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iPad mini: Apple launches new smaller tablet iPad mini: Apple launches new smaller tablet
(35 minutes later)
Apple has unveiled a mini version of its iPad as part of its move to muscle in on the market in smaller, cheaper tablets – one dominated for now by Amazon and Google.Apple has unveiled a mini version of its iPad as part of its move to muscle in on the market in smaller, cheaper tablets – one dominated for now by Amazon and Google.
The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event.The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event.
Prices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly less, with the cost rising to $459 (£287.97) for the 4G version .Prices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly less, with the cost rising to $459 (£287.97) for the 4G version .
"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, who introduced the iPad mini in San Jose, USA."Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, who introduced the iPad mini in San Jose, USA.
The tablet, which has the same resolution as the iPad 2, runs on an Apple A5 chip and has features including a Facetime HD camera, a five megapixel camera capable of taking pictures and video. Its battery life is 10 hours.The tablet, which has the same resolution as the iPad 2, runs on an Apple A5 chip and has features including a Facetime HD camera, a five megapixel camera capable of taking pictures and video. Its battery life is 10 hours.
Schiller said: "The technology inside is equal to, if not better to, the iPad 2 in every way."Schiller said: "The technology inside is equal to, if not better to, the iPad 2 in every way."
The iPad mini is the first to be added to Apple's portfolio of compact devices under Tim Cook, who took over as chief executive from co-founder Steve Jobs just before his death in October 2011.The iPad mini is the first to be added to Apple's portfolio of compact devices under Tim Cook, who took over as chief executive from co-founder Steve Jobs just before his death in October 2011.
The move is a crucial part of Apple's plan to beat back the charge on to its home turf of consumer electronics hardware by Amazon and Google, both of which have already launched popular smaller tablet devices.The move is a crucial part of Apple's plan to beat back the charge on to its home turf of consumer electronics hardware by Amazon and Google, both of which have already launched popular smaller tablet devices.
Wall Street analysts have said for months that Apple was planning a less expensive version of the iPad to take on cheaper competing devices, a move they say might hurt its margins but prevent its rivals from dominating an increasingly important segment.Wall Street analysts have said for months that Apple was planning a less expensive version of the iPad to take on cheaper competing devices, a move they say might hurt its margins but prevent its rivals from dominating an increasingly important segment.
The chief rival is Amazon, which proved that a 7-inch tablet costing about $200 has consumer appeal. The Kindle Fire, released last year, was one of the hottest-selling festive gadgets. It pressured Amazon's margins but gave it potentially millions of new high-spending customers.The chief rival is Amazon, which proved that a 7-inch tablet costing about $200 has consumer appeal. The Kindle Fire, released last year, was one of the hottest-selling festive gadgets. It pressured Amazon's margins but gave it potentially millions of new high-spending customers.
A research group is forecasting that sales of smaller tablets will double this year. IHS iSuppli expects about 34m smaller tablets – with screens of about 7 inches diagonally– will be sold worldwide in 2012, up from 17m last year.A research group is forecasting that sales of smaller tablets will double this year. IHS iSuppli expects about 34m smaller tablets – with screens of about 7 inches diagonally– will be sold worldwide in 2012, up from 17m last year.
Cook said on Tuesday that Apple had sold its 100 millionth iPad two weeks ago. "This is unprecedented for a new product in a new category," he said.Cook said on Tuesday that Apple had sold its 100 millionth iPad two weeks ago. "This is unprecedented for a new product in a new category," he said.
"We sold more iPads in the June quarter than any PC manufacturer sold in its entire PC line. It seems like every day there's another tablet shipping but when you look at the ones being used it tells a different story.""We sold more iPads in the June quarter than any PC manufacturer sold in its entire PC line. It seems like every day there's another tablet shipping but when you look at the ones being used it tells a different story."
CommentsComments
97 comments, displaying first 141 comments, displaying first
23 October 2012 7:31PM23 October 2012 7:31PM
"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," They haven't failed at all you oaf!!"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," They haven't failed at all you oaf!!
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23 October 2012 7:33PM23 October 2012 7:33PM
iPad Mini - the iPad killeriPad Mini - the iPad killer
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23 October 2012 7:33PM23 October 2012 7:33PM
I love how they boast about the fact its lighter than the ipad3, like its some sort of surprise.I love how they boast about the fact its lighter than the ipad3, like its some sort of surprise.
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23 October 2012 7:35PM23 October 2012 7:35PM
by the way, have you decided how you are going to bury the latest patent bad news for apple yet?by the way, have you decided how you are going to bury the latest patent bad news for apple yet?
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23 October 2012 7:37PM23 October 2012 7:37PM
This is the UK, chief. It's £269 here. You can stop with the incorrect price comparisons.This is the UK, chief. It's £269 here. You can stop with the incorrect price comparisons.
Frankly this is utter crap compared to a Nexus 7. A last generation processor coupled to a PPI that is in line with the 3GS? For shame.Frankly this is utter crap compared to a Nexus 7. A last generation processor coupled to a PPI that is in line with the 3GS? For shame.
It's so vastly inferior I hope you guys pan it for what it is, or rather what it isn't. I won't hold my breath though.It's so vastly inferior I hope you guys pan it for what it is, or rather what it isn't. I won't hold my breath though.
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23 October 2012 7:38PM23 October 2012 7:38PM
Prices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly lessPrices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly less
And at £369 (see BBC) even more disappointing - but not surprising!And at £369 (see BBC) even more disappointing - but not surprising!
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23 October 2012 7:39PM23 October 2012 7:39PM
I wouldn't buy an Apple device, but credit to them for sticking to the 4:3 aspect ratio. I loathe 16:9 screens, - even on laptops they're rubbish. On a 7" tablet a 16:9 screen would be horrible. I hope other manufacturers follow Apple's lead on this.I wouldn't buy an Apple device, but credit to them for sticking to the 4:3 aspect ratio. I loathe 16:9 screens, - even on laptops they're rubbish. On a 7" tablet a 16:9 screen would be horrible. I hope other manufacturers follow Apple's lead on this.
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23 October 2012 7:39PM23 October 2012 7:39PM
I mean £269! But still a rip off :)I mean £269! But still a rip off :)
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23 October 2012 7:42PM23 October 2012 7:42PM
As ItsJawa has said this is more likely to be £330 than £208. The dollar pirce is also before tax. If you apply VAt to £330 you end up practically at £400 (unlikely to be THAT expensive).As ItsJawa has said this is more likely to be £330 than £208. The dollar pirce is also before tax. If you apply VAt to £330 you end up practically at £400 (unlikely to be THAT expensive).
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23 October 2012 7:43PM23 October 2012 7:43PM
I like the thinner bezel but pricing is disappointing, £269 for 16GB wifiI like the thinner bezel but pricing is disappointing, £269 for 16GB wifi
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23 October 2012 7:45PM23 October 2012 7:45PM
"The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event.""The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event."
I missed this fourth generation iPad part in the speeches. I thought they only just released the third gen one?
I don't remember seeing a price for a fourth gen iPad and there's no mention of it as far as I can see on the apple website.		I missed this fourth generation iPad part in the speeches. I thought they only just released the third gen one?
I don't remember seeing a price for a fourth gen iPad and there's no mention of it as far as I can see on the apple website.
Is there another new iPad (not the mini)? And, if so, what's the difference to the "New iPad" that was only released, what, a month ago?
Am I being dumb here?		Is there another new iPad (not the mini)? And, if so, what's the difference to the "New iPad" that was only released, what, a month ago?
Am I being dumb here?
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23 October 2012 7:46PM23 October 2012 7:46PM
Okay so £269 compared to £159 for a Nexus 7 and it looks poorer in almost every department to it's 7" rivals.Okay so £269 compared to £159 for a Nexus 7 and it looks poorer in almost every department to it's 7" rivals.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/the-ipad-mini-vs-the-competition-specs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/the-ipad-mini-vs-the-competition-specs/
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23 October 2012 7:46PM23 October 2012 7:46PM
I am sure a 4:3 aspect ratio is fine if the only thing you watch is reruns of TV shows from before 1990.I am sure a 4:3 aspect ratio is fine if the only thing you watch is reruns of TV shows from before 1990.
I have a 16:9 tablet and find it fine, what exactly is your objection to it?I have a 16:9 tablet and find it fine, what exactly is your objection to it?
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23 October 2012 7:54PM23 October 2012 7:54PM
The fourth gen is the same as the 'new iPad' recently launched except with lightening connector and A6 processor. Pricing is the sameThe fourth gen is the same as the 'new iPad' recently launched except with lightening connector and A6 processor. Pricing is the same
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23 October 2012 7:57PM23 October 2012 7:57PM
The boggo version will be closer to £300 than £200 courtesy of VAT etc. and you damn well know it. Why must you have to be so endlessly disingenuous with this one brand?The boggo version will be closer to £300 than £200 courtesy of VAT etc. and you damn well know it. Why must you have to be so endlessly disingenuous with this one brand?
Regardless, that's way too pricey given the iPad2 was run out selling for not much more, and the Nexus sells for at least a third less. And every immediate rival has a better screen res too.Regardless, that's way too pricey given the iPad2 was run out selling for not much more, and the Nexus sells for at least a third less. And every immediate rival has a better screen res too.
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23 October 2012 7:57PM23 October 2012 7:57PM
BBC says price of iPad mini to be £ 269 plus cost of smart cover of say another £ 20-30 (?) puts the price at close to £ 300 for a 16 GB Wifi only version. This is hardly a competitive product compared to the similar size Wifi only Nexus 7 8GB at £ 159.BBC says price of iPad mini to be £ 269 plus cost of smart cover of say another £ 20-30 (?) puts the price at close to £ 300 for a 16 GB Wifi only version. This is hardly a competitive product compared to the similar size Wifi only Nexus 7 8GB at £ 159.
My take: Apple is saying that its fans will pay almost twice the price of a Nexus 7 for an additional 8 GB and a cover and that it needs to rip off its fan base to maintain its 50% gross profit margins. It thinks it can get away with it. Chutzpah or what?My take: Apple is saying that its fans will pay almost twice the price of a Nexus 7 for an additional 8 GB and a cover and that it needs to rip off its fan base to maintain its 50% gross profit margins. It thinks it can get away with it. Chutzpah or what?
And it also seems to be saying that it wants the money up front and is not as confident as Google in assuming it will make up the difference had it priced the iPad competitively based on content and app sales, which is the thinking at Google in pricing the Nexus 7 at nearly half the price of the iPad mini.And it also seems to be saying that it wants the money up front and is not as confident as Google in assuming it will make up the difference had it priced the iPad competitively based on content and app sales, which is the thinking at Google in pricing the Nexus 7 at nearly half the price of the iPad mini.
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23 October 2012 7:58PM23 October 2012 7:58PM
oh ok. I thought it had that anyway. The people that rushed out in the first place must be pissed off then!oh ok. I thought it had that anyway. The people that rushed out in the first place must be pissed off then!
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23 October 2012 8:01PM23 October 2012 8:01PM
iPOS.
Woeful.
No doubt it's still "very good" though, eh?		iPOS.
Woeful.
No doubt it's still "very good" though, eh?
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23 October 2012 8:03PM23 October 2012 8:03PM
I have a 16:9 tablet and find it fine, what exactly is your objection to it?I have a 16:9 tablet and find it fine, what exactly is your objection to it?

In either portrait or landscape reading is horrible. That's why ereaders are usually 4:3. In 16:9 lines of text are either too long or too short for comfortable reading.
In either portrait or landscape reading is horrible. That's why ereaders are usually 4:3. In 16:9 lines of text are either too long or too short for comfortable reading.
16:9 is fine if you want to watch movies or play games.16:9 is fine if you want to watch movies or play games.
But no good for just about anything else.But no good for just about anything else.
Considering that most people have a TV for watching movies and TV I don't see why this is an overriding requirement for computers and tablets.Considering that most people have a TV for watching movies and TV I don't see why this is an overriding requirement for computers and tablets.
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23 October 2012 8:04PM23 October 2012 8:04PM
I was worried that there had not been an Apple article for a couple of days and was cold-turkey for a bit there. Thank you for this, it's made my day to read something about Apple, can't wait to queue overnight with the other fanboys for one.I was worried that there had not been an Apple article for a couple of days and was cold-turkey for a bit there. Thank you for this, it's made my day to read something about Apple, can't wait to queue overnight with the other fanboys for one.
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23 October 2012 8:07PM23 October 2012 8:07PM
Just to add, really disappointed there wasn't a live blog about this release. Very disappointing. I look forward to the various reviews and articles in the week to come though, it will keep me sated.Just to add, really disappointed there wasn't a live blog about this release. Very disappointing. I look forward to the various reviews and articles in the week to come though, it will keep me sated.
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23 October 2012 8:08PM23 October 2012 8:08PM
D'oh, there was a live blog and I missed it! Thank goodness for that, never can get enough Apple me
(or the Guardian)!		D'oh, there was a live blog and I missed it! Thank goodness for that, never can get enough Apple me
(or the Guardian)!
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23 October 2012 8:10PM23 October 2012 8:10PM
"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing
Wow, that's extremely arrogant. The ipad mini isn't even out in stores yet.Wow, that's extremely arrogant. The ipad mini isn't even out in stores yet.
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23 October 2012 8:12PM23 October 2012 8:12PM
I'm what might be classed as an Apple fanbois. But this is just shite. Why, oh why would I get one of these instead of a Nexus 7? Or indeed the rumoured Nexus 7 HD?I'm what might be classed as an Apple fanbois. But this is just shite. Why, oh why would I get one of these instead of a Nexus 7? Or indeed the rumoured Nexus 7 HD?
And looking up to the top end (64Gb Wifi + cellular) why oh why would I not drop an extra £120 and go for the full fat model? It's just bonkers.And looking up to the top end (64Gb Wifi + cellular) why oh why would I not drop an extra £120 and go for the full fat model? It's just bonkers.
I guess my only caveat to the above is that my mother in law's iPhone 4S, despite being a generation older, kicks my Galaxy SIII's arse in every conceivable way. So maybe in real work usage the Mini will be better than the Nexus 7. But I can't really see it, tbh.I guess my only caveat to the above is that my mother in law's iPhone 4S, despite being a generation older, kicks my Galaxy SIII's arse in every conceivable way. So maybe in real work usage the Mini will be better than the Nexus 7. But I can't really see it, tbh.

I bet Google and Amazon were shitting themselves beforehand that Apple might price competitively (around $200 - $250) and completely wipe them out.
I bet Google and Amazon were shitting themselves beforehand that Apple might price competitively (around $200 - $250) and completely wipe them out.
Bet they're laughing their arses off now!Bet they're laughing their arses off now!
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23 October 2012 8:12PM23 October 2012 8:12PM
As an Apple user I think the ipad mini is a mistake. Looking at the info on the already updated on-line Applestore, the width of 13.?cm is just too big for me to hold comfortably, and my hands are not on the small side either. The picture on the Applestore with someone holding it looks in my opinion a bit "not right".
Shame, I was interested in getting one to save battery wear on my iphone.		As an Apple user I think the ipad mini is a mistake. Looking at the info on the already updated on-line Applestore, the width of 13.?cm is just too big for me to hold comfortably, and my hands are not on the small side either. The picture on the Applestore with someone holding it looks in my opinion a bit "not right".
Shame, I was interested in getting one to save battery wear on my iphone.
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23 October 2012 8:12PM23 October 2012 8:12PM
I'll stick to my ipad nano. Or was it called iphone 4?I'll stick to my ipad nano. Or was it called iphone 4?
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23 October 2012 8:13PM23 October 2012 8:13PM
I think the mini is a lot more attractive to me than the standard iPad. If I see them going for 160ish on refurbs I'd probably bite. The Macbook 'retina' 13" and the new iMac also look great. Although I'm still very happy with my Macbook Pro 15" I bought 3 years ago and still works the same as when I pulled it out the box with no maintenance to speak of other than updating osx every so often... What PC laptop can you say that about?I think the mini is a lot more attractive to me than the standard iPad. If I see them going for 160ish on refurbs I'd probably bite. The Macbook 'retina' 13" and the new iMac also look great. Although I'm still very happy with my Macbook Pro 15" I bought 3 years ago and still works the same as when I pulled it out the box with no maintenance to speak of other than updating osx every so often... What PC laptop can you say that about?
I honestly don't understand why people get irate when people are willing to pay more for premium hardware - it's not like when the new BMW 7 Series rolls of the line people compare it to a Ford Mondeo and complain about the price difference, despite the fact they do more or the less the exact same thing. If you don't want to pay more for an Apple product, just buy a Nexus 7 or shut up about it.I honestly don't understand why people get irate when people are willing to pay more for premium hardware - it's not like when the new BMW 7 Series rolls of the line people compare it to a Ford Mondeo and complain about the price difference, despite the fact they do more or the less the exact same thing. If you don't want to pay more for an Apple product, just buy a Nexus 7 or shut up about it.
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23 October 2012 8:14PM23 October 2012 8:14PM
Apple´s iPads have NINETY percent of the internet market. That means parents are buying tablets like Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire tablets for their 5 and 6 year old kids so they can play games like Angry Birds on them. Then their young kids will be ready for the next step up, the iPads.Apple´s iPads have NINETY percent of the internet market. That means parents are buying tablets like Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire tablets for their 5 and 6 year old kids so they can play games like Angry Birds on them. Then their young kids will be ready for the next step up, the iPads.
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23 October 2012 8:14PM23 October 2012 8:14PM
disappointingdisappointing
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23 October 2012 8:15PM23 October 2012 8:15PM
Don't worry, its very good.Don't worry, its very good.
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23 October 2012 8:17PM23 October 2012 8:17PM
It's a chunky phone you can't make calls on. Ooooooooh.It's a chunky phone you can't make calls on. Ooooooooh.
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23 October 2012 8:20PM23 October 2012 8:20PM
The new iPad mini weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad.The new iPad mini weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad.

So this is the reason why my iPad has developed an eating disorder.
So this is the reason why my iPad has developed an eating disorder.
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23 October 2012 8:20PM23 October 2012 8:20PM
Driven by the market, rather than leading it.Driven by the market, rather than leading it.
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23 October 2012 8:22PM23 October 2012 8:22PM
I have a 16:9 device and don't recognise any of these complaints from people who don'tI have a 16:9 device and don't recognise any of these complaints from people who don't
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23 October 2012 8:22PM23 October 2012 8:22PM
Samsung should sue. Apple have copied their slightly smaller rounded rectangle. These product launches are genuinely dull as dishwater.Samsung should sue. Apple have copied their slightly smaller rounded rectangle. These product launches are genuinely dull as dishwater.
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23 October 2012 8:22PM23 October 2012 8:22PM
I'm neither an Apple acolyte nor an anti-Apple fundamentalist. I am very happy with my full-sized iPad, but if I need to carry anything substantial in my bag, it has to stay at home. So I was curious about the mooted iPad mini. The product itself looks great, but they've missed a trick with the pricing for the UK.I'm neither an Apple acolyte nor an anti-Apple fundamentalist. I am very happy with my full-sized iPad, but if I need to carry anything substantial in my bag, it has to stay at home. So I was curious about the mooted iPad mini. The product itself looks great, but they've missed a trick with the pricing for the UK.
Maybe a year ago this would have been an okay price, but it's double the entry level tablets that Amazon is offering, and only a few hours' wages less than an iPad 2. Who are they aiming it at? If it's true that people only buy an Android tablet because they can't afford an iPad... well, that's still going to be true now, isn't it?Maybe a year ago this would have been an okay price, but it's double the entry level tablets that Amazon is offering, and only a few hours' wages less than an iPad 2. Who are they aiming it at? If it's true that people only buy an Android tablet because they can't afford an iPad... well, that's still going to be true now, isn't it?
I'm not sure the British public's expectation of paying more than anyone else in the world will help when Amazon and Google have managed to keep their prices low. If they're basically charging £200 for it in the US, then they might have been able to get away with charging £249.99 for it here. But over £250 and it starts to look really pricey. They're almost up to £300.I'm not sure the British public's expectation of paying more than anyone else in the world will help when Amazon and Google have managed to keep their prices low. If they're basically charging £200 for it in the US, then they might have been able to get away with charging £249.99 for it here. But over £250 and it starts to look really pricey. They're almost up to £300.
So no, I won't be supplementing my full-sized iPad with a little brother any time soon. But I wouldn't be surprised if they knock it down to below £250 after Christmas.So no, I won't be supplementing my full-sized iPad with a little brother any time soon. But I wouldn't be surprised if they knock it down to below £250 after Christmas.
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23 October 2012 8:24PM23 October 2012 8:24PM
Well, the Nexus 7 and Ipad Mini are very comparable in terms of specs. The Nexus 7 has a far better OS... so WHY WOULD I PAY AN EXTRA 100 POUNDS FOR AN SYSTEM WITH AN INFERIOR OS?Well, the Nexus 7 and Ipad Mini are very comparable in terms of specs. The Nexus 7 has a far better OS... so WHY WOULD I PAY AN EXTRA 100 POUNDS FOR AN SYSTEM WITH AN INFERIOR OS?
Apple, you have an air of invincibility which is becoming more like hubris every day.Apple, you have an air of invincibility which is becoming more like hubris every day.
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23 October 2012 8:24PM23 October 2012 8:24PM
Apple are so reactionary these days. It's hard to justify such huge price tags for products following,rather than leading the market; Jobs would be fuming about this device!Apple are so reactionary these days. It's hard to justify such huge price tags for products following,rather than leading the market; Jobs would be fuming about this device!
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23 October 2012 8:25PM23 October 2012 8:25PM
And also, my sympathy for those who bought an Ipad 3.And also, my sympathy for those who bought an Ipad 3.
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23 October 2012 8:26PM23 October 2012 8:26PM
Yawn, fucking yawn ....... This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.
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23 October 2012 8:26PM23 October 2012 8:26PM
If you stack your Macbook Pro, Macbook, Macbook Air, iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, iPod, iPod nano and iPod shuffle on top of one another you create a pyramid to excessive consumerism.If you stack your Macbook Pro, Macbook, Macbook Air, iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, iPod, iPod nano and iPod shuffle on top of one another you create a pyramid to excessive consumerism.
One or two of those devices is a much healthier number.One or two of those devices is a much healthier number.
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23 October 2012 8:26PM23 October 2012 8:26PM
I don't know - does this make iPhone an iPad Nano, then? This product directly defies Steve Jobs' philosophy. If he decided something was useless or unnecessary, there was no point in arguing pros and cons. No meant no. Which part of it did they misunderstand? They should have concentrated on making iPhone better than anyone could think of. Instead, this time they blinked first.I don't know - does this make iPhone an iPad Nano, then? This product directly defies Steve Jobs' philosophy. If he decided something was useless or unnecessary, there was no point in arguing pros and cons. No meant no. Which part of it did they misunderstand? They should have concentrated on making iPhone better than anyone could think of. Instead, this time they blinked first.
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23 October 2012 8:29PM23 October 2012 8:29PM
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.
23 October 2012 8:29PM23 October 2012 8:29PM
I'll stick with my old iPod touch, thanks very much.I'll stick with my old iPod touch, thanks very much.
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23 October 2012 8:31PM23 October 2012 8:31PM
You can buy an unbranded Chinese android tablet with better specs than this for £100. Who would buy this?You can buy an unbranded Chinese android tablet with better specs than this for £100. Who would buy this?
Apple do some great products, the MacBookAir is the best there is, but this seems to be way overpriced.Apple do some great products, the MacBookAir is the best there is, but this seems to be way overpriced.
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23 October 2012 8:34PM23 October 2012 8:34PM
What really drove me up the wall was the arbitrary claim that all other 7" tablets have failed. The Nexus 7 is a dribble of genius.What really drove me up the wall was the arbitrary claim that all other 7" tablets have failed. The Nexus 7 is a dribble of genius.
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23 October 2012 8:34PM23 October 2012 8:34PM
£269 looks a bit steep compared to £159 for a better specd Kindle Fire HD. DoA???£269 looks a bit steep compared to £159 for a better specd Kindle Fire HD. DoA???
Five stars.Five stars.
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23 October 2012 8:35PM23 October 2012 8:35PM
I honestly don't understand why people get irate when people are willing to pay more for premium hardware - it's not like when the new BMW 7 Series rolls of the line people compare it to a Ford Mondeo and complain about the price difference, despite the fact they do more or the less the exact same thing. If you don't want to pay more for an Apple product, just buy a Nexus 7 or shut up about it.I honestly don't understand why people get irate when people are willing to pay more for premium hardware - it's not like when the new BMW 7 Series rolls of the line people compare it to a Ford Mondeo and complain about the price difference, despite the fact they do more or the less the exact same thing. If you don't want to pay more for an Apple product, just buy a Nexus 7 or shut up about it.

Firstly compaing a 7 Series to a Mondeo is like comparing a HP Z Series workstation to an iMac - totally different class of beast.
That aside, apparently BMW were furious a few years back when the new Mondeo came out. It pretty much out did the 3 Series in every way - ride, build quality, equipment etc, for a substantial chunk of money less.
Sometimes people assume that more money and a premium badge equals a better product.
Firstly compaing a 7 Series to a Mondeo is like comparing a HP Z Series workstation to an iMac - totally different class of beast.
That aside, apparently BMW were furious a few years back when the new Mondeo came out. It pretty much out did the 3 Series in every way - ride, build quality, equipment etc, for a substantial chunk of money less.
Sometimes people assume that more money and a premium badge equals a better product.
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23 October 2012 8:37PM23 October 2012 8:37PM
It's been at least three days since the last Apple ad disguised as a news article, I was starting to think that there might have been some kind of outbreak of a virulent plague at Guardian HQ (or is that iGuardian now?).It's been at least three days since the last Apple ad disguised as a news article, I was starting to think that there might have been some kind of outbreak of a virulent plague at Guardian HQ (or is that iGuardian now?).
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23 October 2012 8:37PM23 October 2012 8:37PM
mebright9
I can understand people that might not want to buy an Apple product (don´t have the extra money, do not want to look cool		mebright9
I can understand people that might not want to buy an Apple product (don´t have the extra money, do not want to look cool
Muhahaha, Rule #1 boy, if you have to try to be cool, you ain't.Muhahaha, Rule #1 boy, if you have to try to be cool, you ain't.
But you anti-Apple fanboysBut you anti-Apple fanboys
Oh look, he made up a word. Must be one of those creatives. Pity it nonsense.Oh look, he made up a word. Must be one of those creatives. Pity it nonsense.
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Apple unveils mini iPad tablet with prices starting at $329 to compete with Amazon's Kindle and Google's Android tablets

Liveblog: follow the iPad mini launch event here		Apple unveils mini iPad tablet with prices starting at $329 to compete with Amazon's Kindle and Google's Android tablets

Liveblog: follow the iPad mini launch event here
Apple has unveiled a mini version of its iPad as part of its move to muscle in on the market in smaller, cheaper tablets – one dominated for now by Amazon and Google.Apple has unveiled a mini version of its iPad as part of its move to muscle in on the market in smaller, cheaper tablets – one dominated for now by Amazon and Google.
The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event.The new iPad mini, which can be held in one hand, has a 7.9 inch (20cm) display, weighs in at 0.68 pounds (0.3kg) and is 7.2mm (0.3 inches) thin, a quarter thinner than the new fourth generation iPad which was launched at the same event.
Prices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly less, with the cost rising to $459 (£287.97) for the 4G version .Prices in the US for the iPad mini start at $329 (£206.40) for the 16GB version, a figure likely to disappoint many who had hoped it would come in at slightly less, with the cost rising to $459 (£287.97) for the 4G version .
"Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, who introduced the iPad mini in San Jose, USA."Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad and they have failed miserably," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, who introduced the iPad mini in San Jose, USA.
The tablet, which has the same resolution as the iPad 2, runs on an Apple A5 chip and has features including a Facetime HD camera, a five megapixel camera capable of taking pictures and video. Its battery life is 10 hours.The tablet, which has the same resolution as the iPad 2, runs on an Apple A5 chip and has features including a Facetime HD camera, a five megapixel camera capable of taking pictures and video. Its battery life is 10 hours.
Schiller said: "The technology inside is equal to, if not better to, the iPad 2 in every way."Schiller said: "The technology inside is equal to, if not better to, the iPad 2 in every way."
The iPad mini is the first to be added to Apple's portfolio of compact devices under Tim Cook, who took over as chief executive from co-founder Steve Jobs just before his death in October 2011.The iPad mini is the first to be added to Apple's portfolio of compact devices under Tim Cook, who took over as chief executive from co-founder Steve Jobs just before his death in October 2011.
The move is a crucial part of Apple's plan to beat back the charge on to its home turf of consumer electronics hardware by Amazon and Google, both of which have already launched popular smaller tablet devices.The move is a crucial part of Apple's plan to beat back the charge on to its home turf of consumer electronics hardware by Amazon and Google, both of which have already launched popular smaller tablet devices.
Wall Street analysts have said for months that Apple was planning a less expensive version of the iPad to take on cheaper competing devices, a move they say might hurt its margins but prevent its rivals from dominating an increasingly important segment.Wall Street analysts have said for months that Apple was planning a less expensive version of the iPad to take on cheaper competing devices, a move they say might hurt its margins but prevent its rivals from dominating an increasingly important segment.
The chief rival is Amazon, which proved that a 7-inch tablet costing about $200 has consumer appeal. The Kindle Fire, released last year, was one of the hottest-selling festive gadgets. It pressured Amazon's margins but gave it potentially millions of new high-spending customers.The chief rival is Amazon, which proved that a 7-inch tablet costing about $200 has consumer appeal. The Kindle Fire, released last year, was one of the hottest-selling festive gadgets. It pressured Amazon's margins but gave it potentially millions of new high-spending customers.
A research group is forecasting that sales of smaller tablets will double this year. IHS iSuppli expects about 34m smaller tablets – with screens of about 7 inches diagonally– will be sold worldwide in 2012, up from 17m last year.A research group is forecasting that sales of smaller tablets will double this year. IHS iSuppli expects about 34m smaller tablets – with screens of about 7 inches diagonally– will be sold worldwide in 2012, up from 17m last year.
Cook said on Tuesday that Apple had sold its 100 millionth iPad two weeks ago. "This is unprecedented for a new product in a new category," he said.Cook said on Tuesday that Apple had sold its 100 millionth iPad two weeks ago. "This is unprecedented for a new product in a new category," he said.
"We sold more iPads in the June quarter than any PC manufacturer sold in its entire PC line. It seems like every day there's another tablet shipping but when you look at the ones being used it tells a different story.""We sold more iPads in the June quarter than any PC manufacturer sold in its entire PC line. It seems like every day there's another tablet shipping but when you look at the ones being used it tells a different story."