First iPad Mini Reviews: "Shockingly Nice to Hold", Non-Retina Display, Pricier than Rivals

MacRumors · Oct 30, 2012, 08:16 PM

The embargo has just lifted on the first iPad Mini reviews. Apple has provided some publications with an early review unit of the iPad Mini. We are collecting some of the more interesting points from each review, but you can click each title to read the full writeup. The iPad Mini will officially launch on November 2nd and will likely be available in retail stores beginning at 8am.

CNet

- "What's unique about the Mini? Without a doubt, it's the design. It's cute, it's discreet, and it's very, very light."
- "If you're an obsessive over crisp text, you'll notice the fuzziness. If you're comparing the Mini to a laptop, you won't."
- "A Retina Display and a lower price would have made the iPad Mini perfect."
- "it's really shockingly nice to hold."
- Regrading smaller bezel: "All I know is that when reading books on the Kindle app or iBooks, holding on the side wasn't a problem."

The Verge

- "I actually had a little trouble holding onto the device when I wasn't using the Smart Cover due to the back being as smooth as it is, and the frame being so thin."
- "There's something endearing about the mini that makes you want to keep it on-hand and use it often."
- "I don't think the lower resolution is a deal-breaker in this product, but it is a compromise you have to be aware of."
- "Battery life was -- not surprisingly -- everything Apple claimed it would be."
- "The iPad mini hasn't wrapped up the "cheapest tablet" market by any stretch of the imagination. But the "best small tablet" market? Consider it captured."

Engadget

- "Overall, the tablet is very comfortable to hold; its thinness and lightness are both attributes that must be perceived first-hand."
- "Colors are very pleasing to the eye and viewing angles, as ever with an Apple display, do not disappoint."
- "In our standard battery run-down test, which entails looping a video with WiFi enabled and a fixed display brightness, the iPad mini managed an astounding 12 hours and 43 minutes."
- "This is, in many ways, Apple's best tablet yet, an incredibly thin, remarkably light, obviously well-constructed device that offers phenomenal battery life. "
- "To consider it just a cheap, tiny iPad is a disservice. This is, simply, a great tablet."

The Guardian

- "Lining those pluses and minuses up against those for the Nexus 7 - which garnered four stars - there's no doubt that this is indeed a five-star device. The 20% difference in comparative price is more than made up by the difference in build quality and software selection."

Loop Insight

- "What I found was surprising to me. I actually used the iPad mini more than my iPad."
- "If you want to save $50 and buy a cheap-ass tablet, go ahead. If you want quality the iPad mini will be waiting for you when you come to your senses."
- "Everything just works on the mini -- all of your old apps, iCloud, everything."

Article Link: First iPad Mini Reviews: "Shockingly Nice to Hold", Non-Retina Display, Pricier than Rivals

TC400 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM

call me crazy but the iPad mini doesn't exist in my world.

ijen0311 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM

Still no interest in owning one.

rei101 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM

I could get two of them if the applications I like runs of it. One is for doing visuals in live shows, the other application is a programmable midi controller to manipulate my MBP.

I will wait to see it at the store and then I will see.

Aidan5806 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:20 PM

So basically they like it, and there aren't any major deal breakers. Thats what i expected and hoped for........its not a perfect tablet.....but no tablet is perfect.

johndoejohndoes · 08:34 PM

I sold my iPad for the Mini and now I'm typing notes for my test on my iMac...I hate it! I'm secluded in my room and miss hanging out in the family room typing the up on my iPad. Hurry up Mini!

KdParker · Oct 30, 2012, 08:22 PM

Nothing we haven't heard before in these reviews.

gadget123 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:23 PM

Make the Ipad 5 thinner, lighter, slate black like Mini/Iphone 5 and it will be better.

Rocketman · Oct 30, 2012, 08:24 PM

This boils down to how much resolution do you really need? The mini is a far better deal than the 2 with the cellular capability when needed. For a remote, a convenience web appliance, car display, near field TV, it's juts fine and especially for those without visual impairments.

Rocketman

BTW the next black should be painted not anodized. I love anodizing. For limited use rocket parts.

Therefore purple!

haruhiko · Oct 30, 2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Image

- "I don't think the lower resolution is a deal-breaker in this product, but it is a compromise you have to be aware of."

- "Colors are very pleasing to the eye and viewing angles, as ever with an Apple display, do not disappoint."

Rev 2 will have the retina display.

I8P'CS · Oct 30, 2012, 08:28 PM

Wow some biased reviews. I guess some don't want to be band from Apple events or want Apple to mention them in the key note. Point blank its a nicer design but specs wise and no retina is a rip off.

TurnTronics · Oct 30, 2012, 08:29 PM

There are times when I am on the move that my iPhone is just too small for typing emails quickly. Instead of carrying around a regular iPad or MBP, the Mini will be a nice compact travel companion.

belltree · Oct 30, 2012, 08:29 PM

My points:

Form factor looks great, very appealing and easy to hold.

No retina is not a show stopper but will likely appear in the next iteration in 2013 so no point in buying now. I will wait and see what happens next spring or fall.

The price is the real show stopper here. Insane pricing. The 16GB price should be for 32GB. Only then would I consider purchasing this device despite my strong desires for it. That said many will open their wallets and blow their $$ on this device and that's what Apple wants.

tech4all · Oct 30, 2012, 08:31 PM

Seems like a decent product. But simply just overpriced. Even more now that you can get a 32GB Nexus 7 for $249. I know some people prefer iOS, but damn paying $80 more and for half the storage. The only thing you gain is a rear camera.

To each his own I suppose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC400

call me crazy but the iPad mini doesn't exist in my world.

Ok...

drew0020 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:34 PM

I'm very worried about the screen especially after these reviews. Waiting till next year.

marc11 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:34 PM

Headline should read "We found all the best comments about the mini and posted them here"....

Radio · Oct 30, 2012, 08:36 PM

I'm still not sure if I should sell my iPad 3 for this smaller version...

Decisions

Radio

rusty2192 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I8P'CS

Wow some biased reviews. I guess some don't want to be band from Apple events or want Apple to mention them in the key note. Point blank its a nicer design but specs wise and no retina is a rip off.

So where can we find your write up from your hands on with an actual device? I mean, you have used one to be so sure, right?

nfl46 · Oct 30, 2012, 08:37 PM

So, the screen is pixelated and it's noticeable from reading the reviews, but it's not a deal breaker for me. I sold my iPad 3 for it. Oh well. I'll just sell the Mini next year and get the Mini 2. Apple resell is always good.

belltree · Oct 30, 2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio

I'm still not sure if I should sell my iPad 3 for this smaller version...

Decisions

Radio

Hold on to your 3 or better yet get the 4. The iPad mini in its current form and pricing is a no go, despite its apparent sexiness, IMO .

justski · Oct 30, 2012, 08:38 PM

Stoked for mine to show up Friday. Got the cover today and love the size. No regrets at all even if it is updated in the spring.

Technarchy · Oct 30, 2012, 08:39 PM

Lots of like in those reviews

iAi · Oct 30, 2012, 08:41 PM

Awesome reviews. Can't wait!!!

KylePowers · Oct 30, 2012, 08:42 PM

Would love to own one. That form factor and size is very appealing. Would easily sell off my iPad 3rd gen for it if it had a retina display. I strongly believe revision 2 will have one, and if it doesn't, I'll see what the iPad 5th gen has to offer.

Still pretty expensive in my opinion. But being the current owner of multiple Apple products, I shouldn't be surprised.

Rocketman · 08:52 PM

An increasing number of folks are posting here complaining about pricing and specs. They and their bretheren are not buying, or using, the other guy. The iPad is the dominant thing. Complain about the $50-80 price premium all you want but it includes prepaid network effects.

As for this Mini not having a Retina display, I suppose you want that before it can be technically hatched, and also at the same time, at a $100 product discount. Um, no. Apple is already the volume producer early mover! Stop whining!

Just Rocketman

AAPL invested over (USD) $50B in factories to lean forward on the insufficient morsels they already dole out. Wasn't enough? Wasn't soon enough? Wasn't quite forward leaning enough? Bah!! They're so pissed about their own performance they fired two key people this week alone. Think about that.

Oct 30, 2012, 08:16 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	First iPad Mini Reviews: "Shockingly Nice to Hold", Non-Retina Display, Pricier than Rivals The embargo has just lifted on the first iPad Mini reviews. Apple has provided some publications with an early review unit of the iPad Mini. We are collecting some of the more interesting points from each review, but you can click each title to read the full writeup. The iPad Mini will officially launch on November 2nd and will likely be available in retail stores beginning at 8am. CNet - "What's unique about the Mini? Without a doubt, it's the design. It's cute, it's discreet, and it's very, very light." - "If you're an obsessive over crisp text, you'll notice the fuzziness. If you're comparing the Mini to a laptop, you won't." - "A Retina Display and a lower price would have made the iPad Mini perfect." - "it's really shockingly nice to hold." - Regrading smaller bezel: "All I know is that when reading books on the Kindle app or iBooks, holding on the side wasn't a problem." The Verge - "I actually had a little trouble holding onto the device when I wasn't using the Smart Cover due to the back being as smooth as it is, and the frame being so thin." - "There's something endearing about the mini that makes you want to keep it on-hand and use it often." - "I don't think the lower resolution is a deal-breaker in this product, but it is a compromise you have to be aware of." - "Battery life was -- not surprisingly -- everything Apple claimed it would be." - "The iPad mini hasn't wrapped up the "cheapest tablet" market by any stretch of the imagination. But the "best small tablet" market? Consider it captured." Engadget - "Overall, the tablet is very comfortable to hold; its thinness and lightness are both attributes that must be perceived first-hand." - "Colors are very pleasing to the eye and viewing angles, as ever with an Apple display, do not disappoint." - "In our standard battery run-down test, which entails looping a video with WiFi enabled and a fixed display brightness, the iPad mini managed an astounding 12 hours and 43 minutes." - "This is, in many ways, Apple's best tablet yet, an incredibly thin, remarkably light, obviously well-constructed device that offers phenomenal battery life. " - "To consider it just a cheap, tiny iPad is a disservice. This is, simply, a great tablet." The Guardian - "Lining those pluses and minuses up against those for the Nexus 7 - which garnered four stars - there's no doubt that this is indeed a five-star device. The 20% difference in comparative price is more than made up by the difference in build quality and software selection." Loop Insight - "What I found was surprising to me. I actually used the iPad mini more than my iPad." - "If you want to save $50 and buy a cheap-ass tablet, go ahead. If you want quality the iPad mini will be waiting for you when you come to your senses." - "Everything just works on the mini -- all of your old apps, iCloud, everything." Article Link: First iPad Mini Reviews: "Shockingly Nice to Hold", Non-Retina Display, Pricier than Rivals
	2

Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM	#2
TC400 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	call me crazy but the iPad mini doesn't exist in my world. __________________ iPod touch 4th Gen 8GB.White iPad 2 16GB Wi-fi+ AT&T 3G iMac 21.5 inch Summer 2010. 3RD Gen Apple TV White iPhone 5 16GB 2012 15 inch rMBP 2.3/256/16 GB hp dv6 hp touchpad
	23

Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM	#3
ijen0311 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2009	Still no interest in owning one.
	45

Oct 30, 2012, 08:20 PM	#5
Aidan5806 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2012	So basically they like it, and there aren't any major deal breakers. Thats what i expected and hoped for........its not a perfect tablet.....but no tablet is perfect. __________________ Aidan Maycock: Future CEO of Apple, inc.
	17

Oct 30, 2012, 08:21 PM	#6
johndoejohndoes macrumors 65816 Join Date: May 2010	I sold my iPad for the Mini and now I'm typing notes for my test on my iMac...I hate it! I'm secluded in my room and miss hanging out in the family room typing the up on my iPad. Hurry up Mini! __________________ 21.5" iMac (2011) \| iPad (4th Generation) 32GB \| iPhone 5 32GB \| iPod Classic 120GB Last edited by johndoejohndoes; Oct 30, 2012 at 08:34 PM.
	8

Oct 30, 2012, 08:19 PM	#4
rei101 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2011	I could get two of them if the applications I like runs of it. One is for doing visuals in live shows, the other application is a programmable midi controller to manipulate my MBP. I will wait to see it at the store and then I will see.
	2

Oct 30, 2012, 08:22 PM	#7
KdParker macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2010	Nothing we haven't heard before in these reviews. __________________ 16g iPhone5 Black ; 16g iPhone5 White; 15" retina - MBP 2.6 GHZ 16 RAM; iPad4 retina
	3

Oct 30, 2012, 08:23 PM	#8
gadget123 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: United Kingdom	Make the Ipad 5 thinner, lighter, slate black like Mini/Iphone 5 and it will be better.
	6

Oct 30, 2012, 08:24 PM	#9
Rocketman macrumors 601 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Claremont, CA	This boils down to how much resolution do you really need? The mini is a far better deal than the 2 with the cellular capability when needed. For a remote, a convenience web appliance, car display, near field TV, it's juts fine and especially for those without visual impairments. Rocketman BTW the next black should be painted not anodized. I love anodizing. For limited use rocket parts. Therefore purple! __________________ Think Different-ly! The President campaigned against Congress. D Sen is led by D Sen ML Reid and D VP and Sen Pres Biden, under orders of D Pres Obama. http://www.gop.gov/indepth/jobs/tracker
	8

Oct 30, 2012, 08:28 PM	#11
I8P'CS macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2010	Wow some biased reviews. I guess some don't want to be band from Apple events or want Apple to mention them in the key note. Point blank its a nicer design but specs wise and no retina is a rip off.
	22

Oct 30, 2012, 08:29 PM	#12
TurnTronics macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Cincinnati, OH	There are times when I am on the move that my iPhone is just too small for typing emails quickly. Instead of carrying around a regular iPad or MBP, the Mini will be a nice compact travel companion. __________________ http://www.turntronics.com http://twitter.com/#!/TurnTronics
	8

Oct 30, 2012, 08:29 PM	#13
belltree macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tokyo, Japan	My points: Form factor looks great, very appealing and easy to hold. No retina is not a show stopper but will likely appear in the next iteration in 2013 so no point in buying now. I will wait and see what happens next spring or fall. The price is the real show stopper here. Insane pricing. The 16GB price should be for 32GB. Only then would I consider purchasing this device despite my strong desires for it. That said many will open their wallets and blow their $$ on this device and that's what Apple wants.
	7

Oct 30, 2012, 08:34 PM	#15
drew0020 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2006	I'm very worried about the screen especially after these reviews. Waiting till next year.
	13

Oct 30, 2012, 08:34 PM	#16
marc11 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NY USA	Headline should read "We found all the best comments about the mini and posted them here".... __________________ Various Apple Products
	28

Oct 30, 2012, 08:36 PM	#17
Radio macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Central California	I'm still not sure if I should sell my iPad 3 for this smaller version... Decisions Radio __________________ iPhone 5 32gb black; iPad (3rd Gen) 32 gb black -- iPhone 4 32 gb black-- iPod classic 64 gb
	2

Oct 30, 2012, 08:37 PM	#19
nfl46 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Oct 2008	So, the screen is pixelated and it's noticeable from reading the reviews, but it's not a deal breaker for me. I sold my iPad 3 for it. Oh well. I'll just sell the Mini next year and get the Mini 2. Apple resell is always good.
	5

Oct 30, 2012, 08:38 PM	#21
justski macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2011	Stoked for mine to show up Friday. Got the cover today and love the size. No regrets at all even if it is updated in the spring.
	6

Oct 30, 2012, 08:39 PM	#22
Technarchy macrumors 68020 Join Date: May 2012	Lots of like in those reviews __________________ Steve Jobs, January 9th 2007, 10:44am: "We filed for over 200 patents for all the inventions in iPhone and we intend to protect them."
	3

Oct 30, 2012, 08:41 PM	#23
iAi macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2012	Awesome reviews. Can't wait!!!
	9

Oct 30, 2012, 08:42 PM	#24
KylePowers macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2011	Would love to own one. That form factor and size is very appealing. Would easily sell off my iPad 3rd gen for it if it had a retina display. I strongly believe revision 2 will have one, and if it doesn't, I'll see what the iPad 5th gen has to offer. Still pretty expensive in my opinion. But being the current owner of multiple Apple products, I shouldn't be surprised.
	6

Oct 30, 2012, 08:44 PM	#25
Rocketman macrumors 601 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Claremont, CA	An increasing number of folks are posting here complaining about pricing and specs. They and their bretheren are not buying, or using, the other guy. The iPad is the dominant thing. Complain about the $50-80 price premium all you want but it includes prepaid network effects. As for this Mini not having a Retina display, I suppose you want that before it can be technically hatched, and also at the same time, at a $100 product discount. Um, no. Apple is already the volume producer early mover! Stop whining! Just Rocketman AAPL invested over (USD) $50B in factories to lean forward on the insufficient morsels they already dole out. Wasn't enough? Wasn't soon enough? Wasn't quite forward leaning enough? Bah!! They're so pissed about their own performance they fired two key people this week alone. Think about that. __________________ Think Different-ly! The President campaigned against Congress. D Sen is led by D Sen ML Reid and D VP and Sen Pres Biden, under orders of D Pres Obama. http://www.gop.gov/indepth/jobs/tracker Last edited by Rocketman; Oct 30, 2012 at 08:52 PM.
	13

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