Ipad Mini Vs. Ipad W/ Retina Display

the iPad w/retina display is not all that it seems. Do a search on the reviews of it, first. Per this version. But yes, the iPad, is good.
Versus, the Nook HD has better clarity, and it can accommodate flash player websites, which the iPads cannot. This is from a person I know who has a Nook HD. For example.

But we have an iPad, the 1st version. And it is great. Just great.
The whole family uses it and it is very well used, we use it all the time.

Now, if you have a MAC computer too, you can store all your photos/movies on the computer... and also the iPad. You don't have to use the iPad to store EVERYTHING on it. In other words.
BUT, the more GB you have, the better. More capacity is always good.
And if you have a MAC computer too, you can syn... all your Apple products together.

IF you also have a MAC computer etc., I would suggest the iPad.
It will be very useful.
It is a good product.

If they are going to buy you one, go for it!
You will love it.
Just make sure you have the accessories for it... ie: the cables, case, etc. Because with this newer version, the USB type cables of older model computers or iPads, will not work. This is what I was told. You need to verify this. Simply ask an Apple store.

My husband and I have iPads. My mom, MIL, brother, SIL, daughter all have Kindles - which is comparable in size to a mini. I guess it really depends on what you're going to do with it. If you travel a lot and want it to fit in an oversized purse or be about the size of a book - then the mini is good. If you're going to check mail & facebook and read books - then a mini is fine too. But, if you're going to use a lot of apps, play games or watch movies you'll appreciate the larger screen of the iPad. I used to have a laptop, and the iPad is close to the size of my screen on the laptop, so the size seems comfortable for me. When use the kindle, it feels like an oversized phone to me, not quite big enough to suit me. And, yes, I have a 16gb, and it's loaded with music, apps, etc. And I can only get a couple of movies on there. However, I don't store my movies on there. I just add a couple when I'm traveling. So, it hasn't been a big deal. But, if you've got the budget, go bigger!
Also, you'll have to decide if you want wifi or 3G/cellular. 95% of the time that I use my iPad, I am somewhere that has wifi service - home, friends, work, church, Starbucks, etc. So, I went with wifi only because it was less expensive and didn't require a monthly contract. The other 5% of the time - driving down the road, camping (sometimes), etc - I just do without. I thought I could tether my iPhone's service, but discovered I could not without changing my contract and I refused to do so. It's just not that big of a deal!

I have a 2nd Gen iPad, my husband has the retina. Yes, there is a difference in display, but....frankly, unless you're watching a movie/tv you're not going to notice it much. I don't watch shows much, it's used for general use; reading, surfing, shopping, lists, etc... I would prefer a mini for the size alone. My ipad is kind of heavy to lug around, I would prefer something more compact.

I have an iPad, second generation (not the retina display, sadly for me) 64GB. I would recommend that you go to the Apple store and see each type in person. It depends what you'll want to use it for. I use mine to read books, mostly - and for that, it's a little bit large. I think I'd prefer the Mini, actually. However, the kids often borrow it and will watch TV shows on it, and for that, it's a great size. We use it for FaceTime with relatives who live overseas, and it's nice to have the larger display in that case.

I think there are pros and cons for each size. Overall, I'm happy with the larger iPad, but if I had it to do over, I think I might go for the Mini to make it smaller/easier to hold for reading.