Ondrej Holzman And I have it confirmed. The only thing the new iPad mini lacks for perfection is the Retina display. Without torture, I admit that when I learned some time ago that Apple is indeed preparing a smaller iPad, I tapped my forehead. In the end, however, my opinion changed along with the demands, and I now see the iPad mini as the ideal successor to my iPad 3.
At the Czech Apple Premier Reseller, the iPad mini started to be sold today, just like in the rest of the world (so far only the Wi-Fi version), so I immediately set out to try it out. One more immediately landed in our editorial office. And I have to say that the iPad mini immediately won me over. The smaller of Apple's tablets is an amazing piece of iron that beats even its bigger brother. The processing is really at a high level and the white and black versions look very elegant.
Where the iPad mini really scores is in size and weight. Today I had the opportunity to compare the iPad mini and the iPad 3 side by side, and the double weight of the large iPad is of course noticeable. The iPad mini is intended to be held in one hand, as Apple presents, and in addition to the light weight, the entire chassis is designed to hold the iPad mini better. Of course, everything is at the expense of a smaller display, which is certainly the main advantage of the iPad mini, i.e. its size.
When I saw the iPad mini live for the first time and compared it to the iPad 3, optically the difference in the display seemed huge. After all, it's less than two inches and you can tell, but here it's about the personal preference of each user, what they want to use the display of such a device for. Personally, lately I have mainly been using the iPad for reading various materials and consuming content in the sense of reading Twitter, Facebook or e-mails, so the iPad mini display would be enough for me.
[do action=”quote”]Where the iPad mini really scores are dimensions and weight.[/do]
However, the problem comes in the quality of the display. The fact that the iPad mini will not have a Retina display has of course been known since its introduction, and for me personally it was the biggest question mark and the decisive thing, how the iPad mini will impress me as such. The difference between the iPad mini's display and the iPad's Retina display is stark, there's no denying that, and it's going to be a really tough transition for third-generation iPad owners. He quickly gets used to the fine display with high pixel density and hardly takes a step back. You can already see at first glance that the icons on the iPad mini are not as perfectly smoothed as on the iPad with Retina display, and I dare say that the display itself will often be the deciding factor why current iPad 3 users do not buy a smaller tablet. However, the iPad mini is absolutely ideal for those who have had an older iPad 2 or are planning to buy their first iPad.
The iPad mini is the perfect device for the most common tasks, such as the already mentioned reading e-mails, browsing the web, reading books, magazines and other articles. You can argue that there are certainly cheaper tablets on the market for such tasks, but the connection with the Apple ecosystem plays in favor of the iPad mini, which does not need to be detailed here. In short, anyone who wants to buy an iPad will simply buy it and not look at the competition.
Personally, I'm still debating whether it's worth it to buy an iPad mini now and lose the Retina display of the iPad 3 instead of waiting a few months for Apple to introduce the next generation with an improved display. It is quite possible that Apple cannot wait even a whole year to innovate its hot new product. However, given what I've been using the iPad for in recent months, the nearly eight-inch version makes more and more sense to me. I take the iPad in my hand especially when traveling, where more mobile parameters are useful. However, without a mobile network connection, the iPad makes no sense to me, so I will postpone my decision for at least a month anyway.
But back to the iPad mini itself, which perhaps feels more like an enlarged iPod touch than a scaled-down iPad with Retina display. This was confirmed to me, for example, when writing. I was a little worried about the software keyboard on the smaller display beforehand. After all, the keyboard was just the right width for a large iPad, and after some practice, you could write on it relatively quickly with almost all fingers. It was clear that on the smaller display of the iPad mini, so many fingers would not fold so easily, which was confirmed for me, but the smaller display has another advantage - when holding the tablet with the remaining fingers from the bottom, it is easier to type with two thumbs, as they cover the entire keyboard, which was not the case with large iPad possible. And if you still can't reach all the buttons, the keyboard can be split in half. While I didn't really use the portrait keyboard on the third generation iPad, it looks much more usable on the iPad mini. It's just as nimble as writing on an iPhone. The iPad mini is definitely not intended for writing essays, but it is certainly sufficient for sending an e-mail or writing another message.
Since the iPad mini is also the first iOS device to have two stereo speakers, we briefly tested how they play and their performance is comparable to the iPad 3, although at the highest volume it already shakes the small tablet. At first glance, perhaps only the Lightning connector and differently designed buttons for volume control caught my eye. And as for the color, I say black for myself - at a time when Apple produces everything in aluminum unibodies, a purely black device is an interesting diversification of its portfolio.
I touched it today. Actually, I was also very interested. I didn't even mind the display. The lightness in the hand. Amazing mobility. I've been playing with the nexus 7 now. Although I liked it and it's an amazing device for the price, I have to say that it feels like a Chinese tablet compared to the iPad mini. Whether the higher price is justifiable is up to everyone. But for me, yes.
I really like the iPad mini. I also use the large iPad for work, where the larger diagonals are useful. So I can't justify changing the triple for the mini yet. But as it is written in the article. If I didn't have a large iPad and would primarily want a device for consuming content, handling e-mail and viewing documents, then the mini is an obvious choice.
I also went to look at it, but I was more impressed by the Nexus 7. I see the impossibility of data transfers as the main drawback, with Android you can select tethering and it is taken care of, which iOS apparently cannot do. In terms of processing, the iPad Mini has nothing to complain about, the Nexus 7 has a lot to learn there, but in terms of usability and openness, I choose Jelly Bean..
You probably didn't understand it from the article (or I don't understand you ;) iOs tethering is of course capable of sharing the internet from an iPhone to an iPad, the author probably thought that if only the WiFi version is on sale at the moment, it doesn't make sense for him and he would wait for 3G version. Again, the 3G version makes no sense to me, when I can use the internet from an iPhone ;)
In that case, thanks for the clarification.. I'm an Android user, so I have certain gaps in this.. :-)))
The first android who doesn't argue here :) ... you have my respect :)
iOS apparently knows official tethering since version 3.1.2, i.e. since 2009 :)
You write that the smaller display is a major advantage of the iPad mini. Either you worded it wrong or it's pretty stupid.
The smaller dimensions and weight of the iPad mini are undoubtedly its main advantages, but the statement above lacks logic.
Well, I think that few people who have an iPad 3 will think about the minimum, at least because they want a smaller device. I have an ipad 2 and I would go for the mini right away, since the display is smaller, so with the same resolution as the ipad 2, the image is sharper and plus the size and weight, for me, I would like another ipad, and the black version would complement the black ip5 beautifully.
And I'm curious about the retina in the ipad mini, how energy-demanding it will be and whether the mini would be able to tighten it so that it stays the same for a long time, and some distinction between what my grandfather has and what ipad retina apple probably didn't make. So it will be interesting to see how Apple copes with this. It seems like a logical step in what will happen with the new iPad mini.
I personally now face a difficult choice. I'm planning to buy my first iPad and with the arrival of the mini I just don't know which one to get :-) I went to take a look at it and what definitely pleased me was the workmanship and especially the weight. It holds beautifully and does not hurt the hands. With a large iPad in hand, after a few minutes in the store, I can just feel the hands. What I didn't like was the display, if you don't compare it to the retina, it's fine, but the moment you pick up the retina display, the mini can bury itself. I want to primarily use the device as a couch "browser", i.e. larger dimensions might be desirable, the weight wouldn't be a problem, but I don't know, I don't know. The ideal would be a larger display with less weight :-) Another thing I noticed is the reduced GUI elements, where I found it maybe even more difficult to hit a given button sometimes, but maybe it was just the first feeling. I just can't decide on one :-)
What else I would like to know about the mini is how much does/does it bother the narrow edges when using it vertically? Are you accidentally scrolling or clicking where you don't want to? Another thing is the performance of the mini. After all, it is powered by already relatively run-of-the-mill HW, which is why I wonder if it doesn't suffocate too much with some more demanding games/applications? And one last thing, what about the magazine user experience? Isn't the smaller display more of a disadvantage? Doesn't interactive content stand out more on a larger display?
A5 is absolutely sufficient for everything you can think of. The faster ones - A6 and A6X - are mainly due to the retina - 4x more pixels can render 4x more work ;)
As for the edges, iOS 6 is designed to hold the iPad mini vertically with one hand and the thumb on the screen, so it ignores it, so it shouldn't be a problem.
So, for the fact that you do not yet own an iPad, you have very well captured all the (dis)advantages of the iPad mini against its older sibling.
Its only advantage is mobility, the other parameters are just necessary compromises and "period". After all, this is very well reflected in the final price.
If you want an iPad for "home" use, definitely go for the iPad retina aka iPad 4. You will appreciate the larger display, resolution and already today, and even more so in a year, its uncompromising performance. The weight is not an obstacle because you have it either on your knees or on the table and it has never been a problem even for my children from about 1,5 years of age :)
So, if you don't intend to carry your iPad around in public transport or take it out of your jacket pocket at work meetings, then choose a "full-fat" model.
If you plan to use the iPad as a couch device, I definitely recommend the large version. I went to look at the iPad mini today - it's very nice, but I definitely wouldn't change. Really the only advantage of the smaller iPad is that it can be held in one hand. All other pros are on the older brother's side. Personally, I see the target group of iPad mini users as more children and students (save the parents) and those who plan to use the iPad a lot as a mobile e-reader. It is definitely better for public transport than a large iPad. But for public transport in one hand on a stand Kindle is still the best :-)
So that you don't get carried away and compare the ipad mini with the ipad 3, it's just stupid
The smartest being living on Earth has spoken.
Hmm, I'm wondering why I have to wait for mobile internet... If I have an iPhone, I always create a hotspot and go via Wi-Fi... In my case, it's a clear choice, because I have 3GB per month for less than 600 and I use around 1GB with the iPhone itself, but only when I watch online messages, etc., which I don't do regularly... So the thousands charged for the 3g version are quite well known... My opinion...
It is individual. For me, the iPad is practically unusable without internet. Most of the apps I use need a connection. Therefore, I would have to set up a hotspot on my iPhone almost every time, connect, and not only is it inconvenient and time-consuming, but above all, it also eats up the iPhone's battery significantly.
I have two sim cards with a shared FUP of 3GB, this is perfect for me.
That's exactly how I feel. iPad 2 3G and iPhone 5 and it is very comfortable. I only use WiFi hotspot on iPhone to connect MBA to the net. I have a t-mobile sim in my iPad with internet for CZK 170 and 5 GB FUP.
Well, yes, that's exactly how I thought, but you didn't install the a-gps chip and I would say that the iPad mini is also very well equipped as a navigation device...
a-gps is shared just like the internet from an iPhone. It then works as if the chip were directly in the iPad
so if I share via iphone and I want to use sygic navigation on ipad, will it work??
So today I went to try it on the iTouch in Zlín and I have to say that the processing is an absolutely amazing piece of hardware - what else can you expect from Apple. I currently have an iPad 2 and I have to say that I wouldn't mind a mini at all, I would easily replace it right away, but I'm still attracted by the Retina display, many of my friends and family have an iPad 3 and it's hard to resist :)
Anyway, I, like the author of the article, am waiting for the 3G/LTE version.
I would just venture a heretical assumption that, unlike the author, I don't think the next mini will be retina, and if it is, it won't be as mini as today's or will have half the life. The Retina logically has high demands on the battery, which there is nowhere to put in the mini. For Apple to come up with another revolution – this time in batteries ;)
I see this as a logical development, but of course I have no confirmation anywhere that this will be the case. Development in batteries and other components will probably be necessary, but Apple can do many things :)
It belongs to iToncek-answer for Zdeněk Topič:
Yes, it is true that the A5 is quite a sufficient processor for a tablet today. But if you're buying a new iPad with a view to a year or two ahead, this no longer applies. I know what I'm talking about, besides other toys I also have an iPad 1 ;)
Otherwise, the GPU takes care of the smooth running of retina graphics, which in the case of the iPad 4 is the PowerVR SGX 554, and the CPU can focus on its tasks. Graphics performance 4x higher than iPad 2 and 2x higher than iPad 3.
I don't understand the iPad mini hype at all. Its advantage is certainly the price, but I think that's where it ends. Otherwise, back to the trees! Instead of progress, Apple is offering a kind of marketing stunt, and whether it sells or not, it will remain a gimmick to pull money out of people's pockets. Steve Jobs knew why not to do it, but unfortunately he is no longer alive.
I think it's a good intermediate item in the portfolio, and it's perfect for my girlfriend, for example. It fits in a purse, is light and at the same time has no compromises except for the display (which she doesn't mind)... So an iPad 4 for myself and an iPad mini for my girlfriend. :-)
My personal opinion is that with the current hw options (batteries, processors) Retina is unfeasible on the iPad mini. After all, the iPad 3 can see a massive increase in the battery to last 10 hours. Also, now a 12W adapter has been quietly released to speed up iPad 3 / iPad 4 charging. I'm already surprised that the iPad mini has the iPad 2's battery life.
Retina.. That's the only thing that bothers me too.. :D
Today I went to touch the "mini" and my chin really almost fell off. When I picked it up off the mat and realized the weight and then looked at the thickness… Really cool stuff. If I didn't have a triple, I know what to jump for and I think it will be a very interesting device in the future :)
There are at least two opinions that it is better to wait for 3G, or LTE version, but I feel that the option to connect the iPad WiFi to the mobile network via the phone (Personal Hotspot) has been somewhat forgotten here. Don't tell me it won't work?.. So why are most people waiting for an iPad with a GSM/3G/LTE module..? :-)
There are at least two opinions that it is better to wait for 3G, or LTE version, but I feel that the option to connect the iPad WiFi to the mobile network via the phone (Personal Hotspot) has been somewhat forgotten here. Don't tell me it won't work?.. So why are most people waiting for an iPad with a GSM/3G/LTE module..? :-)
I already posted my answer below. In short, connecting via phone is not that convenient.
I have a question, can I fit the iPad mini in the breast pocket of a jacket or jacket? Alternatively, how is it carried in any clothing pocket???
I see I'm probably one of the few who hasn't been dazzled by the retina on the iPad. I have had iPad 1 and 2 for a long time. I had the opportunity to play with iPad 1 for 3 day, but no Wow effect appeared. So I wouldn't miss retina on the iPad Mini. HW is at the iPad 2 level, so there can't be the slightest problem with speed. If I didn't own an iPad, this would be a tempting option for me.
The advantage of the mini is definitely the weight. I hope the iPad 9,7 will also compress, but even now it's nothing terrible. The disadvantage of the mini is the size of the display. I don't understand the author here, why it is advantageous to have smaller icons and font and space. The size of the mini as such can be an advantage for some, but it can be written that the Note is better, with which I can also make phone calls. The Mini is more like just to keep it with me. I also wanted to work a little on the tablet and replace the laptop, which I'm already doing well, but the mini is really mini. In essence, you agree with Samsung and if Apple allowed you to make phone calls from it, many would write here how brilliant it is and it is not a paddle at all. It's relative, but I agree with Jobs. 9,7″ is just enough to carry around as a notebook, and you can still do quite a bit with it. But otherwise, it's a cute device and it will definitely find a buyer. I don't see much point in buying a mini for someone who has a 4-5" hair.
I also got my hands on the iPad mini today in iSetos and I must say that it's really cool :-) light, pleasantly large/small and the beautiful design of the black back, it would go well with the iP 5 :D I have an iPad 2 and it's perfect for school, I would rather see this toy for parents or women :-)
I've had the iPad mini since Saturday and I haven't put it down yet, it's amazing, it's light, the battery life is quite sufficient, the smart cover fits perfectly and simply, in one word, great.
The only thing I have to criticize is the charging, I haven't measured it yet but I'm not afraid to say that it will take 4 hours to 100% charge :-(
Hello, yesterday I held it in my hand and in a word I'm taking it (when they come again). Light, perfectly processed and as for the much-discussed display (and that I'm a picky eater), surprisingly the resolution is sufficient. If I take the distance at which I look at it, everything is OK. The shaking was noticeable only when I put my head unusually close. I think it's a good decision by Apple and they gave themselves room for it to be Retina time, or a little higher resolution in its successor. Well, tell me - if they put it there right away, there wouldn't be much development in this direction, moreover, the resolution is really enough. I don't miss the Retina there at all, even though it will be my first iPad, and I'm not mad about the Retina, which I've seen a few times of course :) Yeah - what I really like is that you can use the iPad as an LCD image viewer. Click on the image icon on the Lock Screen and it will start projecting them. This is really good…. I will use it
Hi, I got my mini "now my baby" early for Christmas yesterday and I'm totally thrilled. The size and weight are just right, and as for the retina, I haven't had the chance to try it yet. I just fell in love. I haven't let go of him yet and I didn't want to go or sleep. I have two little girls at home and a very good husband (he was the little Jesus) and the baby will be a crazy fight. The girls can't wait to load games and everything into it and enjoy it with great joy. :-)