The iPad mini was announced today at Apple media event. Pre-orders start this Friday. Wi-Fi versions begin shipping November 2nd. Let’s take a look at it and see why you’ll probably be wanting to put your order in for one on Friday.
Phil Schiller came on stage to show off the new device that should do nicely to fill the “gap” between the iPod touch and the full-sized iPad. As Schiller said though, the iPad mini “isn’t just a shrunken-down iPad, it’s an entirely new design.”
The new device comes in at 7.9-inches tall, and 5.3 inches wide. The 7.9 inch screen has the same resolution as the iPad 2, but the mini is 53 percent lighter, and 23 percent thinner than the 4th-generation iPad.
The iPad mini boasts the same dual-core A5 processor as the iPad 2, and the base model starts at 16GB of storage, with 32GB and 64GB models available.
There are Wi-Fi only, and Wi-Fi + Cellular (4G LTE) models available in the same memory configurations. The LTE versions can be used on more cellular carries, with Sprint gaining both the iPad Mini and the 4th generation iPad on their network.
The mini will allow FaceTime HD, with it’s FaceTime HD 720p camera on the front, (Also takes 1.2M photos), And a 5MP iSight camera on the back that allows 1080p video recording.
The battery life is an impressive 10 hours.
The device will use the new Lightning connector, and of course, Siri will be on board.
The mini will be available in both black and white, and a new line of Smart Covers will be available for the device in designer colors.
Pre-Orders begin this Friday, October 26th, with the Wi-Fi only version beginning shipment on November 2nd. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models will begin shipping in mid-November.
The specifications are as follows:
- Just 7.2mm thick.
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- Height: 7.87 inches (200 mm) Width: 5.3 inches (134.7 mm)
- 0.68 lbs.
- Available in Black and white.
- 7.9 inch display
- 1024X768 resolution, same as the iPad 2.
- All the software made for the iPad works on the mini with no change.
- Dual Core A5 Processor.
- LTE versions.
- FaceTime HD camera, 5MP iSight camera around back.
- Battery life: 10 hours.
- New Smart Covers are available for the device.
- Starts with 16GB of storage, and will be priced at $329. (Wi-Fi) or $459 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)”
You can view all of our editorial coverage for today’s announcements by visiting our ‘iPad mini Event‘ tag!
