The estimated reading time for this post is 7 minutes
Apple’s latest device, the iPad Mini, is a smaller version of the uber-popular iPad. When the Mini was announced at the end of October many people rejoiced at the idea of a smaller iPad while others didn’t feel the need to upgrade to a more compact device. You may firmly believe that you won’t be enticed to get the iPad Mini, until you get one in your hands.
This weekend I went to the Apple Store with two friends who had no intention of getting a Mini when they walked into the store. In fact, they specifically said that they didn’t want one. By the time they walked out, owning a Mini was propelled to the top of their to do lists.
The iPad Mini has a 7.9″ screen and comes in either black and slate or white and silver. The device starts at $329 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi only model and goes up in price to the $649 64 GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The Mini uses Apple’s new Lightning connector that’s incompatible with the 30 pin connector used in earlier models of iDevices, but is the same connector that is used with the iPhone 5 and the new iPod Touch. The Mini comes with a power adapter for charging from an electrical outlet.
Pros
The biggest advantages of the iPad Mini are the design and price. The Mini is more portable and affordable than its bigger sibling, the full-sized iPad.
Design
The design of the iPad Mini is sleek and elegant. The device is whisper-thin with curved edges and enough metal to give it a futuristic look. The Mini is 0.28″ (7.2 mm) thin, which may not seem particularly impressive until you get one in your hands. After you get over the fact that the device seems impossibly thin, the next thing you’ll notice is how amazingly light it is. The Mini weighs 0.68 pounds (308 g), your natural inclination will be to look for a tether to weigh it down so it doesn’t float away when you put it down. But you won’t want to put it down. You will want to hold it.
This video shows the iPad Mini side-by-side with other tablets. The other tablets, not obese by any standards, can’t keep up with the super-model width of the Mini.
Cameras
The camera specifications of the iPad Mini are the same as for the latest iPad. The Mini sports a 1.2 mega-pixel HD front-facing camera for FaceTime and Skype video chats. The front-facing camera can take pictures and record HD video.
The rear-facing camera is 5 mega-pixels, has auto-focus and a five-element lens. The rear-facing camera can record HD video in better quality than the front-facing camera and has video stabilization.
You may not need to take pictures often with your iPad Mini, but the cameras are there if you need them.
Battery Life
The battery life doesn’t suffer because of the size of the Mini. The Mini has a battery with 10 hours of heavy use, according to Apple.
Software
The iPad Mini runs iOS 6, the latest operating system for Apple’s mobile devices. The Mini is compatible with iPad and iPhone apps, giving users access to 875,000 apps in the iTunes App Store. The Mini also has nifty iOS features such as iMessage, FaceTime, Find My iPhone, Find My Friends and Siri.
Price
The iPad Mini is the lowest price iPad Apple has ever offered. Beginning at $329, the iPad Mini is a more affordable purchase than a full-sized iPad. This lower price may make the Mini a more attractive for parents and schools who were considering providing children with an iPad but hesitated due to the price.
The prices for the iPad Mini are:
Wi-Fi Only
$329 – 16 GB
$429 – 32 GB
$529 – 64 GB
Wi-Fi Plus Cellular
$459 – 16 GB
$559 – 32 GB
$659 – 64 GB
Cellular plans are available with AT&T, Verizon and Sprint in the US. Carriers around the world that offer cellular service for the iPad Mini can be found at the Apple website.
Speed
Speed of the Mini is part Pro and part Con. Speed testing shows that the Mini’s Wi-Fi antennas make Internet browsing extremely fast, as fast as the iPad 4 over high speed Internet service. But the slower processor of the Mini means that you may experience some lag with the most complex apps. My testing did not uncover any lags nor stuttering when using the Mini, but other reviewers have noticed some minor issues.
Check out Mac World’s Review: iPad mini gives you most of an iPad at half the size for in-depth testing of the speed of the iPad Mini.
Cons
As with the Kindle Fire HD I reviewed last week, the negatives for the Mini involve what it doesn’t have. In the case of the iPad Mini, if you want more, you can get more, but you’ll have to spend more money to get a full-sized iPad.
Screen
The Mini does not have a Retina display screen, which may not matter much to you if you’ve never been spoiled by looking at one. But if you’re accustomed to Retina display, you may be disappointed by the screen of the Mini. The Mini has fewer pixels per inch than the Kindle Fire HD, but you may not find the difference noticeable if you’re surfing the web or using apps that are not optimized for Retina display. But the Mini won’t display HD movies, unlike the iPad 3 or 4 or the Kindle Fire HD.
Giving the Mini a Retina display would have required that Apple charge a higher price and included a more powerful battery, adding heft to the design. Whether future generations of the iPad Mini will have a Retina display remains to be seen. If you can’t do without a Retina display screen, you can either get a full-sized iPad or wait to see if the second generation iPad Mini comes with a Retina display screen.
Before you get too hung up on whether the screen is Retina display or not, head to the store to see if you like the screen of the iPad Mini. Even though I am used to the Retina display screen of my iPad 3, I was not bothered at all by the screen of the iPad Mini.
Price
At $329, the price of the Mini is significantly higher than its 7″ competitors, the Kindle Fire HD and the Google Nexus 7, both starting at $199 for 16 GB. Further, many of the iPad apps have been updated for Retina display so the size of iPad apps can easily fill up a 16 GB Mini. Unless you restrict your iPad activities to mostly surfing the web, checking email and using basic apps, you may find that you need at least a 32 GB Mini for $429. You can’t add a memory card so choose wisely and buy as much space on the Mini as you can afford.
Availability
While the iPad Mini is a pleasure to hold, getting your hands on one may be a challenge. Availability of this popular item is limited so finding one to buy in a store may be a challenge. The 64 GB models seem to have the greatest availability. Call stores first to check on their inventory before heading out and wasting time and fuel. Ordering online from Apple currently means a two-week wait for shipping of all models. As the holidays draw closer, expect the wait time to increase so plan ahead if you intend to give a Mini as a gift.
Bottom Line
The iPad Mini isn’t the least expensive tablet nor the one with the latest and the greatest technology. The iPad Mini falls right in the middle of the pack of tablets in both price and technology. The design and the fact that it’s the lowest price iPad may be the best reasons to consider getting one.
If you’re someone who wants an iPad with portability and a lower price, the iPad Mini is worth a visit to the Apple Store to hold one in your hands. Walk into the store with an open mind and you may walk out of the store with a Mini, or at least a desire to get one.
Have you held an iPad Mini? Does the idea of a smaller iPad appeal to you? Do you have a Mini on your holiday wish list? Let us know in the Comments section below.
To brighten your day, here’s a parody of the iPad Mini ad:
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You’re absolutely right Carolyn about the effect of actually holding the iPad mini. I did not intend to buy the first iPad when it came out but when I picked one up in the store, I went right over and put in my order.
I believe the iPad mini and other 7-8 inch tablets will dominate the field. A large percentage of people want basic functionality that does not require a big screen. Others like me use the iPad as a laptop replacement and want the most power and screen size we can get. I’ve given nearly fifty presentations using Keynote on my iPads in 2.5 years and find it a delight to use. Of course I could use the mini or my iPhone for the same purpose but the experience would not be nearly as satisfying. Medium and full-size tablets will coexist and many households and businesses will employ both.
Hi Gary, Excellent point. I had the same reaction to the initial iPad until I held one that a friend brought back to the UK from the US. I really thought the device would bomb. I regarded it as a big iPod Touch, but I was very wrong. Once I saw what the iPad could do, I wanted it.
With the iPad Mini, we pretty much know what it can do. But as much as we think we understand that it’s a cool design, actually holding one is a completely different experience.
You’re making excellent use of your iPad, Gary, but I can see how you want to stick with a full-sized one. I feel the same way, though I haven’t used mine in nearly as powerful a manner as you have. As cool as the design is, I like having a bigger screen because I use my iPad so much.
Then again, the Mini is very, very cool… 😕
I love your video Carolyn and see you on camera giving us these comparisons.
Now I appreciated seeing the difference between all of these since of course you know I don’t own any of them but the iPod Touch (upon your recommendation I might add).
Huh, decisions decisions… I’m kind of liking the iPad mini though. Who doesn’t like light weight. That’s what I would be attracted to.
Thanks Carolyn as always for your helpful advice.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, If you like your iPod Touch (and I know you do), you will definitely be tempted by a Mini if you are in the Apple store. The weight of the Mini means you could hold it for a long time, to watch a movie or read a book, for example, without tiring your arm.
All of your iPod Touch apps would work on the Mini, Adrienne. If you decide to get the Mini, you could probably sell your iPod Touch for a nice bit of change.
Hi Carolyn,
The new apple mini seems to be very interesting. Few questions though… Does it has a keybored? and does it has a sim card slot? I’m loving it.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Theodore, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! No, the iPad Mini, just like the regular iPad, does not have a keyboard. If you get the Wi-Fi plus cellular model, then it does have a sim card slot. There is no slot for a memory card though.
Looks wonderful Carolyn!
I know I need one for the family as such, but there are so many views about each one wanting a different kind that we can never really sit and decide which one to go in for. 🙂
I love the sleekness and look of iPad Mini and yes, it’s light weight too and elegant as well. I guess visiting the Apple store and giving it a real look will help us decide. Meanwhile I will be forwarding the post to an uncle of mine who is looking for information on iPad Mini , and your post is so well written with all the details that would surely help him too.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Harleena, Thank you kindly for your words of praise. Yes, I think once you are in the Apple store, you may very well be compelled to get a Mini. Hold it in your hands and then try to walk out of the store without it!
It’s probably best to consider what you want in a tablet before you head to the store. You might even need to write it down to prevent temptation from overcoming you.
Wonderful review of the iPAD mini Carolyn. You have indeed got me thinking about this one now, even though I had no intention of buying another tablet for a while 🙂
It really gets interesting day by day at what Apple has to offer us, it is never a dull moment reviewing and reading about their products.
Loved the video too:-)
Hi Praveen, Well if you don’t want to get another tablet, then stay away from the Apple store! A tech guy like you might be quite tempted to grab a Mini after you hold it in your hands. 😉
You wont believe this, whenever we go to a mall, my wife goes into a department store and i venture into the apple store 🙂 Now my tech-blog-guru is asking me not to 🙁
It is really cool to go in there and play around with the latest gadgets on display and demo dont you think? I just need a strong will-power to avoid buying one…hmmm….
Yes, Praveen, I do believe that. 😉 The Apple Store is always the most crowded store in the mall. It is fun to play there, just be prepared to crave a Mini if you cross that threshold!
Thanks so much for this awesome review! And your friends’ quest for the iPad Mini is so similar to my son’s. He initially said “no way” … until he too held it in his hands. His “no” quickly turned to “please mom – I’ll pay for half!” Thus started our own weekend-long quest to find one. And much like you said, we actually could not find a 16gb nor a 32gb anywhere near us. So we “compromised” with a 64gb – and he hasn’t put it down since. Except of course, when I yanked it from him and sent him off to school.
I completely agree with your pros and cons. I might also add that the battery life on his Mini has been great! Thanks for a great review.
Hi Carol, First of all, happy Blogiversary! I am so glad that you started Let’s Get Deals today, what a wonderful resource for us!
Second, that’s cool that your son got a Mini. Adults find it difficult to resist the temptation of the design, so kids don’t have much chance of walking away from it.
That’s great to hear that the battery life has been robust. People who want a Retina display screen must realize that by getting the higher resolution display they will need more juice. Either they will have to have a bulkier, heavier battery or they will have a shorter battery life.
Is your son satisfied with a 64 GB iPad Mini or does he wish he saved his money and got the 32 GB model?
Hi Carolyn, Yes, he is so completely happy he got the 64! In fact, he’s already used 50gb, so it’s a really good thing we didn’t find a 32gb when we were initially looking. He likes lots of movies and several larger apps, and we do travel, so for him, the larger one was so the right decision.
Sounds like he got the perfect one for him, Carol! Thanks for letting us know. 🙂
Apple has been a punching bag lately, but as always their products rise to the top: Innovative, well-designed and a superior interface. Now I’m wondering what will come next with some 2 billion invested in R&D.
Nice review, Carolyn. I’m sure the mini will do well during the holiday shopping season.
Hi Craig, You’re right, the iPad Mini should do very well in the holiday season, especially if Apple can increase its inventory to keep up with demand. A two-week shipping schedule won’t cut it come mid-December.
hi carolyn,
the way which is explain about apple mini is fabulous.compare to the regular tab it’s awsome.easy to carry n very comfortable to the readers.as well as this apple mini tab increses the apple market growth.
Hi Rahul, You’re right, this tablet is about the easiest to hold of about any tablet. It fits into one hand comfortably and is very light weight.
I wonder how many people will get the Mini instead of a full-sized iPad. Will Apple actually be giving up sales of the larger iPad because of the Mini? Time will tell!
WOW what a wonderful post and awesome review. iPad mini is really awesome. thinking to buy one. After seeing your review (Pros and Cons) i think i have to wait for some more time. But as we know that Windows 8 tablets they are also doing well on markets and with great functionality. Microsoft has done a great job in reinventing their OS.
Have a great day ((Hugs))
Hi Amit, Thank you very much for your kind words! Yes, the Mini isn’t for everyone and you should certainly consider a Windows 8 tablet as an alternative to the Mini. A tablet is a significant investment so you are very wise to make your decision carefully, weighing all of your choices. 🙂
I should probably stay away from the store then 🙂
I can’t wait to see it for the first time and to hold it. And since I’ve decided that I am going to buy it for my wife for Christmas, I’ll get the chance to play with it at home as well (or maybe not, I expect my wife to use it a lot).
Hi Jens, Think of it this way: if everyone in your family wants to use the Mini, then maybe you will be able to use your larger iPad without interruption! :-bd
Hey Carolyn
The iPad Mini does look really sleek and stylish!
I’m not sure I should go anywhere near it as I know I’ll want one even though I don’t really need one. Loved the video, by the way.
Hi Tim, Yes, probably very few people actually “need” the iPad Mini. When I walked into that Apple store with my friends, they neither needed nor wanted the Mini. But once they held the Mini, they suddenly developed a craving for it that could not be satisfied until they each bought one.
If you want to avoid being similarly tempted, stay away from the Apple store. 😉
The lower price intrigues me because it is substantially less than the full size iPad, but I am concerned about the memory issue. I am not certain I can live with 16GB so…
Kind of funny when I think about my old computer and the 1GB hard drive I had. 17 years ago I couldn’t imagine needing much more space than that. 😉
Hi Josh, You’re exactly right. The storage space of apps keeps increasing, especially tablet apps. Most iPad apps are now optimized for Retina display, which means they will take up more storage space on the Mini even though the Mini doesn’t take advantage of the Retina display.
I personally think 16 GB isn’t enough space, except for the lightest user, though I have read others complaining that no 8 GB version of the Mini is sold.
Already ordered ours :-). Well…my husband has. I’m content with my iPhone 5.
Hi Ruth, I bet your husband is very excited to get his Mini. Have you held it yet? I’m wondering if you will be “borrowing” his Mini frequently. 🙂
Hmm my iPad mini heats up easily, I wonder if any other here has similar experience? Compared to my iPad 1 the iPad mini looks like it’s about to explode when it’s being used for more than half an hour.
Hi Eduardo, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! There have not been any reports that I could find that the iPad Mini overheats. In fact, PC Magazine that said there have been no reports of the Mini overheating. PCMag.com . I suggest you return your Mini to the store, Eduardo, to exchange it for one that doesn’t overheat.
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for the reply, I will pay a visit to the nearest Apple store in my town soon.
You’re very welcome, Eduardo. Glad I could help! 🙂
iPad Mini does lack those high tech specifications as in higher versions of iPad or others like Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire. But it scores on its portability, design, upgraded software and the Apple name with it. So it can be worth buying if someone wanted an Apple iPad but could not afford it.
Hi Vicky, Excellent point. If someone wants a more portable, affordable iPad, then they will be extremely please with the Mini. Even if you don’t think you want that, when you hold it, you may change your mind!
The mini pad sounds amazing. I have an older version and still love it, but the smaller size would be easier for traveling. I have everything Apple, so am definitely tempted to go in and upgrade. Very thorough review, Carolyn.
Hi Cathy, Thanks. If you’re looking for better portability for the iPad, then you will definitely be tempted by the Mini. 🙂
There is a lot of talk about ‘Would Steve Jobs have liked a 7″ tablet?’.
I don’t want to think about it. I think its a good strategy for Apple to have come up with a smaller tablet to shut up the competition. I am yet to hold one in my hand, but I have no doubt that it will be as much of a beauty as iPad has been all these years. Yea, I have liked Kindle Fire for what value Amazon provides, but is it a tablet of my choice? A strong No!
Little pricier than its competitors, but thats okay. There is a huge difference to feel of an iPad as compared to a Fire or a Galaxy. And talk of the apps, there is even a bigger diff.
Hi iRewardChart, Excellent point, though the difference between a Kindle Fire and a Kindle Fire HD is quite significant. There is nothing that feels quite as good in the hand though as the iPad Mini. The smooth, aluminum back, the curved edges and the weight all make this device feel very special.
I think the iPad mini is quite portable and due to the increased battery life it would be fun to play games and watch movies.The screen size makes it awesome and also the pad is quite light in weight.The price at which it is being offered is great and i think it is really affordable at the price which has been set.I would prefer the white & silver piece.Thanks for sharing this post.
Hi Harry, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, there is a lot about the iPad Mini that is great, that’s probably why it’s sold out almost everywhere. I agree with you about the white and silver. It’s really a sleek design.