I often agree with you, but not this time. I think the pattern will repeat itself. Just as the iPod mini/nano went on to sell more than the iPod, the iPad mini will eventually eclipse the iPad. Perhaps not in its first iteration, but eventually. Only time will tell.
You make valid points, but mine concerns a matter of principle. In virtually ALL other devices produced by Apple, you would see a clear pattern of innovation, boldness and uniqueness. Try it:
- Every iPod model;
- every Mac model (Mac Mini for its size and integration, iMac for its AIO edge, MacPro for its excellent expandability/case design etc.);
- the original iPhone, followed by evolutionary iterations;
- the original iPad, followed by evolutionary iterations.
The iPad Mini?
It doesn't create a new market, it doesn't bring anything new to the table. Just a smaller iPad, really, clumsily marketed between the iPod Touch and the normal iPad. Build quality is tops, of course - but the iPad Mini is, indeed, one of the FIRST Apple devices specifically created as a "me-too" product, something to pursue competitors in covering a perceived portion of a market (smaller screen tablets).
I will still probably buy one to replace my Dad's iPad 1 - but I'd never buy one to use beside my iPad or normal computer.
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I'm American and I am Hispanic. I don't get offended if someone says I'm American overseas.
"Hispanic" is not a race either, no matter how much the stupid average US citizen wishes to label any Latin American speaking Spanish as "Latino" instead of "Caucasian"; in fact, most Spanish-speaking Latin Americans have even more European genes than the average US citizen...and no, I do not speak Spanish.