The day we’ve all been waiting for finally came. Specs and details were finally confirmed on the long-time rumored iPad Mini. Apple really tried to emphasize that the iPad Mini is not just a smaller iPad. Here’s what you need to know on the new addition to the iPad family
Apple iPad Mini – Details and Comparisons
The screen is just short of 8 inches at 7.9 inches (hence the name mini). It has a resolution of 1024 x 768 like the iPad 2. Some might be used to the retina display and won’t be satisfied with this resolution. It has two cameras: a FaceTime supported camera that shoots HD and rear 5 megapixel iSight camera. It’s actually the same rear camera on the New iPad. I find that pretty impressive. The iPad Mini is very light clocking in at 0.68 lbs. Apple also boasts how it is thinner than a pencil at just 7.2 mm thick. Also like iPad 2; the iPad Mini is powered by an A5 processor.
At the keynote yesterday; the iPad Mini was compared to its competitor the Google Nexus 7 Android tablet. Phil Schiller (SVP of Marketing at Apple) pointed out that the iPad Mini weighs less than the Nexus 7 even though it has a bigger display area than it. The difference is just 0.9 inches. Is that a deal-breaker for you? What wasn’t pointed out was that the iPad Mini has an A5 processor while the Google Nexus 7 has a quad-core Tegra 3. Pricing also comes into play as the iPad Mini 32 GB is $429.99 and the Nexus 7 32GB is $249.99. These are things to keep in mind when comparing and choosing your next small tablet.
Apple iPad Mini Order Dates and Pricing
You have three options for storage. 16 GB ($329) / 32 GB ($429) / 64 GB ($529) for Wi-Fi only iPad Minis. For LTE connectivity on the iPad Mini 16GB ($459) / 32GB ($559) / 64GB ($659).
The pricing didn’t shock me as Apple had to charge more than the iPod Touch. I am actually surprised it wasn’t priced higher. It costs less than the iPad 2 which remains at $399.
If you’re interested in getting one; the pre-orders start on Friday the 26th and will begin shipping on November 2nd.
Seeing as how Apple is late to the 7 inch tablet game; their pricing is a main selling point. As I’m sure you’re aware the Android tablet game is very competitive when it comes to pricing. Apple had to be extremely careful not to make their iPod Touch (starting at $299) obsolete by pricing the iPad Mini too low.
I’m sure those that don’t have a regular sized iPad are thinking about getting the iPad Mini. $329+ is affordable for a tablet. But if OS isn’t a deal breaker for you the Google Nexus 7 is $199. Do you think that Apple came in too late to the 7 inch tablet game? Is the iPad Mini overpriced compared to other 7 inch tablets out there?
