iPad Mini - does anyone actually want one?

[PedroPonyLikesCrisps]

I'm confused by Apple. I've never really liked the company, but can usually see what they're trying to do. But the iPad Mini is a real enigma.

For starters, Steve Jobs vowed never to make a small tablet, now they have. Apparently just to keep up with the Jones's. But worse than that, it's built on iPad 2 standards which are pretty old now (poor screen, slow processor, etc.) and they are changing $320 for a device which is worse spec-wise than its $199 competitors.

Is there anyone out there who actually thinks this is a good deal and a device worth getting?

[rainbowriver]

I was going to get one but after looking on the apple website it seems to be a bit of ipad 2 and a bit of ipad 3.

I would probably have got one if it were cheaper, say £150 - £200 but now will go for the ipad 3 instead.

Though I now hear a new ipad is being released early next year so still not 100% of what to do!

Was planning on going out tomorrow to buy but think I may wait a bit longer now.

RR

[bagpuss]

Well I like it!

[NetworkGuy]

rainbowriver - the new iPad seems to be due out tomorrow (at least in USA).

Three *> (press release)

[5ThingsUnderTheBed]

I wanted to get ds1 one for Christmas, but it is too much, the price seems a bit ridiculous seeming as you can get an iPad 2 for £329.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I've got an ipad2, waiting for the iPad4 which I suspect will be out next April. Not keen on the ipad3 as I think there are some issues with battery life, heat, compared to the ipad2.

I don't often watch films, tv on my iPad so for me the better battery life of the ipad2 is worth more than the better display, picture quality of the ipad3. I'm hoping the ipad4 has the benefits of both.

[Startailoforangeandgold]

Still too expensive, still won't take SD or USB, so you still can't expand it or put back up pictures while away.

[bananaistheanswer]

I like the idea of an iPad mini but the price is higher than I'd consider paying.

[bagpuss]

Viva, the 4th gen iPad is shipping next week (same date as the iPad mini). My dh has a 3rd gen and the retina display is wonderful. He is a little put out that it is now obsolete after only 6 months but feels that it is a good thing that apple are moving to six monthly refreshes rather than annual ones. The new one is far quicker than the 3rd gen too!

I am wondering whether to swap my 1st gen iPad for a mini. The addition of a camera and face time would be a bonus for me.

[NetworkGuy]

He's not alone, bagpuss. Survey found 40% of owners unhappy that after only 7 months, a new version has been launched.

It does look a bit as if Apple is cashing in on loyal customers, but also should make them wonder why, given they cost plenty, that faster processors etc were not in the last one - after all, the speed of developments these days, it's almost like that spoof advert [where they have made the iPhone v9 and then 'downgrade it' to earlier versions, to have something to sell as 'new' each year].

I've never bought brand new Apple kit and at the price, somehow doubt I ever will. The profit margin must be massive, and even if after sales service is great, I suspect it has been more than paid for ten times over!

[Superabound]

I would have one if someone gave me one, but I really want a nice android 7" tablet, my cheap Chinese one died a horrible death. I really quite like apple products, it's just the whole itunes thing that fucks me off. It's so annoying and complicated, "if I sync this, will it wipe this" "if my laptop dies, can I sync my device to another account", the whole sync thing with itunes gave me a headache, I'd rather android where I can just plug in to any computer and copy and paste files.

[rainbowriver]

Just looked at the apple uk site and couldn't see the new ipad on there, only the ipad mini

[bagpuss]

It's there - ipad with retina display.

Network guy, he wasn't that cross, in fact dh was quite surprised at how many people on the forums were that upset. He is a massive apple fan though and is always willing to get the next latest gadget! I know what you mean about cost, I bought my iPad when the iPad 2 was launched and managed to get £100 discount on the outgoing model.

[HoneyDragon]

Is the galaxy note not a better alternative to the mini?

[rainbowriver]

Oh I thought the ipad with retina display was the one that was already out?

Confused now, how many ipads are there?

Thought there was the first one, then ipad 2 then the new ipad and the the mini?

[bagpuss]

3rd and 4th gen are both called the new iPad. If you go to compare iPads on the apple site it will give you the new tech specs . It is confusing though.

[PedroPonyLikesCrisps]

Sounds like everything Apple used to do right is slipping pretty fast. They are confusing customers with their naming conventions, they've lost their ability to innovate so are now copying the market to catch up, their new adverts are complete rubbish (earphones designed to channel sound directly into your ear, really?) and they've finally out priced themselves with arrogance.

If the Mini was something special, then I could understand it being nearly twice the price as its competitors, but the only thing commanding that price is the picture of a half eaten fruit on the back.

[olibeansmummy]

We're getting one for ds, but only because we're going to Singapore and it works out at £228 ( I think) rather than £269. I do think they've priced themselves out of the market with the mini.

[MaryZcary]

What is the difference (other than price) between the ipad mini and the new ipod touch?

Because they look similar sizes, and the touch seems to do everything the mini can do.

[PedroPonyLikesCrisps]

5th general iPod touch starts at £249 for 32GB. iPad Mini starts at £269 for 16GB with the equivalent 32GB coming in at £349.

The you have the full size iPad 2 and 3 with base models starting at £329 and £399 respectively.

It's an odd pricing model and because they've been forced to bring the Mini to market, they've sort of filled a pricing hole which wasn't there. I guess that explains why the spec is so out dated, they had to fit the manufacturing costs in a very precise bracket!