Apple launches iPad Mini device

Apple has launched its widely-anticipated 7.9in (20.1cm) tablet, the iPad Mini. The device, which is 7.2mm thick and weighs 0.68lbs, was announced at an event in California. The entry wi-fi-only model, with 16GB storage, will cost £269 in the UK and be available on 2 November. The iPad Mini will compete directly with similar sized tablets from Google and Amazon. Apple's vice-president of marketing Phil Schiller told attendees that the device was 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third-geration iPad, which was released in March this year. The other wi-fi-only models will have a recommended retail price of £349 for 32GB and £429 for 64GB. The devices with cellular capability will be released "a couple of weeks" after the wi-fi-only models, the company said. They will be priced at £369 for 16GB, £449 for 32GB and £529 for 64GB. The firm also announced upgrades to its Macbook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini ranges of computers. 'Too small' The iPad Mini launch ends years of speculation that Apple was considering launching a new, smaller version of its bestselling iPad range. In 2010, late founder Steve Jobs described 7in tablets as being "too small". Mr Schiller said However, the company's apparent change of heart comes in the face of mounting pressure from its closest competitors, who already offer smaller - and crucially, cheaper - products. Amazon's new 7in Kindle Fire HD costs $199 (£159 in the UK). A slightly larger version, shipping on November 20, will sell for $299 (£159). Google's Nexus 7 has a price tag of $250 (£159). Adam Leach, principal analyst at Ovum, said he had expected the iPad Mini to be more competitively priced. "We got a mix of a bit of new Apple and bit of old Apple in the same announcement," he told the BBC. "This is new for Apple to be responding to competitors instead of pioneering their own way. "It's old Apple as they've gone into this market with a premium pricing strategy. "At the moment this doesn't place a lot of pressure on the Kindle Fire or the Nexus 7." 7-inch tablets compared Device Vital information What the experts say Acer Iconia Tab A110 • UK Release: 30 October • Operating system: Android Jelly Bean • Camera: 2MP • Cost: £179 • Full specification "There are several areas where the A110 loses out to its cheaper rivals. The most obvious of its weaknesses is the screen, which is poor by any standards." -PC Pro Amazon Kindle Fire HD • UK Release: 25 October • Operating system: Android Ice Cream Sandwich • Camera: 1.3MP • Cost: £159 • Full specification "It offers a simple and uncomplicated experience through and through, and is built to support the digital media it aims to sell you, with an excellent screen." -TechRadar Google Asus Nexus 7 • UK Release: Out now • Operating system: Android Jelly Bean • Camera: 1.3MP • Cost: £159 • Full specification "It's a well-designed, powerful, and useful product, with lots of bells and whistles that makes it feel like a device that should be more expensive than it is." -The Verge Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 • UK Release: Out now • Operating system: Android Ice Cream Sandwich • Camera: Back, 3MP; front, 2MP • Cost: £299 • Full specification "The deciding factor will be the price. In the US, the Tab will set you back $500 (£315) on a two-year contract or $700 (£440) without a contract, which is too much to pay for a mini tablet." -Cnet

Apple launches iPad Mini device 2012-10-23T11:57:00-07:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Undercover 999