First Impressions and Hands On with iPad Mini

[SockRolid]

Mildly entertaining reading all the trollspam in this thread. Trying to simultaneously insult Apple, dismiss the iPad mini, and plant competing product names in the thread.

I just hope Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are paying the trollspammers well.
You know who you are.

 

[xofruitcake]

That's a very Apple-centric way of thinking. While some Android tablets have 7" screens there are also tablet models with 7.7" screens (and other sizes like 8.9 etc.). And why exactly 3:2 screens are better for web browsing? It's not like web content is formatted this way (it is not). So, while 16:9 tablets do have clear advantage when viewing movies, they do not have any disadvantage with web content. They are just smaller but then again there are Android tablets of all kinds of sizes.

This is the problem:

Surfing web in Nexus 7 landscape mode is unusable... With the tab taking some of the space and there is not enough room in the browser to show the picture in this particular webpage. What is the other android tablet that has 8 inches or so at the price point that is comparable?

 

[knightlie]

Not that excisting or impressive. It's just a smaller iPad. Still runs the same OS.

Boooorrrriiinnnnngggg....

Now I gotta wait another 2 years for iPhone 6 and probably a Retina Air.

Screw Apple.

Wow......

 

[macfacts]

...its not always an issue of your most used apps, but what kinda apps u can have available to you when you decide or want to use them. but anyway:

f.lux
siri
Pro tube
notability (i think better than evernote)
waze
garageband
google maps
star walk
safari (of which i prefer over other mobile browsers like chrome or mercury, especially wit plugins and tweaks)
gasbuddy

sure theres more but can't think of em at the moment, as well as ones i don't use DAILY, but love to use when i do.

as far as i can tell.. over half of those are only on iOS.

f.lux <-- only for jailbroken ios devices lol, so step 1 pray for jb
siri <-- only the newest ios devices can use them (i love fragmentation)
Pro tube <-- another jb only app and most likely equal to features/functions/usability to google's youtube app
garageband <-- you got me there, i dont know of a similar app on android
google maps <-- this must be a ios exclusive app, right?
star walk <-- got me again, i dont know of a similar app on android
safari <-- ...
gasbuddy <-- same app on android as well

So this is it? By listing some jb apps as your fav, you admit that ios is locked down and restrictive.

People keep using the word, apple ecosystem. I think vendor lock in is a better term.

Also, saying ios has more apps is possibly false cause there are over "400,000 apps which get no downloads, are invisible to users and have no ranking." source: http://gigaom.com/europe/app-store-infested-with-zombie-software-claims-analytics-startup-adeven/

 

[TC25]

He is living in hope, like the rest of us,

Speak for yourself.

one day Apple will open the floodgates and cease these incremental updates.

Simple solution, don't buy each new update. Duh.

is done through cheap labor

The real reason for your tirade, western, left wing, capitalist bashing.

brainwashing people into thinking they have to have the latest. Just read through all the comments of those whinging that they now have an outdated iPad! Brainwashing at it's best, or worst.

But we're so fortunate to have people like you who are smarter and wiser and immune to the brainwashing to rescue us. More like sanctimony at its best, or worst.

 

[macfacts]

This is the problem:

Image

Image

Surfing web in Nexus 7 landscape mode is unusable... With the tab taking some of the space and there is not enough room in the browser to show the picture in this particular webpage. What is the other android tablet that has 8 inches or so at the price point that is comparable?

The nexus 7 has a res of 1280x800 and the ipad1/2/mini have a res of 1024x768

Apple used some sneaky tricks to make the smaller resolution display more of the web page. They made the android tablet show the address bar and page tabs (but photoshoped them out of the picture)

This is the real content you can see on a android tablet with a screen res of 1280x800

 

[wrkactjob]

I lasted 2 days before I returned my Nexus 7.

You're braver than me.

Took me a week before I returned it!...though er I am actually enjoying my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0....though only really use it for movie watching, as the 16:9 aspect is ideal and it slips into a jeans back pocket easily.

Seeing as they have upgraded the iPad to A6 I feel more tempted to go for that now than the mini.

Once its in the stores and we can have some 'hands on' time will be the proof of the pudding.

 

[HardRain]

But we're so fortunate to have people like you who are smarter and wiser and immune to the brainwashing to rescue us. More like sanctimony at its best, or worst.

No need to take it personally and get all upset. It was just simple observation. I still love Apple, but acknowledge that no one is perfect and there is nothing wrong with analysis. Sorry if your small mind can't handle a bit of critiquing.

 

[WilliamLondon]

The experience doesn't change much with a slight speed boost and reduction in form-factor. It's in the OS. How you interact with it. I expect Apple to push the limits of HCI. And build the best, most intuitive UI for that experience.

My expectations were certainly met as I didn't expect anything worthwhile from today's product annoucment. The mini only exists because there's a demand for a smaller form-factor. It's certainly not a product designed around a new vision.

That's certainly fair, I just have wanted one for a long time and never considered that the OS wouldn't also work great on this smaller form factor. That's not to say it couldn't be improved. It'd be interesting to see how else they could improve it to make it more perfect for this new device, perhaps over time we will see? Any ideas you have? It'll be interested to have a play with it and discover any elements that don't work for it as well as they could.

 

[anthonyp01]

Something in me is saying "NO!". I love my Nexus 7 and I already have an iPad 2. Can you have too many tablets? Plus it doesn't have an anti glare screen which I just wish someone would do.

I think the Kindle Fire has anti glare but I've been told the app store is naff.

 

[kalsta]

That's absolutely right...as far as it goes...
But you are also paying for a larger screen.

Sure. Personally, I still think it's a bit overpriced. In any case, I was just correcting the commenters who were claiming that the iPad mini was almost the same price as an iPod Touch and predicting that no one would buy the Touch anymore.

Here's the thing- for some people, the touch is perfect.
For some people, the iPad 4 is perfect.
And for some other people, the iPad Mini is perfect. It truly depends upon your desired use.
It never ceases to amaze me how some folks on MR (not speaking about you, kalsta) think that THEIR way is the only way and that they are, somehow, "right" while those who disagree with them are "wrong".
People have different needs and desires here.
This adds an additional option.

Right. People sure do get passionate about what devices they do and don't like on these forums. Many would do well to remember, it's okay to not like things!

 

[thetruest]

f.lux <-- only for jailbroken ios devices lol, so step 1 pray for jb
siri <-- only the newest ios devices can use them (i love fragmentation)
Pro tube <-- another jb only app and most likely equal to features/functions/usability to google's youtube app
garageband <-- you got me there, i dont know of a similar app on android
google maps <-- this must be a ios exclusive app, right?
star walk <-- got me again, i dont know of a similar app on android
safari <-- ...
gasbuddy <-- same app on android as well

So this is it? By listing some jb apps as your fav, you admit that ios is locked down and restrictive.

People keep using the word, apple ecosystem. I think vendor lock in is a better term.

Also, saying ios has more apps is possibly false cause there are over "400,000 apps which get no downloads, are invisible to users and have no ranking." source: http://gigaom.com/europe/app-store-infested-with-zombie-software-claims-analytics-startup-adeven/

"f.lux <-- only for jailbroken ios devices lol, so step 1 pray for jb"

Nice try. Its still not even available on android at all. Rather be able to attain it - if only on a jailbreak - than not period, and this one app alone is almost basicaly a deal-breaker for me. And no, u dont need to pray for a jb seriously all my devices are JB its very ez, try gettin a clue.

"siri <-- only the newest ios devices can use them (i love fragmentation)"

Siri actualy works fine on everythin 3GS and up (and extremely convenient with some jailbreak tweaks, some also almost a similar deal-breaker) - and per the subject of your original post, is present on the new iPad mini and 4 as well.

"google maps <-- this must be a ios exclusive app, right?"

Uhh Whoever implied that clown? I duno, is it? If you actualy lookd it up, were you not able to understand and read what was written about it???


Pro tube - no, not equal to functionality of the youtube app (lol). it allows you to download clips as HQ vids and mp3 files, and watch everythin available on youtube. But, theres probably somethin similar on android.

"safari <-- ..."

i have an entire folder of mobile browser apps on 2 different devices, and mobile safari is still better than all of them in alot of ways if not entirely.. especially with jailbreak plugins. It is also currently the fastest performing mobile browser.

You asked for most used apps. Was i supposed to exclude my web browser?

"So this is it? By listing some jb apps as your fav, you admit that ios is locked down and restrictive. "

No, actualy i show that these apps (all 2 of em btw.. out of 7) though they are only on a jailbreak, are STILL not even available on android per your original question u dense narrowminded nerd. More nice tries.

"People keep using the word, apple ecosystem. I think vendor lock in is a better term."

Glad to see android cant even get the JAILBREAK apps on its stupid "open" ****.


here, since the rough list of 7 out of 10 "most-used" apps that arent on android, which answered your question straight and DIRECTLY still wasnt good enough for u (lol), this should explain the situation more succinctly for you:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1306332/

 

[Nee412]

I wasn't blown away by the iPad mini announcement, it was sort of everything I expected. Although I did expect an A6 and not a dual-core A5.

I still want one though. A smaller tablet suits my needs more than the larger iPad. Basically a sofa/bedroom internet browser, something to pass time on a night shift at work, and ditto on long train journeys. Specs wise I know that it's nothing special compared to the Nexus 7. I've tried a Nexus 7 though and I didn't like the OS.

Before someone jumps in to defend the Nexus 7 and trash my comment, I don't like Android 4.1 Jellybean because I'm used to iOS and it doesn't seem as simple to me. That's my personal opinion. I'm sure if I'd used to Jellybean as much as I've used iOS then it would be easier for me to just pick up and use the Nexus 7. Fact is I have an Apple ecosystem and I want a smaller tablet, seems like the iPad mini is my best option.

My main concern though is the obvious one, the screen. I'm tempted to pre-order, but then I'm also tempted to wait and try a demo model before I buy. I personally see display as an important thing when buying a tablet. After previously noting that the Nexus 7 has one of the few screens I can compare to an iPad's in quality, I'm worried the mini won't match up to the standard.

 

[samcraig]

There's a reason why Safari tends to be the best browser on iOS devices - it's because every other browser is just a skin over webkit. You're never getting a real "different" browser under the hood.

f.lux <-- only for jailbroken ios devices lol, so step 1 pray for jb
siri <-- only the newest ios devices can use them (i love fragmentation)
Pro tube <-- another jb only app and most likely equal to features/functions/usability to google's youtube app
garageband <-- you got me there, i dont know of a similar app on android
google maps <-- this must be a ios exclusive app, right?
star walk <-- got me again, i dont know of a similar app on android
safari <-- ...
gasbuddy <-- same app on android as well

So this is it? By listing some jb apps as your fav, you admit that ios is locked down and restrictive.

People keep using the word, apple ecosystem. I think vendor lock in is a better term.

Also, saying ios has more apps is possibly false cause there are over "400,000 apps which get no downloads, are invisible to users and have no ranking." source: http://gigaom.com/europe/app-store-infested-with-zombie-software-claims-analytics-startup-adeven/

 

[TC25]

No need to take it personally and get all upset. It was just simple observation. I still love Apple, but acknowledge that no one is perfect and there is nothing wrong with analysis. Sorry if your small mind can't handle a bit of critiquing.

Thanks for fulfilling my expectations of you; When challenged, insult.

 

[tweaknmod]

All that talk about the lightness of the mini... the iPad 3rd Gen I'm using to write this is starting to feel like a brick.

Sigh... Yet another fishy takes the bait... and the bait has been sitting in the bucket a bit long...

*Flashy ads make Product X look magical*

"Hey this really is magic!"

*Not-so-flashy ads make the New Product X look even magicalier*

"pffft.. why did I buy this piece of junk?! The new Product X is where it's at!"

 

[HardRain]

Thanks for fulfilling my expectations of you; When challenged, insult.

Yeah, I probably shouldn't have stooped to the level that you set in the first place, with your shallow insults. Lessoned learnt. Thank you.

 

[FieldingMellish]

Nice try. Its still not even available on android at all. Rather be able to attain it - if only on a jailbreak - than not period, and this one app alone is almost basicaly a deal-breaker for me. And no, u dont need to pray for a jb seriously all my devices are JB its very ez, try gettin a clue.



Siri actualy works fine on everythin 3GS and up (and extremely convenient with some jailbreak tweaks, some also almost a similar deal-breaker) - and per the subject of your original post, is present on the new iPad mini and 4 as well.



Uhh Whoever implied that clown? I duno, is it? If you actualy lookd it up, were you not able to understand and read what was written about it???


Pro tube - no, not equal to functionality of the youtube app (lol). it allows you to download clips as HQ vids and mp3 files, and watch everythin available on youtube. But, theres probably somethin similar on android.



i have an entire folder of mobile browser apps on 2 different devices, and mobile safari is still better than all of them in alot of ways if not entirely.. especially with jailbreak plugins. It is also currently the fastest performing mobile browser.

You asked for most used apps. Was i supposed to exclude my web browser?



No, actualy i show that these apps (all 2 of em btw.. out of 7) though they are only on a jailbreak, are STILL not even available on android per your original question u dense narrowminded nerd. More nice tries.



Glad to see android cant even get the JAILBREAK apps on its stupid "open" ****.


here, since the rough list of 7 out of 10 "most-used" apps that arent on android, which answered your question straight and DIRECTLY still wasnt good enough for u (lol), this should explain the situation more succinctly for you:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1306332/

Nobody reads posts where the author takes issue on a sentence by sentence basis.

 

[rendevouspoo]

Apple's main priority isn't to make a device to compete with the Fire or Nexus. Instead, they want to make a great iPad for people who really want a smaller screen.

Lol. That's BS and you know it.

 

[fertilized-egg]

Apple used some sneaky tricks to make the smaller resolution display more of the web page.

It's simply that Apple's 4:3 aspect ratio display is significantly larger and shows more content when you're dealing websites or books.

This is not an Android vs. iOS problem but rather one between 4:3 vs. 16:10 aspect ratios on a tablet. The wider aspect ratio is better for movies and arguably for many games but worse for most other things, especially if you have content made for reading.

They made the android tablet show the address bar and page tabs (but photoshoped them out of the picture)

They did that with the iPad too so it was a fair comparison. This is what I get from a full screen viewing of the page on the iPad against the one you've uploaded. Sorry about the larger page on the iPad image but that's the browser doing it.

 

[Sedrick]

I was kinda thinking about it after seeing the video but without retina it's kinda a no. Wonder when apple will get to the point of all retina for every product.

I like the fact that it would fit in a jacket pocket. I'm 6'1 so my jacket pockets are kinda big.

But when I look at the iPad 3 I think this is kinda small already.lol. I might get the 4th gen iPad just to have the new connector.

You kids and your 'retina' this and your 'retina' that, lol.

You'd be hard pressed to even tell the difference on a device that small. Certainly not a deal breaker. What is a deal breaker is the astronomical price tag.

'Course, if some can spend the same amount on an orange leather pouch for an iPhone I guess it's not that crazy.

 

[fertilized-egg]

What is a deal breaker is the astronomical price tag.

I'm personally more disappointed that Apple didn't go with an A6 chip at that price. But given the new iPod Touch doesn't have it, the chance was slim.

 

[milo]

It's simply that Apple's 4:3 aspect ratio display is significantly larger and shows more content when you're dealing websites or books.

This is not an Android vs. iOS problem but rather one between 4:3 vs. 16:10 aspect ratios on a tablet. The wider aspect ratio is better for movies and arguably for many games but worse for most other things, especially if you have content made for reading.

The kindle and nexus are both 1200x800, higher resolution in both dimensions. Of course their screens will show the content a bit smaller, but with more pixels, how could they possibly show less content?

 

[phpmaven]

I agree, most people don't notice, I know I definitely do but that's just me.

I show my girlfriend and she goes "Nah, not seeing it", I show her HD TV she goes "Nah, not seeing it"

What amazes me most is that Retina Displays haven't been out that long and now people are like "Oh well, if it doesn't have retina it must be sh**"!

I wonder what people would be saying if there was no such thing as retina displays?

LOL. My wife will regularly watch the non-HD version of a show even though there's an HD channel showing the same show. She doesn't seem to see a difference. And don't even get me started on 720p vs 1080p.

 

[geoffrevB]

Apple is charging the same price, $2199, for the 13rMBP 2.9GHz dual core i7 with integrated GPU and the 15rMBP 2.3 GHz quad core i7 with dedicated GPU (all the other specs are the same). WTF?