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Retina iPad Mini Launching with Personal Pickup, but No U.S. In-Store Availability Yet [Updated]
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Well I went in to my local Apple store this evening to compare both ipads--only the ipad Air was available. The mini was available to pick up if I ordered one, but I couldn't see one first (huh?!?)
I played with the ipad mini 1 (non-retina) and honestly I couldn't tell a difference with the screen. I'm sure the new one would look better, but the old one looked great to me, and I use my retina ipod touch every day.
To me the biggest difference between the two is not the size, but the weight. Although it's much less of a difference now with the air getting so lightweight. I'll probably go with the air, but guess I'll wait for the big Thanksgiving deals--up to $100 off at Target!
I played with the ipad mini 1 (non-retina) and honestly I couldn't tell a difference with the screen. I'm sure the new one would look better, but the old one looked great to me, and I use my retina ipod touch every day.
To me the biggest difference between the two is not the size, but the weight. Although it's much less of a difference now with the air getting so lightweight. I'll probably go with the air, but guess I'll wait for the big Thanksgiving deals--up to $100 off at Target!
Ordered mine online this morning to be shipped next week, then Apple allows in store pickup. So I cancelled my order and purchased again for in store pickup. Haha. Now I'm typing on the mini retina. So far so good. Kinda like it better than the full size pad.
I was checking much of the morning and afternoon to no avail, but then around 3pm suddenly every store in the LA/OC area had immediately availability. I placed my order and received a confirmation email for pickup within 40 minutes.
They have the WiFi models available, but NOT the WiFi + Cellular ones. I'm sorta torn between having an iPad Air or the retina mini.
So, I am in the same boat. When they first announced the iPads having the same specs, I wasn't sure I was even going to upgrade. But I ended up getting the iPad Air, and it's been really nice. However, then the mini came out today, and I'm like... Hmmm... So... I swung by the Apple store, and picked one up to kinda see which one I prefer. The problem is now I really like both tablets, but I know only one would be my heavy lifter. (Ironic, I know.)
The form factor for the mini is super duper nice. However, my eyes are becoming worse over the years (work on a computer screen all day), so the mini is... less appealing for that reason, but it does fit in my pocket, and looks very nice, but feels a bit constrained.
The full sized iPad is what I'm used to. It's a good solid iPad that feels good in the hands, and is also light enough to carry in the hands with out feeling like the older iPads did when laying in bed or similar. (I've just come from using an iPad as my computer at home for the last 2 years, so that's pretty important to me.)
Weight difference, it's almost negligible, and I can't tell a huge difference. It's almost as though the iPad Air is actually lighter, but that could be due to more surface area on the rear of the iPad. There have been times where I'm worried I'm going to break the Air by like poking it, or something similar.
The iPad mini does have some noticeable heft to it, but I didn't know the mini from last year either. Also, the mini, oddly enough, seemed to boot just a tiny bit faster, (may be due to the lack of cellular antennas, or apps on the iPad which may or may not slow it down).
Which one I'll keep? Last week, hands down would have been the Air. However, work recently got me a laptop, so I'm not relying solely on the iPad for my computing. So the iPad mini may be my iPad from here on out. I'll take a week and get back to you.
In Sydney Australia ...
Rang the department store David Jones in Brookvale this arvo and nothing in stock with no idea when arriving.
Happened to be in North Sydney at 5.30pm and asked at JB HiFi - assistant said they had them out the back but won't be putting them out for sale until tomorrow. Decided not to press the issue.
So non-apple shops should have them on the shelves tomorrow, for a little while anyway
Rang the department store David Jones in Brookvale this arvo and nothing in stock with no idea when arriving.
Happened to be in North Sydney at 5.30pm and asked at JB HiFi - assistant said they had them out the back but won't be putting them out for sale until tomorrow. Decided not to press the issue.
So non-apple shops should have them on the shelves tomorrow, for a little while anyway
Anyone know if the accessories (cases mainly) are in store yet - more specifically in the Birmingham (UK) store!
Full stock of first party Smart Covers and the new leather Smart Cases for the mini in stock at Apple Trafford Centre yesterday - plenty of every colour including the Product (RED) ones. Got the latter leather smart case to go with the new rMini. Much better fit than the full sized smart case was for my 3rd gen iPad.
Otherwise all of the accessories for the old non-retina mini are fully compatible with the new retina one.
Anyone gather any additional info on Dallas, TX stores? I'm refreshing regularly and still nothing today - figure perhaps around Noon?
I didn't know if anyone had talked to a more forthcoming Apple employee than I had....
I didn't know if anyone had talked to a more forthcoming Apple employee than I had....
still haven't seen anything in Dallas. I am omw to Montreal today and they are allowing reservations at their stores. I reserved one for pickup tonight. with the favorable exchange rate, it's a little bit cheaper.
I also have one arriving on Monday (32gig grey) and would be willing to sell if this weekend is empty in the metroplex.
I also have one arriving on Monday (32gig grey) and would be willing to sell if this weekend is empty in the metroplex.
Best Buy
Just stopping in a best buy in Toledo, OH. They had #6 16GB white and #6 64GB black. Also said they were going to be getting another UPS shipment today and were expecting more models.
Just stopping in a best buy in Toledo, OH. They had #6 16GB white and #6 64GB black. Also said they were going to be getting another UPS shipment today and were expecting more models.
Does it bug anyone else that Apple's iPad don't come with earbuds. C'mon Apple
I guess it would raise the price if they did include them.
On a more serious note, question about the Space Gray iPads. I notice that the bezel is Black/Gray. When this bezel is scratched, does it reveal black Aluminum or raw Silver Aluminum?
I may have to gran a white version instead if it scratches are more visible.
I guess it would raise the price if they did include them.
On a more serious note, question about the Space Gray iPads. I notice that the bezel is Black/Gray. When this bezel is scratched, does it reveal black Aluminum or raw Silver Aluminum?
I may have to gran a white version instead if it scratches are more visible.
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Haha, I was just teasing.
Just a heads up, when you can't see somebody's face or hear their tone of voice, it can be hard to tell when somebody is teasing or not so it can be helpful to air on the side of caution.
Welcome to the internet, friend. If you are easily offended, this is the wronnnng place for you.
Also, it's "err" (as in "error"), not "air."