Ok, the iPad Mini is Here, What's Next? Google.

The technology world is frantically analyzing the unveiling of the iPad Mini.  Reports are already surfacing  the device is beautiful to behold, but should have been cheaper and equipped with the A6 processor.  I am fairly sure I will ignore this device (after playing with it in the store, of course), but I can not know for sure until next Monday.  Why? 

Because Google has an important announcement to make; an updated Nexus 4 smartphone, a 10 inch Nexus tablet and an 32 GB Nexus 7 for $250 with the 16 GB Nexus 7 for $200 (goodbye 8 GB).  With my amazing iPhone 5 and the new (now old) iPad 3rd generation, my only concern in this announcement is the update to the Nexus 7.  

Can you tell which is which? Sure you can, but will consumers hold both these devices in their hands and fiercely debate which is better? No, because these devices are not in the same category.  Apple made sure of that with a $329 starting price on the iPad Mini.  The starting price for the Google Nexus 7 is $199.   Yes, the screen is smaller by 0.9 inches diagonal, but the Nexus 7 has a better display!  

iPad Mini 

= 7.9-inch IPS, 1,024x768 pixels (163 ppi)

= 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.28 inches

= 0.68 lbs/308 grams

Google Nexus 7

= 7-inch IPS, 1,280x800 pixels (216 ppi)

= 7.8 x 4.7 x 0.41 inches

= 0.75 lbs/340 grams

I assume the smaller screen has something to do with the more dense display on the Nexus 7, but still, with such a nice screen at such a lower price and with a Quad Core processor and a full GB of RAM, no one on the fence about which tablet to purchase is going to jump on Apple's bandwagon.  

Well, they shouldn't, but they will.  They will because Apple has a better ecosystem of applications (though not by much anymore).  They will because more and more people fall prey to the appeal of the latest and greatest Apple product.  They will buy the iPad mini because they hope that extra $130 will be forgotten in a sea of applications, web browsing and photo sharing.  

For someone like me, with a 3rd generation full size iPad, this device is a step in the wrong direction. Regardless of the screen size, I would be purchasing a product with less power and less speed than both my 9.7 inch tablet and my iPhone 5.  Even with these facts well ingrained into my mind, I still considered, for a moment, selling my iPad in favor of the iPad Mini (but only for a moment, I promise).  My moment of weakness was due to this...

Look at that thing. It is SO sexy and I'm a sucker for beautiful technology.  But then reality set in and I realized I was being foolish.  There is no place in my life for an iPad Mini. I am still going to buy whatever Google announces Monday morning.  

The price will be better, the specs will be equally good to the iPad Mini and I will get a fresh perspective on both Apple and Google.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE both my iPad and my iPhone, but I want to experience something different so I appreciate what I have that much more.  And I want a middle ground device between my phone and tablet. And I want to be economical with the process. Voila! Google Nexus 7.  

Maybe I was too cynical about who would purchase an iPad Mini. Anyone who doesn't have an iPad should seriously consider this product. It does look amazing. However, bashing the competition on a live streamed announcement is not going to make up for the fact that the iPad Mini is priced far ahead of the competition, and that's not Economics 101.