I've had my iPad mini for a day now, and I've never felt more like I'm living in the future than I do now. When the iPad originally came out a lot of people compared it to the PADD from Star Trek, but I think it's the mini that truly embodies the idea that was the PADD more than any other tablet so far.
I got the original iPad on launch day, and I've used it almost every day since. Still, most of the time I felt it was still too big to really be the grab and go device I wanted it to be. This probably wasn't helped by the fact that I've been using the Incase Convertable Book Jacket this entire time. That easily adds 3-4 inches to the thickness. Regardless, the iPad rarely left the house and was relegated to couch surfing and Netflix duties. I pretty much felt that if I was going to bring the iPad, I may as well just bring my laptop.
In contrast, the mini is every bit the unobtrusive device that you leave on your counter or desk until you need it. Then as you're heading out the door you just grab it and go. That was part of the appeal of the PADD to me. On the show it always looked light and comfortable to hold one handed. The full size iPad never lived up to that for me, which is why I never upgraded. Also, Siri has a lot of potential I think, and hopefully that will continue to improve.
What does everyone else think? I know the mini isn't the first tablet of this size, but we all know what a train wreck Android is on tablets, and the verdict is still out on Windows 8 RT I think. Also, can we try to leave the flame bait discussions of Retina out of this? I think it should be possible to discuss the merits of the form factor without that.
I got the original iPad on launch day, and I've used it almost every day since. Still, most of the time I felt it was still too big to really be the grab and go device I wanted it to be. This probably wasn't helped by the fact that I've been using the Incase Convertable Book Jacket this entire time. That easily adds 3-4 inches to the thickness. Regardless, the iPad rarely left the house and was relegated to couch surfing and Netflix duties. I pretty much felt that if I was going to bring the iPad, I may as well just bring my laptop.
In contrast, the mini is every bit the unobtrusive device that you leave on your counter or desk until you need it. Then as you're heading out the door you just grab it and go. That was part of the appeal of the PADD to me. On the show it always looked light and comfortable to hold one handed. The full size iPad never lived up to that for me, which is why I never upgraded. Also, Siri has a lot of potential I think, and hopefully that will continue to improve.
What does everyone else think? I know the mini isn't the first tablet of this size, but we all know what a train wreck Android is on tablets, and the verdict is still out on Windows 8 RT I think. Also, can we try to leave the flame bait discussions of Retina out of this? I think it should be possible to discuss the merits of the form factor without that.