iPad Mini

[Fuzz AI]

The new iPad mini was released for sale today in Aus. What do you guys think about it? Is Apple going in the right direction by offering a shrunken version of the iPad 2? (specs are similar to the iPad 2 not the iPad 3 or "new" iPad)

Will it be a hit or a miss?

[Duxnutz]

Miss I think. iPad is sall enough and then there's the iPhone. I'll be getting a new iPad before a mini one.

[Overproof]

I dont own any of the ipads however this one kinda intrests me due to the size. Was thinking it could be a good ebook reader.

For personal use I thought the ipad was a little over sized and overkill for just an ebook reader and web browser...In saying this I could probably get an android similar for half the price, but we wont get into that old chestnut again...Might check it out at the store this weekend for size, weight etc. I

If like it buy it for me the missus for xmas

[persianpirate]

Hit....Apple needs a smaller tablet to keep up with competitors. Even though it's more expensive than others in the class, Apple has never had a problem out-competing on similar products, even with a higher price (look at just about any other product they offer). Given the price, I'm willing to bet they're making a higher profit margin on each one than on the regular iPad, making the cannibalization irrelevant.

[in0gravity]

Could be a hit. Me personally don't own an ipad. But this one is intrigiung due to it's size.

[Lotusguy]

I personally think that is is not going to be a huge success since it is priced too closely to the regular iPad, especially while the iPad 2 is still available. Most people will still buy the larger version, IMO.

[Fuzz AI]

I'm not too sold on the size personally. It's just a bit too wide for a mini tablet, well in my hands anyway. I bought a Nexus 7 for my cousin in M'sia, and size wise, I found that to be about right. Any wider and it is a bit too cumbersome to hold with one hand.

It is a pity they Apple didn't use the Retina Display screen for the mini. I've read a lot of review saying text just isn't that sharp, especially for what Apple claims is the perfect e-reader. It's also a pity that the display isn't native 16:9 in landscape.

Will just have to wait and see how the mini goes in the coming weeks.

[gigabyte056]

For a E-book I would go with one of the proper readers, as an iPad , I think it is a miss.

Apple is seen as a follower in this , given that there is the nexus 7" and the galaxy tab 7".

I have the iPad3 and although it is an amazing piece of hardware will trade it for the nexus 10 in 2-3 months and give it to the misses.

Also as an E-reader I have the Kindle.

[braveheart655]

Won't care for it until it gets a retina display upgrade.

[demiurgic]

white one pre order with a Portenzo Alano case. Size and ipad4 camera is good enough.

think it's a winner although bit more than the Nexus 7. Thanks to the 300k apps of course!

[canadianbeaver]

How many line-ups can there be for one computer? This cult boggles my mind.

Maxi pad and mini pad. Fortunately Matthew gets one (a regular one) from work.

[Rushman]

I'm sure it will be a winner. Wife and I have iPad 2's which are very nice and I don't see me purchasing the mini soon.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=29.507174,-98.671771

[Dbone]

I have an iPad 2. Thought about getting a mini then I learned the Mini, hardware wise, is the same just smaller. So I'd be paying for the same thing... just smaller... no thank you.

[Fuzz AI]

The mini is very similar spec wise to the iPad 2, but has a few upgrades; updated wireless, LTE version, new connectors, etc. Though the GPU and A5 chip are still the old iPad 2 ones.

[Justmi]

Don't use it as an ebook reader, its backlit so strains your eyes like a computer monitor. Use a dedicated ereader.

[Dbone]

The mini is very similar spec wise to the iPad 2, but has a few upgrades; updated wireless, LTE version, new connectors, etc. Though the GPU and A5 chip are still the old iPad 2 ones.

Thanks for the clarification, Fuzz. My brother as the new iPad with the Retina display and it is really nice. If they would have included a Retina display at the same price, I probably would have given it more consideration. But to be honest, I dove into all this iPhone, iPad stuff head first and have had them all, iPad 3 was the only generation of the phone and tablet I didn't purchase. However I'm starting to feel a bit burned out. Feel like I want to disconnect more and more LOL

[LLC]

I'll stick with the iPhone 5, as it is I carry that and a BB so don't want another device unless it could replace my Ultrabook.

[nikesupremedunk]

Didn't know it didn't have retina. I have the ipad 3 and I will not buy another mac w/o it. To me it's very noticeable, but i know a lot of people can't tell/don't care. I think due to the price, it will sell very well this holiday season.

[Fuzz AI]

Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 both have a higher resolution than the mini, but are slightly smaller. They are also a bit heavier than the mini.

Word of warning, as the mini has an anodized aluminum back, it will scratch, much like the iPhone 5.

[Bartolomeo]

Hit

I sell them for a living amongst other things

I use the iPad 2 and just bought my daughter the Mini iPad for Christmas, I feel its a better size for kids

Bart

[Cohiba Stevie]

Co-sign!

[khamy]

my wife somehow has ended up the owner of my ipad2. i've seen the mini in the office and can say it looks very good.

i do like and prefer smaller devices so perhaps in one or two more iterations, i will pick one up (ie it should have retina, be thinner and even smaller by then). I miss the old motorola startac, wish they made phones that small now...

[braveheart655]

There are some news floating around suggesting a retina display for the ipad mini in the works for next year. So, I suggest to wait unless you need one right away.

[Fuzz AI]

Rumours are that Apple has given up on the yearly product releases and will start releasing product updates every 6 months. If true, you'd definitely be better off waiting for the upgraded version of the mini.

Though, I have my doubts about the mini getting the retina display as it will make it heavier and thicker, not to mention battery life will drop like a stone. Unless they can make the retina display screen thinner, lighter and less power hungry, it won't be in the mini.