Steve Jobs, famously dismissed the concept of a “mini” iPad on the basis that it would be both unattractive and uncompetitive when compared to devices on both corners of the spectrum: tablets and smartphones.
However, following the success of devices like the iPad, Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire, Apple has changed its mind. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is a market for mini tablets and despite Apple’s belated move, it is certainly going to make a big impact.
Unlike smartphones, the company has dominated the market for tablets thanks to the fact that it has managed to seamlessly integrate the product into its existing eco-system, which is something Android is still in the process of perfecting.
Pros
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Relatively larger screen |
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Seamless integration with 275,000 iPad specific apps |
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10 hours of battery life |
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Siri Included |
Cons
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Relatively expensive (compared to the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire) |
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No mention of Retina Display |
Tech Specs
The iPad mini boasts a relatively large screen 7.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch with 1024-by-768 resolution at 163 pixels per inch (ppi). Unsurprisingly, the screen also includes the fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
But what is surprising is that the iPad mini does not feature the famed Retina Display that is now common for iPhones, iPads and even Macbooks. The iPhone 5, for instance, packs in an amazing 326 ppi.
Judging by early feedback, it seems that the iPad Mini is quite easy to hold with one hand but more importantly as one Apple executive was keen to point out, the viewing area of the iPad mini is 40% larger in portrait mode and 67% larger in landscape mode, when compared to the Nexus 7.
The iPad mini also features a 4:3 aspect ration, as opposed to the 16:9 ratio used for the Kindle FireHD and Nexus 7.
The iPad mini (Wi-Fi only) is 7.87 inches in length, 5.3 inches in width and 0.28 inches thick. It is also surprisingly light at only 308g (the Wi-Fi + Cellular version is slightly heavier). Overall, the iPad mini is 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the iPad.
Underneath the hood, the Mini feature a Dual-core A5 processor. There are two basic versions of the iPad : Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Both are available in 16GB,32GB and 64GB variants.
As with all things Apple, there is no option for extended memory. Users who are addicted to their tech gadgets will also be happy to note that the iPad mini features a pretty good battery, which allows upto 10 hours of use (with default settings and no multi-tasking).
The iPad mini features dual cameras: 1.2MP FaceTime HD Camera and a 5MP iSight camera. The fancy names Apple has for all its features does not necessarily make them special.
However, it has managed to add a variety of standard features including auto-focus, face detection, and geotagging.
The device comes loaded with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.0. The new generation of Wi-Fi is up to twice as fast as the previous generation. The standard sensors also include a three-axis gyro, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and GPS/GLONASS support.
Interface
As mentioned earlier, the best thing about the iPad mini is the fact that it is fully compatible with the 275,000 apps designed for the iPads. This allows users to rapidly adapt to the new device. The plethora of apps include Safari, Mail, FaceTime, iBooks, photos and even the dreaded Maps.
The device also features Siri, which has been enhanced with the last iOS update.
Verdict
Apple already dominates the market for tablet PCs, and for good reason. Despite its late entry into the market, it still boasts one of the most extensive collection of apps and fits quite well into the existing Apple inventory.
However, if you are looking for a low-budget (relatively) high-performance tablet, then you might want to consider the Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD. The iPad Mini starts at $329 (16 GB Wi-Fi only) while similar versions of the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 are much cheaper at only only $199 and $249 respectively.
That said, if you are looking for a premium product, then the iPad mini is your best option.
Reviewed by Navam Niles
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