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iPad Mini unveiled by Apple as it enters small tablet market | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Apple has launched its widely-anticipated 7.9in (20.1cm) tablet, the iPad Mini. | Apple has launched its widely-anticipated 7.9in (20.1cm) tablet, the iPad Mini. |
The device, which is 7.2mm thick and weighs 0.68lbs, was announced at an event in California. | The device, which is 7.2mm thick and weighs 0.68lbs, was announced at an event in California. |
The entry wi-fi-only model, with 16GB storage, will cost £269 in the UK and be available on 2 November. | |
The iPad Mini will compete directly with similar sized tablets from Google and Amazon. | The iPad Mini will compete directly with similar sized tablets from Google and Amazon. |
Apple's vice-president of marketing Phil Schiller told attendees that the device was 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third-generation iPad, which was released in March this year. | |
The other wi-fi-only models will have a recommended retail price of £349 for 32GB and £429 for 64GB. | |
The devices with cellular capability will be released "a couple of weeks" after the wi-fi-only models, the company said. They will be priced at £369 for 16GB, £449 for 32GB and £529 for 64GB. | |
The firm also announced upgrades to its Macbook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini ranges of computers. | The firm also announced upgrades to its Macbook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini ranges of computers. |
'Too small' | |
The iPad Mini launch ends years of speculation that Apple was considering launching a new, smaller version of its bestselling iPad range. | The iPad Mini launch ends years of speculation that Apple was considering launching a new, smaller version of its bestselling iPad range. |
In 2010, late founder Steve Jobs described 7in tablets as being "too small". Mr Schiller said | |
However, the company's apparent change of heart comes in the face of mounting pressure from its closest competitors, who already offer smaller - and crucially, cheaper - products. | |
Amazon's new 7in Kindle Fire HD costs $199 (£159 in the UK). A slightly larger version, shipping on November 20, will sell for $299 (£159). Google's Nexus 7 has a price tag of $250 (£159). | |
Adam Leach, principal analyst at Ovum, said he had expected the iPad Mini to be more competitively priced. | |
"We got a mix of a bit of new Apple and bit of old Apple in the same announcement," he said. | |
"This is new for Apple to be responding to competitors instead of pioneering their own way. | |
"It's old Apple as they've gone into this market with a premium pricing strategy. | |
"At the moment this doesn't place a lot of pressure on the Kindle Fire or the Nexus 7." |