IPad mini

Not to be confused with iPod Mini.

The iPad Mini (stylized and marketed as iPad mini) is a tablet computer designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on October 23, 2012, as a second iPad and the first to feature a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches, in contrast to the standard 9.7 inches. It features out of the same internal specifications as the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

History
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 thought to be announced at the Apple Special Event on September 12, but was delayed to October.

On October 16, 2012, Apple announced a media event scheduled for October 23 at the The California Theatre in San Jose, California. The company did not predisclose 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. Internal specifications and display resolutions are similar to that of the iPad 2. The iPad mini was released in November 2012 to most of Apple’s markets. A retina display model is slated to be released in November 2013.

Under the Hood
The original iPad mini was shipped with iOS 6.0. Current users use the iOS 7 operating system updated in October 2013. The A5 second generation chip and a Cortex A9 CPU power the unit. Available in 16, 32 and 64 Gb flash memory versions. 1.2 megapixel Facetime front-facing camera and 5 megapixel iSight as the rear camera. A full battery charge lasts about 10 hours. Choose from two wi-fi models depending on your usage and plan; wi-fi or the pricier wi-fi plus cellular.

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.

Software
The iPad Mini comes with iOS 6.1.3 The update fixes a security bug,

Hardware
Like the iPad 2, the iPad Mini has a resolution of 1024x768, but at 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 hindge 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 are also available for the iPad Mini.