Retina iPad Mini Supplies Improving for Holidays

[Gudi]

Why do I have the feeling that you actually haven't gone and SEEN the rMini's display in person, and are using articles and forum posts about color gamut in lieu of personal observation?

Because I don't need to see it, I just need to know about it and can not un-see it ever again.

​

I'm perfectly sure the rMini's screen looks as impressive as every super high-density display with bad coloring.
That makes it even more annoying.

 

[TMay]

I agree, I'm sure the demand is exceptional, and Apple is moving mountains to get these devices into as many hands as possible for the holidays, I'm deliberating one myself!

It's just funny how perception can be swayed so dramatically by the onslaught of 'analyst reports' and baseless rumours about low demands and yields for products. Especially after all this fear mongering about the 5C, which, if you'd believe an analyst - has barely sold a single unit.

In any case, it's great to see reports about how well the new mini is selling. I'd also love Apple to be bit more transparent and bullish about their sales numbers, but I know the likes of Sammy will push a few million more devices to retailers to bolster their sell-in numbers and fake a bigger total.

Apologies, I'm writing a negative post - complaining about negative posts!

Well, your location may give better insight into market trends than where I sit, and while I do think that the Apple/Samsung duopoly will hold for awhile, sooner or later, manufacturer's in Asia will be directly marketing against those two.

 

[proline]

And there's no doubt that a phenomenal success story for Apple does not equal a phenomenal success for users of Apple products, because not everyone is a stockholder. People not buying the iPad mini, most likely already have a better screen in form of an iPad 3, 4 or iPad Air. iPad mini owners are missing out on all the marvelous colors in these less than one year old devices. I feel sorry for them.

The colors on the Retina Mini are just as good as last year's Mini or the iPad 1 and 2. Obviously it would have been nice had they matched the latest devices, but the screen certainly isn't bad. This update got rid of most of the Mini's shortcomings; next year's update will likely get rid of the rest.

 

[BornAgainApple]

Not buying one until they fix the sRGB display issue.

 

[Gudi]

The colors on the Retina Mini are just as good as last year's Mini or the iPad 1 and 2.

The resolution of the first iPad mini was so low, that I couldn't even see any problems with the colors. But that was iOS 6, with iOS 7 all icons are reduced to simple color gradients. Now it's even more important to have correct colors.

 

[fertilized-egg]

People not buying the iPad mini, most likely already have a better screen in form of an iPad 3, 4 or iPad Air. iPad mini owners are missing out on all the marvelous colors in these less than one year old devices. I feel sorry for them.

With the Retina iPad Mini, they have a device that's nearly four times as fast as the iPad 3, generates less heat, has about the same battery life, has the same resolution and does all this at less than half the weight and a lower price point. I don't feel sorry for them at all and this is coming from a person who's not the biggest fan of the Mini's smaller display size.

 

[dampfnudel]

Before believing the internet hype, you should look at it yourself.

Well, I did and while it's not bad, it could be better when compared to the display on the Air. In particular purple and red seemed a little bit off. Now, that doesn't mean people shouldn't buy one and I know most people won't have any issues with it. It's a huge improvement over the original iPad mini display. I expect Apple to improve the screen quietly next year, while perhaps increasing the resolution on the Air to get a higher PPI (more headaches for developers maybe in addition to a new iPhone 6 resolution). Again, if you like it, buy it because I think for most people, waiting one more year for better looking color won't be worth that lost time you could have been enjoying it.

 

[AppleMark]

New iPad Mini Retina - Experience

I took delivery of my new iPad Retina today, with the following observations.

I already own a 1st Gen 32GB WIFI iPad mini and upgraded primarily for a larger HD (128GB), cellular & GPS. So, I restored from a back-up so that all the settings, Apps were exactly the same on both devices to be able to make equal comparisons.

1. Firstly, I noticed that the screen compared to my 1st generation is noticeably yellow. In fact my 1st Gen is very much more on the blue / white spectrum and similar to my desktop iMac and cinema displays and white backgrounds look white. The Retina too looked warm (dirty white).

2. I carried out the marco.org image retention test and the Retina failed. The irony is that I carried out the same test on my 1st Gen and although there was some minor retention (mainly around the edges), it faded away quicker. It is worth mentioning that retention was never something I noticed the 10 months I have owned my Mini, until I went looking for it.

Interestingly, I left both iPads on the Apple home page for about 5-10 minutes while I was gauging colour and resolution. On switching to grey on the retention test screen I could clearly see the words iPad Air from the Apple Ad on the home page on the Retina only.

3. The Retina screen itself is a mixed bag for me. For me the resolution is only marginally better overall, possibly exacerbated due to the dirty hue of the 'yellow' screen. Yes it is definitely clearer when you stare closely, or zoom in. However, it is not like my full size iPad where a Retina Screen is a big deal. It is so relatively small that for me it is not a big difference and thankfully not the reason I upgraded. I am guessing that it will be better for watching movies, but I do not do this on my Mini that often myself.

Saying that I cannot accept a screen who's colour balance is not as good as a non-retina screen and has retention issues out of the box.

4. In my real world test's of opening and closing App's and the 'web page racing' I did. I did not appreciate the 4 x speed difference. X2 maybe, but not X4.

It is true to say that if I did not have something to compare it to, it may not have been an issue. But I do and it is. Also based on my experience with early poor iPhone displays, the yellow is too much and will have caught up with me in the end.

Just thought I would share my observations and disappointment. I just cannot believe I waited 2 weeks for this.

My advice to anybody wanting to buy now, is to buy direct from Apple and not an awkward 3rd party retailer. This is because, I will send this back or walk into an Apple store with no questions within 14 days. In the UK, high street stores like Curry's, Argos etc are going to give you a hard time for returning something, with the "fault's" I have observed.

I will try another (if I do not have to wait another 2 weeks...) to see if I get an improved unit, otherwise I will wait for the next update.

I also posted a couple of photo's for anybody who cares. The New Retina is the black device, but of course you know that right...?. Also, I only did the retention test for 5 minutes (for this photo), as I was in a hurry and already carried out the testing previously.

 

[kcamfork]

The tiny minority of obsessives are missing out on a great product. I feel sorry for them. But there's no doubt these new Retina iPads are already a phenomenal success story for Apple.

Ghosting is unacceptable on an $829 tablet. Apple charges a premium for a "premium" product. So it better be top quality. Guess what? It's not.

Before you attack, let me tell you this: I really wanted to love my cellular 64gb iPad mini with retina. I really did. But it was sub-par. Google charges $349 for their cellular 32gb nexus 7 which is a great tablet and doesn't have display quality issues.

Apple is slipping.

 

[dampfnudel]

New iPad Mini Retina - Experience

I took delivery of my new iPad Retina today, with the following observations.

I already own a 1st Gen 32GB WIFI iPad mini and upgraded primarily for a larger HD (128GB), cellular & GPS. So, I restored from a back-up so that all the settings, Apps were exactly the same on both devices to be able to make equal comparisons.

1. Firstly, I noticed that the screen compared to my 1st generation is noticeably yellow. In fact my 1st Gen is very much more on the blue / white spectrum and similar to my desktop iMac and cinema displays and white backgrounds look white. The Retina too looked warm (dirty white).

2. I carried out the marco.org image retention test and the Retina failed. The irony is that I carried out the same test on my 1st Gen and although there was some minor retention (mainly around the edges), it faded away quicker. It is worth mentioning that retention was never something I noticed the 10 months I have owned my Mini, until I went looking for it.

Interestingly, I left both iPads on the Apple home page for about 5-10 minutes while I was gauging colour and resolution. On switching to grey on the retention test screen I could clearly see the words iPad Air from the Apple Ad on the home page on the Retina only.

3. The Retina screen itself is a mixed bag for me. For me the resolution is only marginally better overall, possibly exacerbated due to the dirty hue of the 'yellow' screen. Yes it is definitely clearer when you stare closely, or zoom in. However, it is not like my full size iPad where a Retina Screen is a big deal. It is so relatively small that for me it is not a big difference and thankfully not the reason I upgraded. I am guessing that it will be better for watching movies, but I do not do this on my Mini that often myself.

Saying that I cannot accept a screen who's colour balance is not as good as a non-retina screen and has retention issues out of the box.

4. In my real world test's of opening and closing App's and the 'web page racing' I did. I did not appreciate the 4 x speed difference. X2 maybe, but not X4.

It is true to say that if I did not have something to compare it to, it may not have been an issue. But I do and it is. Also based on my experience with early poor iPhone displays, the yellow is too much and will have caught up with me in the end.

Just thought I would share my observations and disappointment. I just cannot believe I waited 2 weeks for this.

My advice to anybody wanting to buy now, is to buy direct from Apple and not an awkward 3rd party retailer. This is because, I will send this back or walk into an Apple store with no questions within 14 days. In the UK, high street stores like Curry's, Argos etc are going to give you a hard time for returning something, with the "fault's" I have observed.

I will try another (if I do not have to wait another 2 weeks...) to see if I get an improved unit, otherwise I will wait for the next update.

I also posted a couple of photo's for anybody who cares. The New Retina is the black device, but of course you know that right...?. Also, I only did the retention test for 5 minutes (for this photo), as I was in a hurry and already carried out the testing previously.

You see, this the best way make a claim that there's a problem with something, back it up with photos and let people decide. That retina iPad mini screen is so yellow, it's not funny. I noticed a slight yellow screen with the retina iPad mini I paid close attention to at the Apple store, but I couldn't really tell how bad it was under the bright store lights. Anyone else with a yellow screen this bad? Let's hope some better Samsung panels get into the mix by early next year.

 

[pocket3d]

Ghosting is unacceptable on an $829 tablet. Apple charges a premium for a "premium" product. So it better be top quality. Guess what? It's not.

Before you attack, let me tell you this: I really wanted to love my cellular 64gb iPad mini with retina. I really did. But it was sub-par. Google charges $349 for their cellular 32gb nexus 7 which is a great tablet and doesn't have display quality issues.

Apple is slipping.

1. How many times does it need to be pointed out that Google doesn't make any money on their tablets?

2. I don't see any "ghosting" on my mini retina. Ever.

3. As Raymond Soneira has implied and other sources have said, Apple's intended screens for the mini have been delayed. It's way too early and simplistic to say that Apple is slipping.

----------

You see, this the best way make a claim that there's a problem with something, back it up with photos and let people decide. That retina iPad mini screen is so yellow, it's not funny. I noticed a slight yellow screen with the retina iPad mini I paid close attention to at the Apple store, but I couldn't really tell how bad it was under the bright store lights. Anyone else with a yellow screen this bad? Let's hope some better Samsung panels get into the mix by early next year.

How come AppleMark's picture of the mini screen looks so yellow on my white-as-can-be mini retina screen? Did he have it at full brightness?

 

[AppleMark]

How come AppleMark's picture of the mini screen looks so yellow on my white-as-can-be mini retina screen? Did he have it at full brightness?

Hello Pocket3d.

As I stated in my post, both mini's were set up exactly the same, as I 'restored' the New Mini from a back-up I made that morning. I have checked again and they are pretty much the same.

I am really pleased that your Retina is perfect, as that gives me hope that I can exchange mine and get a good example.

However, people like yourselves really need to accept that all experiences are not equal and that Apple do have a serious problem with some of their screens.

There is no conspiracy, or intention for me to show one iPad is better than the other for reasons of frivolity (manipulating brightness levels), for post count. I have attached another picture showing the levels set.

I love and own very many Apple product's. However, I have paid £659, waited 2 weeks and the quality is completely unacceptable.

This is not an improvement over the original models screen, but a step backwards and that is really poor.

EDIT: I was inspired by your post, to also do a comparison with full brightness and lowest levels of brightness. The results are there to make your own opinion.

 

[AppleMark]

You see, this the best way make a claim that there's a problem with something, back it up with photos and let people decide. That retina iPad mini screen is so yellow, it's not funny. I noticed a slight yellow screen with the retina iPad mini I paid close attention to at the Apple store, but I couldn't really tell how bad it was under the bright store lights. Anyone else with a yellow screen this bad? Let's hope some better Samsung panels get into the mix by early next year.

Exactly.

But I do not understand all the people who are unable to accept that there is a problem, when there clearly is.

 

[pocket3d]

AppleMark, I now see that the yellow cast exists at full brightness on yours. I don't think it does on mine, but I have nothing to compare it to here at home.

Best thing to do is for anyone who cares (I do as a matter of interest), go to the Apple store and put two different models side by side. Take something dark to block out the store lights. I may try to do this tomorrow.

 

[dannys1]

Not buying one until they fix the sRGB display issue.

Jesus christ

 

[Gix1k]

But the screens.. the screens seems to be bad?

Mine is flawless. I have had two.

 

[Poisonivy326]

New iPad Mini Retina - Experience

1. Firstly, I noticed that the screen compared to my 1st generation is noticeably yellow. In fact my 1st Gen is very much more on the blue / white spectrum and similar to my desktop iMac and cinema displays and white backgrounds look white. The Retina too looked warm (dirty white).

If I were you I'd actually return your rmini, because that screen is ugly yellow, and looks like a defect rather than standard deviation.

 

[AppleMark]

If I were you I'd actually return your rmini, because that screen is ugly yellow, and looks like a defect rather than standard deviation.

Already set-up a return, with Apple. Need to officially wait up to 3 weeks for delivery of a new one, but told replacement is a priority.

I have still been using it as I have a data plan and it is more useful than my old one with a MIFI dongle. I am also able to keep it until a replacement arrives.

Strangely enough, you get used to the colour differences especially outside in natural light. I almost forget that there is an issue [....almost].

So I can see how many people will not realise, or care if they have a dud screen.

Therefore, I do not see Apple having that big an issue of returns, if it is only the Technophiles like us who get "all fussy" and return it.

 

[SmileyDude]

With the Retina iPad Mini, they have a device that's nearly four times as fast as the iPad 3, generates less heat, has about the same battery life, has the same resolution and does all this at less than half the weight and a lower price point. I don't feel sorry for them at all and this is coming from a person who's not the biggest fan of the Mini's smaller display size.

Coming from a 3rd gen to the rMini, I have zero regrets. This is a fantastic machine, colors aside. I have an iPad that feels usable again for the most part (still have some issues with iOS 7 on the iPad, but I think apple will fix these given some time).

 

[Technarchy]

Reading this thread on my rMini.

Slick little device. Very happy with my purchase.

 

[alitanet]

Hi, I'm writing from Italy.

I bought my first iPad mini Retina from Apple Store online on mid November: it had a severe burn in and poor gamut. I asked a replacement but the second one had the same problems. On yesterday I received my second replacement: unfortunately again very severe burn in and poor gamut.

Now I'll ask for my last replacement but I'm very disappointed with Apple. It is possible receiving 3 mini retina with so big problems out of the box?

One year and half ago I had to change 6 macbook retina, all of them with burn in. Is it the same plot for a very sad story? Apple has absolutely to improve the quality of their displays.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Not buying one until they fix the sRGB display issue.

I wonder if the mini is having the low memory issues that have been reported for the air?

 

[BornAgainApple]

I wonder if the mini is having the low memory issues that have been reported for the air?

Possibly. But my 3rd Generation iPad is crashing a lot more frequently with iOS 7, and when I look at the diagnostics, low memory is the culprit most times. I don't think much of it though, since it just takes a tap to restart an app.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Possibly. But my 3rd Generation iPad is crashing a lot more frequently with iOS 7, and when I look at the diagnostics, low memory is the culprit most times. I don't think much of it though, since it just takes a tap to restart an app.

Hopefully it's a software issue that can be worked out, much better than not enough RAM. I can have 5 tabs open on the Air and it refreshes when I switch tabs.

 

[SmileyDude]

Hopefully it's a software issue that can be worked out, much better than not enough RAM. I can have 5 tabs open on the Air and it refreshes when I switch tabs.

Memory on the Air and rMini is probably a little more constrained than on the 3rd/4th gen iPads due to the use of 64-bit code. But it shouldn't be as huge of an impact as moving to a retina display was. Hopefully as time goes on, they can optimize the memory usage of iOS 7 and 64-bit code.