Q: Which iPad model performs best & where best to shop for Apple products?

We can't tell you what will do the best for your needs.  We have no clue how you intend to use an iPad. Will you store a lot of pictures?  A lot of music?  Lot's of Apps?  Movies?

Here is the best rule when buying one though:

1.  Get one with the most memory you can afford.  Memory can not be added after you've bought one

As to pricing.  Whether you buy from Best Buy, Walmart, Target or Apple the price will be the same.  The only exception is typically Black Friday, when there are some modest discounts from the above sellers.

iPad mini Vs iPad 4 Vs iPad 2 – A Detailed Comparison

http://www.redmondpie.com/ipad-mini-vs-ipad-4-vs-ipad-2-a-detailed-comparison/

Chosing Between the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini

http://macmost.com/choosing-between-the-ipad-and-the-ipad-mini.html

16GB vs 32GB vs 64GB: Which new iPad storage capacity should you get?

http://www.imore.com/2012/03/08/16gb-32gb-64gb-ipad-capacity/

How much content will fit on my iPod or iPhone?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1867

How Much iPad Memory Do You Need?

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad-Tutorials/a/How-Much-iPad-Memory-Do-You-Need.htm

 Cheers, Tom

As far as performance goes, every iPad Air and iPad mini retina model have the exact same processor, same co-processore, same system RAM and the same wifi and cellular components.

Other than how much stuff you can put on one, they all perform exactly the same.

And the pricing for Apple authorized resellers is set by Apple, so the price is the price regardless of where you buy it (hint, if you see a greatly discounted price, check the reseller on the Apple site, as odds are, they are not, in fact, an Apple Authorized reseller).

You can compare them side by side here - http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/

The Air is best. Apple is the best place to buy for their customer service. And A Happy New Year to you too.