The smallest and cheapest iPad to date is finally out. However, even diehard Apple fans will agree that it is a rather underwhelming device. In any case, the iPad mini should be ready to ship on November 2nd and it will probably be a hit, although it fails to impress on all fronts.
The new 7.9-inch iPad Mini has a 1024x768 resolution and is 53 percent lighter and 23 percent thinner than the 4th generation iPad. The iPad Mini is enclosed in an "all-new" 7.2mm-thick aluminum casing that allows a much thinner and lighter design than the full-sized 9.7-inch iPad. The most obvious competitor, the Nexus 7, does not come close to the new iPad, as Apple's Phil Schiller explained that it is lighter, thinner, and has a better aluminum bezel. Of course, for anyone not living inside the Apple bubble, the statement sounds like a burst of sarcasm gone horribly wrong.
The full specification list includes Apple's A5 dual-core CPU of iPhone 4S fame, a 5-megapixel iSight camera, 802.11n WiFi, optional LTE and the mini uses the new Lightning connector. The battery life is rated at 10-hours.
The new iPad Mini will be available in 16, 32 and 64GB WiFi versions and will cost US $329, $429 and $529. Optional LTE connectivity adds another US $100 to the price. So the pricing rumors were spot on and the iPad mini comes with a maxi price tag.
It will be available in white or black color options and it will be ready for pre-orders as of this Friday, October 26th, provided you can think of a good reason to buy one. We sure as hell can't.