Thoughts on iPad mini
Firstly, it’s a huge relief that Apple haven’t added yet another aspect ratio to their iOS lineup. Functionally this thing is basically a smaller iPad 2, so developers don’t have to optimize for a new display yet again. It makes a huge amount of sense given the number of apps already out there.
Ergonomically I doubt it’s as nice to hold as they tried to imply, unless you have gorilla hands. Even with the narrowed bezel the device is wider than the Nexus 7, which is already almost too wide to comfortably hold in ones palm. The fact that the bezel is so narrow at the sides actually makes it harder for small one-handed use (holding it from the corner) because you will end up with accidental touches registering from your thumb.
I agree with Schiller that the Nexus 7 is garbage for browsing in landscape mode, but when I’m holding a device like this in one hand it’s extremely unlikely that I want to browse in landscape mode. Whereas I like to read a 10″ tablet like a magazine, I want a 7″ tablet to feel like a paperback, pretty much always in portrait mode except when playing games or movies.
Being the new budget iPad, the mini does not have a “Retina” display, but the fact that it’s smaller means it has higher pixel density than the iPad 2– although at 163ppi it still can’t compete with the much cheaper Nexus 7 at 216ppi. And with the way Schiller slagged off the “Android tablet” I imagine a lot of tech journos are going to do some comparisons and note the significantly better bang-per-buck (hardware) of the N7.
All up, it sounds like a fine budget iPad, and I’m glad Apple have chosen not to fragment the iOS device lineup by introducing another new resolution to support, but making it a bit cheaper would have been nice.
I really want to spring for the top of the line mini but its cost is really quite high when you compare it to the iPad retina display of the same capacity/3G. that extra 25% in price gets you a retina display, bigger screen and faster CPU/graphics. do u think perhaps the extra CPU/graphics performance is matched for the retina display pixel requirements and insomuch is likely comparable average use wise to an a5 with a standard display? how else could’ve one justify small margin pricing for considerablly better specs?
It’s hard to justify once you start upping the spec I think. There is a LOT more grunt in the 4th gen iPad than the mini, even factoring in the extra pixels it has to push.
For me the mini only makes sense as the cheapest available iPad, and still dunno if I would want one. I suspect a retina mini will show up around the same price point within 12 months and this one will drop down below the $250 mark.
Worth noting that with the new 7.9″ screen the iPad mini has exactly the same 163 ppi as the iPhone 3GS… I’m guessing that’s no coincidence… so if it goes to Retina it will simply match current gen iPhone.
yes agreed. buy entry level 16gb and you’re ahead. but I can’t do 16gb with all these damn retina graphics heavy apps. so 32gb would be the minimum. and then there’s the choice of a 3G modem. having suffered a first gen iPad 16gb with no 3G modem, I’m ripe for any sort of upgrade. a smaller lighter form factor is mighty attractive. if I get retina 4g kit, all is solved value wise. but it’s the same size physically of my ‘too large’ iPad and I don’t think I’ll feel I have a new more portable device that I’d want to use on the road. I think the mini at the top end is $250 too expensive. oh what to do? I guess size is the important factor, I’ll have too see one in reality.
I wonder if the a5 chip is more jailbreak-able than the a6x… or is ios6 really the firewall now? I’m trying to avoid feeling like I’ve compromised on specs for the price:)
Agreed on the points above. I haven’t got a single tablet yet but with the map issues thrown in with the value considerations, I’m not in big hurry to get one. My only tech purchase this year (in addition to SSD and a used high-end 21″ CRT – these things have retina-like text even at 1280×1024) might actually be the new Kindle since it has this new type of pixel lightning technique which I’m told doesn’t shine in your face but reflects despite being build into the display. That’s really appealing to me as on paper it should make reading more enjoyable.