The rumors are true. Apple has just introduced a brand new, smaller iPad into its lineup. The new iPad, weighing in at just 0.68 lbs, is called the iPad mini. Rumors have been circulating for months, and the iPad mini is finally a reality.
While the iPad mini is 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad, it also has a 7.9-inch diagonal display that has the exact same resolution as the current iPad. At 1024×768, the new resolution makes it possible to move apps from a big iPad to the iPad mini seamlessly, and without forcing developers to update their apps to include yet another resolution for the device. That’s a big difference compared to the iPhone 5, which introduced a whole new aspect ratio to the iPhone.
The iPad mini also has a dual-core A5 chip, a FaceTime HD front-side camera, and a 5MP iSight camera on the backside, and it has built in LTE. It’s not as quick as the just announced fourth-generation iPad, but it’s certainly fast enough for anyone’s needs. The third-generation iPad hasn’t even begun to show its age yet, and the iPad mini has close to the same specifications.
The iPad mini, much like the iPhone, has the updated Lightning connector and a 10-hour battery life.
The mini iPad is available in Black & Slate and White & Silver.
According to Apple, pre-orders and model pricing break down as follows:
iPad mini with Wi-Fi models will be available in black & slate or white & silver on Friday, November 2, for a suggested retail price of $329 (US) for the 16GB model, $429 (US) for the 32GB model and $529 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular will be offered for a suggested retail price of $459 (US) for the 16GB model, $559 (US) for the 32GB model and $659 (US) for the 64GB model.
Like the iPhone, we expect supplies to run out fast. Better clear out some space on that credit card.
