First Impressions and Hands On with iPad Mini

[jstahmann]

The design is nice but I'm not impressed with the display. I wish they could have gone with a higher resolution. Kindle fire has a better resolution than the this thing. Very disappointed apple.

The iPad mini2 that will come out in April will have a retina screen.

 

[thetruest]

This is true. While I won't say the Touch is now completely useless, it is rather redundant at its current price. Right now, it's only got limited amount of appeal in comparison to the Mini. Its the same price, but not as nice. Drop it down by $50-100, and suddenly it becomes a great inbetween device, perfect for the parents wanting to get something for their kids to use (and probably break), or people who want an MP3 player plus a little more.

At the moment, it's like Apple decided to price the Nano for $20 less than the Touch. Why would anyone Nano when they could get something much more capable for just a tiny bit more?

why is bigger always = "better" in this friggin (fat?) society? As someone mentiond earlier in the thread (and on ignorance), u are goin to pay a premium for miniaturization.

the ipod touch is a very portable device. The mini realy isn't(less u carry a purse! ). Its build also actually seems more impressive than the mini.

I agree though Apple's pricing scheme near the bottom-mid end is awkward (ipod nano vs touch, touch too expensive, mini proly too expensive too).

 

[rtdunham]

Perhaps this has already been covered by why is it that the iPad Mini has Siri and the iPad 2 does not? Am I missing something here?

I'll be interested to see others' answers to this question, because my recollection was that the 2 didn't have adequate processing power to handle Siri--yet doesn't the mini have the same processor as the 2?

 

[Chrjy]

I'll tell you. Literally, on a Monday, I had last year's 15" MBP, and I thought it was the best display I've used. On Tuesday, I had a retina display, and side by side, I couldn't believe my eyes. The non-retina was that bad. Granted, I work on a computer, do web design, illustration, etc. so I'm more aware than the average user. But just use a retina display for say a week, then go back. I couldn't even use non-retina apps after the first week.

I'm also a designer and have designed many websites and now spend my time developing apps for iPhone/iPad and Mac so I'm very aware of the differences in retina displays, especially as the artwork I produce needs to be produced for both retina displays and standard displays and the very reason I mentioned that I definitely notice the difference.

The point I was making is not whether you or I notice the difference but rather whether the average consumer notices the difference and how nearly everyone on this forum now insists that if it's not retina then it's pointless....I just find that particularly OTT.

 

[Icaras]

Yes, I'm already getting sick of all the "if it's not retina, I'm not buying it" nonsense. I have all three ipads in my house hold and honestly, although the iPad 3 is obviously a nicer screen, it's not that much better to most people.

I've tried to show the difference to my family and others and when I rhapsodize about how much better the resolution and color is, they just don't see it. I then have to get them to look very closely at an icon and help them to see the pixels on the iPad 2 and then look at the 3 and they are like "OK..."

With the same number of pixels as the 9.7 inch compressed down to 7.9 inch, I think it will be "semi-retina" for most people.

Then you have the price complainers. "It should have been $299, it's a no go for me at $329" It's $30 stinkin' bucks people! It's a cheap dinner out. If $30 is going to keep you from buying it, you shouldn't be buying a non-essential luxury item like this in the first place.

Yea I think the display is going to look great and I think it's worth the asking price. I'm with you with the price complainers. I simply don't understand myself and you also make a great point: Just skip a dinner one weekend and it's done.

Anyway, I'm certainly convinced with the iPad mini. The screen will be a non-issue for the vast majority of folks. What also blows my mind is that it only weighs 0.68 lb. This will be awesome for long night reads in bed or on the couch. Can't wait to pre-order!

 

[WilliamLondon]

there are MUCH better e-readers than this, includin probably your iphone (if its retina... studies are beginning to show not strainin to read small text is ideal. plus weight, etc.)..

Huh? To whom are you talking and what is the subject?

I think you missed the point of my post entirely because I've not got a clue what you are talking about. My post you referenced was all about people thinking a smaller device is *only* for women. I can't agree or disagree with your comment because I don't understand the context, apologies.

 

[syndalis]

I'll be interested to see others' answers to this question, because my recollection was that the 2 didn't have adequate processing power to handle Siri--yet doesn't the mini have the same processor as the 2?

Not the processor - it was the Microphones lack of noise canceling that was a much bigger issue.

the iPad Mini has dual microphones in it.

 

[ZenErik]

Retina displays are important to me too. I didn't get this years rMBP but will definitely be looking to get one next year. Just need to save up $3000... Some serious cash there. I look forward to when these kinds of displays are standard.

Another thing that put me off is the A5. Already outdated. I know everything gets outdated quickly these days, but I would have felt better about the mini with the significantly faster A6. It's not a minor upgrade like A4 to A5.

 

[Chrjy]

It's definitely more noticeable side-by-side. The crispness of the font is what really gets to me as a book reader. Non-retina just doesn't compare and it is very easy to spot the difference once you know what you're looking for (font sharpness).

So I would imagine you notice all the pixelated images on the web when using your retina display then and all the other software that has not been updated with the necessary graphics....must be incredibly annoying!

 

[xofruitcake]

I'd use this primarily for surfing. Websites can't be viewed fully in either 768 or 1024 horizontal pixels. This is why the Retina display in the full-size iPad was so important.

The iPad mini's display will go "Retina" next year or the year after. I'll stick with iPad 4 until then.

If surfing is what you want then you really don't want any 7 inches tablet with 16:9 ratio.. They show a couple of web page side by side and Nexus 7 one look so small . Once you look at it, you would want an Ipad mini instead

 

[seajewel]

So I would imagine you notice all the pixelated images on the web when using your retina display then and all the other software that has not been updated with the necessary graphics....must be incredibly annoying!

I read a lot more than I browse the web, but thanks for the sarcasm. I'd prefer sharper font while reading over problems with "all the other software that has not been updated"

 

[xofruitcake]

Retina displays are important to me too. I didn't get this years rMBP but will definitely be looking to get one next year. Just need to save up $3000... Some serious cash there. I look forward to when these kinds of displays are standard.

Another thing that put me off is the A5. Already outdated. I know everything gets outdated quickly these days, but I would have felt better about the mini with the significantly faster A6. It's not a minor upgrade like A4 to A5.

You could get an Ipad 4 but you won't... because you want the smaller form factor.. next year when A6 is available in Ipad mini, you want something else... It is good to have choices..

 

[WilliamLondon]

The iPad mini2 that will come out in April will have a retina screen.

Yep, and if you buy one now and sell it then your "rental" of the device from now to then will be nearly insignificant. With Apple, the best advice always is to buy now, sell when you want to upgrade, your device you buy today will always retain a better resale value than other products. And the biggest bonus is that you'll have enjoyed a device (you love or nearly love) for the entire time you either waited for a perfect product (and did without) or waited for the same perfect product (while sufficing with an inferior manufacturer's product).

Your choice: 1) nothing enjoyed now, wait till later, yawn, yawn, yawn; 2) semi-perfect, lots of enjoyment now; sell and buy when latest is released. Which do you choose?

 

[Chrjy]

I read a lot more than I browse the web, but thanks for the sarcasm. I'd prefer sharper font while reading over problems with "all the other software that has not been updated"

It wasn't sarcasm actually but rather the fact you mentioned how incredibly sharp the retina displays are and I totally agree but there are trade-offs currently, at least on the MBPr.

 

[Kebabselector]

I think that's the christmas present for myself sorted.

 

[lilo777]

If surfing is what you want then you really don't want any 7 inches tablet with 16:9 ratio.. They show a couple of web page side by side and Nexus 7 one look so small . Once you look at it, you would want an Ipad mini instead

Image

Image

Why? By this logic no one would ever buy iPad Mini but buy regular iPad instead. The two image comparisons are misleading (what else would anyone expect from Apple?) Apple picked up a page that is short and fits completely on one screen (when tablet is in portrait position). This way they masked the fact that Android tablet displays more content in portrait mode.

 

[JAT]

Let me be clear, anyone who can't tell the difference is either lying or doesn't have on their glasses. It's not even close for me.

Granted, I work on a computer, do web design, illustration, etc. so I'm more aware than the average user.

Well, you've answered your own question, you aren't everybody. Let me tell you, it's not whether "average" people can see as well as you....they just don't care. You can do this many ways. Compare DVD to VHS, or BD to DVD, or iPad3/4 to iPad1/2, whatever. They just don't care enough to see it.

I have the same issue with audio. I sit there and say, "don't you hear that?" No, they don't.

 

[Chrjy]

This way they masked the fact that Android tablet displays more content in portrait mode.

Am I missing something here...how so?

----------

Well, you've answered your own question, you aren't everybody. Let me tell you, it's not whether "average" people can see as well as you....they just don't care. You can do this many ways. Compare DVD to VHS, or BD to DVD, or iPad3/4 to iPad1/2, whatever. They just don't care enough to see it.

I have the same issue with audio. I sit there and say, "don't you hear that?" No, they don't.

We need to get together...finally someone who understands.

Sometimes I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall when someone stares at me with a blank expression!

 

[Renzatic]

why is bigger always = "better" in this friggin (fat?) society? As someone mentiond earlier in the thread (and on ignorance), u are goin to pay a premium for miniaturization.

If bigger always equals better according to (fat olol i'm edgy) society, then why do we pay a premium for miniaturization? Hell, why release the Mini at all if that were the case?

Bigger is better when you're reading or typing something. You have more room to navigate, more room for the text and pictures on a webpage without having to shrink everything down to ridiculously small sizes to fit on the screen. Do you use your iPhone to browse the internet 24/7? Did you reply to my posting using it? Probably not. The iPhone is great for looking something up quickly, but it's not something you'd want to use for extended amounts of time unless you had to.

Reading books and browsing the internet will be much easier on an iPad Mini than they would be on the iPod Touch. It's a better general usage device altogether.

 

[kalsta]

A lot of words, a lot of snark, absolutely no point made cept OLOL CARZ!

It isn't about price. Tell me exactly why someone would buy the iPod Touch when they can get an iPad Mini for just a little more that's better across the board at doing what the Touch does?

Slightly more portability? Is that it?

In addition to portability, you have the storage difference, which someone mentioned earlier in the thread. It's not fair to compare the price of the 32 GB iPod Touch with the 16 GB iPad mini as some people have been doing. Here's a fairer comparison:

iPad mini 32GB: $429
iPod touch 32GB $299

That's a fair difference in price!

 

[ZenErik]

You could get an Ipad 4 but you won't... because you want the smaller form factor.. next year when A6 is available in Ipad mini, you want something else... It is good to have choices..

Actually, I was thinking about getting the 4th gen iPad. But in the end, any iPad is not something I NEED. It's basically a toy. I understand that some people can get by with just an iPad or need them for work. For me, just a toy.

I would do some reading on it. Browse with it at times. Maybe watch a few videos.. But most of my videos are MKV. I've tried remuxing programs. Not that easy for a lot of videos.

All that said, It does not mean that I won't be getting a 4th gen ipad. It's just not of great importance.

 

[kalsta]

"Who wants to watch video on a little 3 inch screen? No one, that's who! Let the competition waste their time with useless hardware. Apple doesn't deal with pointless products!"

And yet they once again added video playback to the new Nano, which has a 2.5 inch display.

Edit: Oops! Just noticed that's exactly the point you were making!

 

[AppleInTheMud]

Im I the only one thinking



iPad Mini and iPod Touch have the same price... ? I see the iPod Touch is more portable for sports and so... But anyway. If you only use at home, it seems Apple just made the iPod Touch a bad buy.

In Denmark they have the same price. - I know the iPad is 16 GB and the Touch is 32...

And why the h*** is iPod Touch SO expensive ?

Oh Just saw, IM NOT THE ONLY ONE :-D

 

[thetruest]

wut v tokkin boout?

Seriously, I've no idea what your comment regards.

Learn the english alphabet then. It wasnt that hard - nor were there that many misspellings/typos (i said 'u' instead of 'you'?). Learn english.

thanks.

 

[kalsta]

Im I the only one thinking

iPad Mini and iPod Touch have the same price... ? I see the iPod Touch is more portable for sports and so... But anyway. If you only use at home, it seems Apple just made the iPod Touch a bad buy.

And why the h*** is iPod Touch SO expensive ?

Oh Just saw, IM NOT THE ONLY ONE :-D

At the risk of repeating myself:

iPad mini 32GB: $429
iPod touch 32GB $299

The iPad mini is over 43% more expensive for the same storage option.