My iPad mini is just over 2 years old now, and I'm finding it difficult to make some parts of the screen respond to either finger or stylus.

I believe there's a layer of something on the screen, since the sensing is not about pressure, but an electrical effect - of a sort.

I've tried cleaning the screen, which helps a little, but is it possible to have the layer re-applied, if that makes sense?

Short answer; no.

It sounds like you have damaged the digitiser, but it is an integral part of the display, not just a layer on top.

Thanks, though I can't say I'm happy at the news. Still, it means I can upgrade to 8.3, and if anything goes wrong I can get a new tablet.

Might be worth trying a hard reset, or a full restore as new, before giving up.

Thanks, testcard, but I've actually both of those fairly recently. The reset last week, and the restore about a month ago.

If you get a paint type app (eg Sketchbook etc. ) and just draw all over the screen with your finger are there any bits of the screen you cannot draw on?

I know some Android Roms lets you set the intensity of the touchscreen, so it can be done.
So maybe check out the jailbreak community.

You could always get the screen replaced, obviously it maybe a little expensive if you go to Apple(£156.44) so maybe better to find a local mobile phone repairer.
You could even do it yourself as you can get a new screen & digitiser for around £20 and there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube how to do it.

If you're close to an Apple Store, perhaps a visit to the Genius Bar?

Thanks for the replies, and I'll try the Paint one later.

alanwarwic : is the Rom the same as an app? And does "jailbreak" mean the iPad has to be rooted? Or unrooted, or maybe uprooted?

I maybe should have used the term 'Firmware' in that I'm referring to the kernel level apps.

I don't know what the current situation is with jailbreaking the latest IOS, but yes, jailbreak=rooted.

Thanks, alanwarwic, but I don't think I've seen any setting like that. I don't think I'd gp as far as rooting my iPad, though if it gets any worse there'd be nothing to lose.

I've already identified a couple of Android tablets I'd be happy with .