I started with iPad 1 shortly after it came out and upgraded to the 4 with retina display in December. DW also started with a 1 at the same time as me. When we upgraded, she decided on the mini as it would easily fit in her handbag. Both are 64gb with Verizon LTE. When we got the 1s, I got an AT&T 3G, because we lived in Japan but I travelled to the US often enough that I felt I needed it. DW's did not have 3G. Mine was 32gb because I was going to use it for work. Hers was 16 because she didn't work outside the home. We went with the 64gbs so we could download movies to watch while traveling. Probably didn't need to because we have Hulu and Netflix plus of course rentals from aapl. But it will be nice while dry camping, if we get bored.
My next iPad will be when the mini comes with retina or better, and 10hr+ battery life.
Btw, I still use the iPad 1, just keep I in the other room and if I need to look up something, it is handy.
R