In terms of internal components, the iPad mini is somewhere between the second- and fourth-gen tablets. It uses the same dual-core A5 processor and 512MB of RAM as the iPad 2, but it has the 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD front camera and 5Mp back camera of the iPad 4. Of course, the mini also uses Apple’s new Lightning connector.
Contrary to Apple’s recent trend towards highres screens, the mini doesn’t have a Retina display. Instead, it offers the same screen resolution as the iPad 2: 1,024 x 768 pixels, considerably lower than the 2,048 x 1,536 of the iPad 3 and 4. If you’re accustomed to one of those, the lower pixel density is immediately noticeable, especially on text. It’s worth pointing out, however, that after three days of only using the mini, the difference – while still noticeable – wasn’t nearly as glaring.
With the exception of a Retina display, the iPad
mini gives you the full iPad experience, in a device
about half the size and weight of the standard iPad.Wi-Fi only: £269 (16GB); £349 (32GB); £429 (64GB)
Wi-Fi + Cellular: £369 (16GB); £449 (32GB); £529 (64GB)
www.apple.com/uk/ipad
LIKES:
-Most of the iPad experience in a smaller, lighter package
-Existing iPad apps run natively
DISLIKES:
-No Retina display
-Some apps and websites feel cramped on smaller screen
Source . iPad iPhone User Issue .72
