IPad mini

The iPad mini is a series of small tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. It was introduced on October 23, 2012 as the first iPad model to feature a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches, in contrast to the then-standard 9.7 inches. The first iPad mini featured the same internal specifications as the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

History
Apple CEO Steve Jobs was originally opposed to a smaller iPad size, but senior VP Eddy Cue made a case for it after having used a from Samsung, stating: "I believe there will be a 7-inch market and we should do one." By 2011, Jobs had become more receptive to the idea.

Speculation about the iPad mini began as early as April 2012, as competition rose from 7" devices such as the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. Rumors initially suggested it would feature a 7.85" display at 1024×768 pixels. It was originally expected to be revealed at the Special Event on September 12, but new hardware announcements were limited to the iPhone 5, 5th-generation iPod touch, and EarPods.

On October 16, 2012, Apple announced a media event scheduled for October 23 at the in San Jose, California. The company did not predispose the subject of the event, but it was widely expected to be the iPad mini. On the day of the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced a new version of MacBook family and new generations of the MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and the iMac before the fourth-generation iPad and the iPad Mini.

Features
The iPad mini is part of the Apple iPad tablet series. As the fifth major iPad product line announcement, the smaller screen features a 7.9-inch display. This allowed for it to be held in one hand. Internal specifications and display resolutions are similar to that of the iPad 2. The first iPad mini was released in November 2012 to most of Apple’s markets. The iPad mini 2 with a Retina display was released in November 2013.

Specifications
The original iPad mini featured the Apple A5 second generation chip with a ARM Cortex A9 CPU. It was available in 16, 32 and 64 Gb flash memory versions with a 1.2 megapixel Facetime front-facing camera and 5-megapixel iSight as the rear camera. A full battery charge lasted about 10 hours. It was available in a base Wi-Fi-only model or a more expensive option that supported cellular connectivity.

Software
The original iPad mini was shipped with the iOS 6.0.1 operating system. It was updated to iOS 7 in October 2013.

Availability and warranty
iPad mini is available from the top US carriers; AT&T,Sprint and Verizon and in Canada from, Telus, Sprint,Bell Mobility and others. Limited warranty of 90 days with phone tech support is included with the purchase. Users can purchase an additional Applecare+ warranty which extends protection for 2 years and includes support for 2 instances of accidental damage. Under Applecare+, each damaged iPad is subject to a $79 service fee.

Hardware
Like the iPad 2, the iPad Mini has a resolution of 1024x768, but at a higher density than iPad 2 (163ppi vs 132ppi). The iPad mini features the same 32nm Dual-Core 1 GHz Apple A5 from the iPad 2 (2012) Unlike iPad 2, it has 5MP rear and 1.2MP front - facing cameras and the Lightning connector, like the 3rd and 4th gen iPads.

Design
The iPad Mini has the same design From the iPod Touch 5th generation. It flat on the back, similar to the iPhone 4 but has curved edges. It also has the same colors from the iPhone 5 (Black and Slate, White and Silver). The back is fully slate on the black model and silver on the white model. The iPad mini is 23% thinner than the full - size iPad at 7.2 mm, (same as the iPod touch 4th Generation) and 53% lighter than the full-size iPad at 0.68 lbs (308.4 Grams) lighter than most tablets in its category.

Accessories
The Smart Cover, introduced with the iPad 2, is a screen protector that magnetically attaches to the face of the iPad Mini. The Smart Cover on the iPad Mini is made of fabric, no aluminum hinge like the full - size iPad. The cover has three folds which allow it to convert into a stand, which is also held together by magnets. The Smart Cover can also assume other positions by folding it. Smart Covers have a microfiber bottom that cleans the front of the iPad and wakes up the unit when the cover is removed. It comes in five colors of both polyurethane and the more expensive leather.

Apple offers other accessories, including a Bluetooth keyboard, several types of Apple earpods, and many adapters for the Lightning connector. AppleCare and free engraving is also available for the iPad Mini.