Amy,
AT&T or Verizon let you get on the internet via a cell phone tower. Otherwise you have to be in a WiFi location. Get as much memory as you can but the low memory is not a show stopper.
I don't know the options on the mini Ipad but I agree the size fits the cockpit better. I have an Ifly 700 and I think it must be about the same size as the mini Ipad.
My 2 cents.
