IPad 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 the fifth overall generation of the iPad line and the first to feature a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches, in contrast to the standard 9.7 inches. It features the same internal specifications as the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

The iPad Mini will be priced starting at $329 in the United States, £269 in the United Kingdom and €329 in the European Union. It will begin shipping on November 2, 2012 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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.

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.

Software
The iPad Mini will ship with iOS 6.0.

Hardware
The iPad Mini features mostly the same hardware as iPad 2. The screen has a resolution of 1024x768, but at higher density than iPad 2 (163ppi vs 132ppi). Unlike iPad 2, it has 5MP and 1.2MP cameras and the Lightning USB connector.

Accessories
The Smart Cover, introduced with the iPad 2, is a screen protector that magnetically attaches to the face of the iPad Mini. 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 earbuds, and many adapters for the Lightning connector. AppleCare and free engraving are also available for the iPad Mini.