I looked at one last week and didn't think the screen was bad, it's definitely no retina. The colors we're vibrant and the text is better than my 1920x1080 monitor. My problem is with the processor and memory. I remember what my iPhone 4s was like when I installed 80+ apps on it and 10-15 or more we're running in the background. They always run great in the store but how does it work when it's being taxed?
I have well over 100 apps on the device, more like 140 or so. I try and keep only 6 - 8 open at the same time - I mean, what's the point, most load instantaneously and you can't use more than that at any one time (plus you get notifications), but right now I've got 18 apps open (wow!) and I didn't even realise it (there is no noticeable lag).
The processor and memory discussion misses usability and *assumes* to know something sight unseen.
While the analogy is a tad harsh, it's very, VERY difficult to go from a retina display to the mini - for SOME people. I happen to be one of those people. The mini's display is very, very dated, which is a shame.
Apple is clearly using the mini as a test for what's to come. A retina-display mini will be an insta-buy for me, at any "reasonable" price.
One exaggeration traded for another. I don't agree at all, and I mostly think this because the device is more than merely a display (though, that was one criterium I had - "does it display PDFs well?" - which it does!), it's the whole package, the size, the weight, the thinness of it, the beauty, the feel of it. For me, the size was key. Yes, I think the display can be improved, and I look forward to seeing an improved version in an upgrade, but until then, I've got a new device in my hands here with me now that I enjoy daily, a device which is so exciting and lovely I can hardly believe I actually own one!
My question to you is, what if gen 2 doesn't come with a retina screen? Will you *keep* waiting? If so, just how important is form factor (and all the rest of the wonderful that this device offers) to you?