iPad Mini First Impressions

A LOT of people have been blogging about the iPad Mini. It was released in stores yesterday and as a true Apple fan, I went to check it out.  Before stepping into the store, I already knew a good deal about this device (I really want to work for Apple).

First, the screen is NOT Retina.  That means letters and words are somewhat hazy and undefined compared to the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 and 4.  But we're comparing razor sharp displays to a very good display, a display everyone was fine with for the first 2 years of the old iPad's existence.  If you have not had long term exposure to a new iPad/iPhone, the screen on the iPad Mini will look really good because it is a condensed version of the iPad 2.  It's only in comparison that you ask yourself, "why would I spend $330 on this display?"

Second, I knew the form factor was perfect.  It fits in one hand fairly comfortably (tough to tell with my massive paws) but where the iPad Mini shines is the weight.  It is truly lighter than almost any book and as thin as a pencil.   

Yeah, I took a picture of myself with the iPad Mini on my iPhone 5. What of it?

This truly is a remarkable device that you should consider if you want something smaller than a full size tablet that is simple to use with the amazing Apple ecosystem.

*However, there are some caveats.  

• Apple designed this product with the A5 processor, the chip used in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4 (both now two generations old).  There are instances where you can definitely notice the slower loading times and downloads speeds when compared to the iPad 3 and 4 (I still can't believe my iPad is last gen after 6 months).  The most obvious times would be when playing high graphic intensive games, but I noticed some lag in using Apple Maps and opening the camera.  This 'lag' however, would be almost non-existent to the casual user, but I am anything but casual.  
• Now that Apple has broken the unspoken vow of updating products only once a year, and considering this is Apple's first foray into the 7 inch tablet market, I would not be surprised if the iPad Mini 2 is unveiled this summer, if not sooner.  If you can wait to invest $329, I suggest holding off or buying a Google Nexus 7 (as I am about to do).  
• Finally, if you already own an iPad 3, like myself, I do not recommend trading in for the iPad Mini or even purchasing one to compliment your iPad.  The differences in speed and display quality will become far too apparent if you are able to hold both devices in your hands.  I can not bring myself to downgrading spec-wise for a better form factor.  And the iPad Mini is a better form factor, maybe the best designed device Apple has ever created (and I am not the only one saying that).  

On the day the iPad Mini gains the A6 processor and a Retina Display, I will throw my iPad 3 out the window and run 5 miles to my nearest Apple Store to wait in line for 6 hours. But for now, I will be content with my older iPad and wait for the perfect iPad Mini.  

Temple Run ran great...in one hand!