matter how light it becomes, a 10” iPad isn't going to be a truly portable device.

On a number of occasions, I've grabbed my iPad Mini (last year's model) and toted it along in my jacket pocket. It barely fits and is almost embarrassingly noticeable, but not quite. A few times, I thought about taking the larger iPad instead, but I've never taken it along by itself. Since it doesn't fit in my jacket, I would either have to hold it, and look like the kind of fool who is asking to be mugged, or carry it in a bag. If I were going to bring a bag, I could just as easily pack my laptop instead.

Loungeable vs. Mobile Computing

The 10" iPad created a new niche of “around-the-house/office” and “loungeable" computing (I’m coining that term now). It's great for being mobile within a space, and for using on the sofa or while lying down. Perfect for reading and watching videos.

The iPad Mini is an entirely different beast altogether. They can be used the same way a 10" iPad can, with very few compromises, but open up a whole new scenario of actual mobile computing. It is a lot more capable than an iPhone, but essentially as portable.

The same can't be said about sub-8" Android tablets, aka. phablets. They are virtually all based on the phone OS, which makes the screen-size the only differentiator vs. a phone. Yes, that makes them better for reading and watching videos, but there's really isn't anything you can do on one that you couldn't already do with your phone.

iPad Math

So why did this only hit me right now?

It was probably buyer's remorse that triggered this thought. The equation goes like this:

1. iPad Air = iPad 3 - 0.44 lbs. + 4x speed.
2. iPad Mini Retina = iPad 3 - 0.7 lbs. + 4x speed + portability - $100.

It occurred to me that in my over 1 year of owning it, I have never once felt that the iPad 3 was too slow at doing anything. It was when I picked it up that I decided the 0.44 lbs. lighter weight wouldn't make a substantial difference in how I would use the iPad Air vs. the older iPad 3.

Working this out here has helped cement my decision. I'm also guessing that a lot of current iPad owners are going through a similar thought process, and I expect this will lead to even more demand for the Retina Mini at launch.

Related: Tech.