Top 5 iPad Air 2 Alternatives [December, 2014]

iPad mini

We also recommend taking a look at Apple's smaller iPad mini. The iPad mini might sit at 7.9-inches but the iPad mini 3 comes with a ton of horsepower and might actually be better suited for your needs or the needs of a loved one. You must rule this tablet out before buying the iPad Air 2.

Apple's iPad mini 3 is similar to last year's iPad mini 2. We recommend taking a look at both of them. The iPad mini 2 is still very good and it's a little bit cheaper than the iPad mini 3. The latest iPad mini only offers a few upgrades and many of you won't need them. So make sure you check out the second-gen model.

The iPad mini is more portable than the iPad Air and that compact size does not hamper performance. It delivers sound performance in all key areas including battery life, gaming, and more. It's also cheaper than the iPad Air. So please, do yourself a favor and check out Apple's smaller tablet before buying the iPad Air in December.