There something a lot of people do not realize as the KEY difference in usability between “desktop” computers (including laptops) and iPads. For any given user, a desktop computer is typically used at a more or less constant distance between the screen and the user’s eyes. For a laptop user, that distance may vary more, but still, there is a certain “comfort level” at a certain distance. The computer display is stationary and the user must move his/her body to that comfortable distance. That is why there are MANY screen size options, because the distance is more or less constant (for each user), so to get the desired field of view (viewing angle), the screen size must change. And the user buys the computer with the display that fits this preference.

The iPad is the opposite. The screen gets moved to achieve the desired field of view (viewing angle), not the user’s body. A single screen size (or two now) can accommodate a large diversity of users, because field of view changes simply by moving the screen closer and father away. If I’m reading tweets or emails, I don’t need to see the entire screen, so I move (without really thinking about it) the iPad closer to my eyes. If I’m watching a movie, I want to see the entire screen, so I move the iPad farther away from my eyes. Not only does my “20%” comment make perfect sense, I’ll bet YOU change the distance between your iPad and your eyes MORE than 20% over the course of using it during your day, based on the tasks you are performing.

This difference is also why the people who continue to think Apple will eventually release an iMac-sized touchscreen “hybrid” Mac/iPad are dead wrong. In order for an iPad to work the way it does, the screen must be highly mobile. The user must be able to move the screen easily to accommodate their current task, NOT move their body to accommodate the screen location. I predict the largest iPad screen will be around 12 inches. A 12-inch iPad of the future will probably weigh about the same as today’s Retina Display iPad, so that would be doable. Anything larger (and heavier), and the screen starts to become a stationary object (like a desktop computer display) and that destroys the iPad user experience. Apple won’t do that…

This new iPad (at less than HALF the weigh) enhances the iPad user experience. Just use it like everyone ALREADY uses their “big” iPads and change the viewing distance to accommodate best what you are doing at that moment (without even thinking about it). The screen is only 20% smaller, but its weight makes it TWICE as mobile!

Anyhow, if the iPad mini works for your eyes, buy one. I’ll enjoy my retina display.

Changing the distance between the screen and your eyes IS the solution, not “part of the equation” (when the screen size remains constant). It’s the same, whether the screen is on an iPad or in a movie theater.

The recommended THX viewing angle is 36 degrees, distance is part of the equation, it’s not the solution.

I’m the opposite, nearsighted. When use a computer screen at two to three feet, I wear my glasses. When I read a book, I don’t wear glasses. I used to be able to read fine with my glasses on, but I’ll probably have to get bifocal glasses soon. So for me, getting the desired “field of view” on an iPad at a slightly closer distance is preferable, because I usually don’t wear my glasses with I use an iPad or phone. Right now, iPhone distance is very comfortable. iPad distance is fine, but a little closer would be ideal. So iPad mini should be ideal for me…

329 to limit demand. 5 months down to 299 and the Touch to 249.

However, I think it’s a more “compromised” design decision on the iPad mini. I’m not sure it would have passed the Steve Jobs usability test. I recall seeming the commercial of the old Dell tablet/phone (I think it was 5-inch) and thinking it looked odd and uncomfortable being held with one hand, gripped from its sides. The iPad mini is significantly wider…

However, I personally think it’s a good compromise. I use an iPad more in the horizontal position, and the mini still has large wide “handles” at the top and bottom. I looks very good with the thin “frame” along the sides (makes the big iPad look “fat”), and it makes the overall body significantly smaller, which reduces weight even more than a straight 20% scale down. For me, weight is a very important consideration because the big iPad feels too heavy to me.

I think iPad mini is a BIG winner…

But if you are, then Apple will gladly sell you an iPad mini for $329 instead of you buying a Kindle Fire for $200.

Apple just made a true iPad closer to a reality for many people who were settling for Kindles and Nexus tablets. Instead of being less than half the price of an iPad, now a Kindle Fire is only about 1/3 less than an iPad mini.

The other point is that places like Walmart and Target don’t sell Kindles any more because they’re mad at Amazon. So people can use layaway to buy their iPad because no Kindles are available on layaway at Walmart.

Amazing machine at a fantastic price.

They keep saying it, and it’s true. Apple really does re-think all of this stuff when they tackle a new product.

With the larger iPad, you hold it with two hands and it is twice as heavy, so there is a comfortable hold position that is less flexible. If the iPad mini is small and light enough to hold comfortably with one hand, then it’s position relative you your eyes becomes much more flexible, and you will be able to hold it 20% closer (or whatever distance desired) to adjust your field of view with no problem.

People typical hold an iPhone closer to their eyes compared to an iPad for the same reason… because they are adjusting their field of view.

I bought myself a 7″ HTC tablet last Christmas, and it is much more functional than the Kindle Fire. Only problem is that HTC has abandoned it as far as updates go. So really, the only good option for a 7″ Android tablet is directly from Google.

So give everyone a break. It’ll either sell at an insane rate or not. And if not, look for a price drop in 3-6 months.

Moving something closer to your face, isn’t always the answer.

I think the author makes a very valid point.

May be Apple is holding the release of 8GB for $250.00 depending on the fan’s reaction to the price of 16GB for $329.00!

Who knows?

You should consider the value of the utility of the iPad mini in terms of your situation – iTunes, iCloud, etc. That might be worth a $100 over the course of a couple of years?

In addition, if you already have a significant investment in apps, music, videos, books, etc. that you could easily load on an iPad mini, then that sunk cost just might impact your decision.

If, however, you would prefer to make an emotional purchase just because Apple did not hit your price point, then go right ahead.

This “field of vision” comment is nonsense to me. It displays the exact same 1024×768 content of iPad 2. Since it is so much lighter, just hold it 20% closer to your eyes to get the same “field of vision.” Since the pixels are about 20% smaller, things will even appear a bit sharper compared to the iPad 2 (although obviously NOT “retina”).