The iPad Mini, as expected, is a hit for Apple. People have once again pre-ordered or fell in line in front of an Apple
Store just to get this new device. And there is a lot to love about the iPad Mini. It is thin and it is light. It has a 7.9 inch screen that feels just right and it is a relatively fast computing device.
However, it is far from perfect. In fact, here are some concerns about the iPad Mini:
No Retina Display
Yup, the retina display that is featured on the iPad 3 and the last couple of iPhone models will not be present on the iPad Mini. Instead, it will have an LED backlit screen that has 1,024x768presolution at 163 ppi. If you have noticed, this is similar to the screen of the iPad 2. So when it comes to the screen, the iPad Mini is not a smaller version of the iPad 3 but a smaller version of the iPad 2.
Do not fret though. Even if it does not have the signature retina display of the iPad 3, it does not mean that the screen is bad. Far from it, actually: with its smaller screen at 4:3 aspect ratios, it is arguably a better fit to the Mini compared to the iPad 2.
Processor
Yes, the iPad Mini will be running the iOS 6 so you will be able to enjoy the new features that are being offered in the new operating system including Passport. However, instead of running A6, the latest processor that was used on the iPhone 5, it will instead have A5. If you think about it, the iPad Mini is actually starting to look like a bigger version of the iPod Touch instead of a smaller version of the iPad.
However, despite the older processor, A5 is a powerful chip in its own right and has been the staple chip of Apple before the A6 and no one really complained that it is not able to do its job. It is powerful enough to handle all apps thrown the iPad Mini’s way including browsing and VoIP service calls.
Size
People have been expecting a basic 7 incher from Apple when rumors about the iPad Mini started making the rounds. It turned out that it will be significantly wider than the regular 7-inch tablets. It actually has a 7.9 inch screen so it might be a little awkward to handle if you are used to devices such as the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD. But it is very thin and very light, and once you get used to the extra inch, it can be operated with one hand.
Price
The iPad Mini is expensive. In fact, the least expensive model will be available at $329, and that is for a 16GB model that is WiFi-capable only. If you want cellular capabilities, the 16GB model can be purchased at $459. In comparison, you can get a Kindle Fire HD 16GB model at $199 and a Google Nexus 7 32GB model at $249, which is a hundred dollars more affordable.
While the iPad Mini is indeed a great device, you have to look at these areas and see if the steep price asked by Apple is worth the specs that the iPad Mini has.
