Apple?s iPad mini, released last November, remains one of the best options in the 7-inch range of tablets and thus, it?s likely a device that many shoppers are thinking about buying. Before buying the current iPad mini though, there are a number of things that buyers must consider.
In July of last year Google struck first, launching its Nexus 7 tablet, a device that ushered in the Jelly Bean era of Android and a device that went on to have a solid one year life span. What the Nexus 7 also did was start a battle between three big name companies in the 7-inch tablet realm. For several months, the Nexus 7 was on shelves, unopposed. However, later in the year, Apple and Amazon both joined the fray.
iPad mini buyers need to consider a host of things before buying Apple?s 7.9-inch slate.
In September, it was Amazon that released its Kindle Fire HD, a high-end yet inexpensive upgrade to its original Kindle Fire and a device that was clearly aimed at tackling the Nexus 7 and its success. That launch was followed a few months later by Apple?s November release of its iPad mini, a device that had been stuck in the rumor mill for years but finally made an official appearance.
Like rumors suggested, the iPad mini arrived with a 7.9-inch display and a design that took after the iPhone 5?s aluminum back. The device checked in with a more expensive price tag than the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Nexus 7, starting at $330 and going all the way up to $670 for the 64GB version of the iPad mini LTE.
The iPad mini, despite its age, remains a solid option for tablet buyers and one that those in the market for a new slate should consider. However, this is 2013, not 2012 and there are some important things that iPad mini buyers need to consider before buying Apple?s smaller iPad.
iPad mini 2
The iPad mini 2 is rumored for later this year.
The first thing that prospective iPad mini buyers must consider is the new iPad mini which is expected to make its debut sometime this fall. Apple?s iPads, over the years, have seen incremental improvements and the same should be expected from the new iPad mini. Rumors suggest that the device will come with a thinner design, improved camera, and a better processor that should help with battery life and gaming.
However, maybe the most important aspect of the iPad mini 2 that buyers need to think about before buying the iPad mini is that it will likely come with a Retina Display. This is huge.
Arguably the biggest flaw of the iPad mini was its lack of a Retina Display, something that came to the larger iPad several years ago. A Retina Display would mean better looking photos, video and more and it?s likely the most sought after feature of a new iPad mini.
Apple tends to cater to its buyers so while there are rumors that an iPad mini with Retina Display could be pushed to 2014, it?s more likely that we?ll see it launch this fall.
No release date is known but given that the iPad mini was released in November, that?s a good time frame to think about. A three month wait for a exponentially better display, and tablet, is probably worth it to many buyers at this point.
Google?s Nexus 7
Buyers also must consider Google?s new Nexus 7 tablet which emerged from hiding just a few short days ago and unlike the next iPad mini, is readily available on shelves.
The Nexus 7 is a vast improvement over the last version as it not only brings a 7-inch screen that is miles ahead of the iPad mini?s display but it also adds a sleek lightweight design, the latest version of Android, a good camera, 4G LTE data speeds that can be accessed on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon and a price tag that undercuts the iPad mini in every way possible.
The new Nexus 7 is a device that potential iPad mini buyers must consider.
The iPad mini starts at $330, it hasn?t seen a price drop since its debut, while the Nexus 7 starts at $100 cheaper for its 16GB model Wi-Fi model. The 32GB model is only $50 more expensive while Apple charges $100 more. As for the LTE Nexus 7, which isn?t out yet, it will cost $350 which is $130 less than Apple?s 16GB iPad mini LTE. The Nexus 4 LTE only comes in 32GB form.
So the Nexus 7 has better specs, more wide-range LTE support and a price tag that undercuts the iPad mini. Plus, it?s available now. Indeed, this is something that iPad mini buyers need to consider.
Kindle Fire HD 2
On the heels of the Nexus 7 launch comes a huge Kindle Fire leak that includes news of a Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2, the rumored successor to the original Kindle Fire HD. Whether or not this was a controlled leak is unknown but it?s clear that Amazon?s Kindle Fire HD 2 is going to be a serious competitor to the Nexus 7 and the iPad mini.
While it only exists in rumor now, BGR?s information about the Kindle Fire HD 2 is likely credible given its track record. What this means is that consumers will more than likely be starring down a new Kindle Fire HD 2 that will come with a 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display, a Qualcomm 800 quad-core processor which is more powerful than the Nexus 7?s, 2GB of RAM, and both Wi-Fi and LTE models.
The Kindle Fire HD 2 is on tap for 2013 it seems.
What?s more is that the Kindle Fire HD 2 may stay in the same price range as the company?s previous models, while also coming in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB form. That could mean that Amazon undercuts both the iPad mini and the Nexus 7 with a $199 starting price point.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Gottabemobile/~3/owkZ1Mum3GQ/
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