Does size really matter? With the recent release of the iPad 4th generation and iPad Mini, we’re about to find out! Bloggers are already coming head to head on the issue, and there’s praise on both sides of the fence. Business Insider outlined five key issues that should sway your vote: portability, affordability, signal strength, speed and strength, and retina display.

With its 7.9 inch screen, portability is the iPad Mini’s main event. The iPad 4 beat weighs more than twice the Mini. Starting at $329, affordability is the other draw of the little guy. However, if you want to run demanding apps, the iPad 4th gen. is your tablet. Its new A6X processor is twice as fast as the 3rd gen. iPad, while the iPad Mini has the same processor as the iPad 2. Both tablets have 4G LTE cellular service plans. Here’s the kicker - the iPad Mini does not have the famed Retina Display of the new iPhone 5 and the iPad 4th gen, and for good reason. This is the dealbreaker for many folks with discerning eyes, but it’s not the end-all-be-all to some.

Nick Bilton of the New York Times’ Bits blog quotes John Gruber of Daring Fireball:

John Gruber, the author of the Apple blog Daring Fireball, unsurprisingly loves his iPad Mini more than chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles on top.

“I completely stand behind mine, and still have barely even used the iPad 4 I have on loan from Apple,” Mr. Gruber wrote. “In the meantime, we have to choose: big iPad with sharp retina display, or small iPad with a fuzzy one. I’ve gone small and fuzzy.”

Even the Grove team is on the fence; co-owner Ken uses the Mini in the shop and loves its lightweight feel, but he sure does miss that sweet retina display. We agree on one point, unless you’re fundamentally against small things, the better ‘pad depends entirely on your needs. Unquestionably, though, you do need a Grove Wool & Bamboo Sleeve to snuggle your preferred iPad in this winter. 

Which iPad would you buy? The iPad 4 or the iPad Mini?

Written by Mary Yajko. She is a Grove customer support rep and crazed blogger originally from upstate New York. She enjoys opened minds, uncontrollable fits of laughter, and large amounts of french fries with ketchup.