It's here, whether we like it or not.
The iPad Mini went up for pre-order on 10/26/12 and quickly sells out of the white version in no time flat. These guys can pretty much sell a toaster in that much time and everyone will fall in love with it. It's a strange little contraption, stuck in there between the Nexus 7 in form factor and its larger iPad brethren (let's not forget the iPod Touch). We've yet to see if this thing will bowl over the 7 inch tablet market currently dominated by the Kindle line and Nexus 7, but early indications are it's going to be hot... really hot... especially come Christmas time.
At the moment, I'm a bit torn as to whether or not to bring one of these into my life. I've always been a huge fan of the 7 inch tablet form factor due to its portability. I sold my iPad 2 over the summer and replaced it with a Nexus 7, but lately I've been yearning for that larger screen size again. The iOS apps I've come to know and love just aren't the same on Android and the Nexus 7. The iPad Mini seems the perfect sweet spot for me as far as size is concerned, but I fear I'll be wishing I spent the cash on a full size iPad instead considering the $329 price point. I'm going to have to see one up close to make up my mind.
So what does the rest of our staff think of this little guy? Read on to find out...
Marc Zeffren: I would love to grab one, but I think I will pass. I have a Nexus 7 and an LTE iPad. I would sell my iPad but I love the screen size. I will have to play with one to see if I would be able to replace my iPad with its mini self. We shall see...
Tony Robinson: I'm definitely passing on the iPad Mini. It's a little "dumbed down" for my taste, especially since I own a 3rd Gen iPad. I'm either waiting for the 5th Gen iPad or a possible iPad Mini Part Deux with retina on-board. Patience is a virtue. Remember that.
Adam Kockars: Being an "Apple fan boy", this should be a no brainer, but I can't justify bringing another tablet into my life. If I'm not using a full blown Macbook Pro and an iPhone just won't do it, and the iPad is too big, then I really need to rethink my life.
The Gadget Mom: I'm always a fan of the 7 in. tablet form factor. It's perfect for carrying in a purse and assures I use the tablet on the run while my full sized iPad sits at home. Of course, the iPad Mini IS NOT a 7 in. tablet, it's a 7.9 in. tablet, which makes all the difference in the world. That said, I can't help but feel like Apple waited too long, then priced the tablet too high for it to make any logical sense. It doesn't compete with Android tablets priced at $199, it only competes with the iPad 2, iPad 3, and the iPod Touch. All priced within ~$100 of the Mini. Of course, logical sense never seems to matter where Apple products are concerned. The device is selling out already. It will be interesting to see how the numbers fluctuate though - will stellar sales of the Mini be offset by declines in the sales of other similarly priced Apple products? I tend to think so.
Patrick Campanale: I was never a big fan of the form factor of a 7" tablet, until I used a friends Nexus 7. Still, that didn't win me over. I always wanted something a little bigger, and that's what the iPad Mini is bringing. I don't think I'm willing to drop the almost $400 on it, when I can get an iPad 2 for about the same price, not until I get to use one myself first. I am anxiously waiting for them to come in stock at an Apple store so I can try one out myself, and possibly pick one up soon!
Andrew Clausen: I think the iPad Mini was strategically a smart call on Apple's part. They are starting to close the gap in size between their tablets and phones and that's a good thing. Offering more options to the consumer will boost sales and give them a better spread because they reach different people's needs. Like I said earlier, Apple could sell out Pop-Tarts. It's no surprise they sold out within thirty-seconds with this one.
TeckieGirl: Well it's cute enough, but low on specs and high on price. Would love one... Just too pricey.
Kayla Ward: With the early suspicion, leaks, and constant reference to the Mini, I am already bored of the device. The only announcement that surprised me was the price point. While I understand it was gauged against other iPads and that Apple can get away with it, I still cannot believe they are pricing a 7 in. competitor at something over $300. Just, wow.
Andrew Allen: I think they will sell a ton of these, but I won't be getting one. The form factor is a nice size, and they will be able to dominate the market. Amazon is the only ones really there to compete with Apple. The Mini will be priced close enough that most people will go with the more recognizable and trusted brand of the iPad.
Hayden Bridges: Being a student, I don't place much practical value in tablets and the same goes for the iPad Mini. If I had a couple of paychecks to spare, I would probably go with the Nexus 7. As TheGadgetMom said in a recent article, Apple makes pretty devices but has been falling and slacking in innovation.
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