“I love my iPad, but I have long grumbled about its weight. When you pick up a 10″ iPad, you know you have picked it up,” Kirk McElhearn writes for Kirkville. “At 651 grams, it’s a hefty device. I’ve always found it a bit too heavy for reading…”
“I use my iPad for consuming media and playing games, not for creating. The larger display doesn’t add anything for me, and the extra weight makes it a bit of a drag,” McElhearn writes. “When I got my iPad mini yesterday (which finally has a 7.9″ screen), I realized that this is the iPad I had been waiting for all along.”
McElhearn writes, “Not only is it smaller and lighter, but it’s thinness makes it feel like a total different device. The lack of heft means that you pick it up easily, with less strain and gravitas than the heavier iPad. At 304 grams, it’s less than half the weight of the full-sized iPad… I will gladly predict that the iPad mini will become the standard iPad, and that, in the future, we’ll look back on the early full-sized iPads with a smirk, the way we look back at the first portable computers.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Brawndo Drinker” for the heads up.]
Distant future is still about 10″ sized tablets, though they should weigh like iPad mini — id est about 300 g instead of 650 g like iPad 4 now.
First we had the idiots saying it won’t happen and it would be pointless now we have its the logical size and will be the new standard size. Funny old world.
I didn’t think so until I got my iPad mini. It really is much more easy to use long-term. You’ll actually forget about the weight most of the time. I still love my full size iPad and believe they’ll run side by side like Surburbans and Tahoes.
I agree. The iPad and the iPad mini both meet the needs of different users. Like I mentioned, The larger iPad is perfect for me, while the iPad mini is perfect for my wife. I actually don’t even see much cannibalization because of this fact.
That’s the key, Dmac – as you say, the iPad and iPad mini serve different purposes and customers. Personally, I would add the iPod touch (aka iPad nano) in that list. Eventually, as Apple is able to reduce component weight and thickness, there may even be an iPad larger than 9.7″, although that niche might be better served by a system employing retinal projection glasses or flexible/deployable displays rather than a hard screen.
My point is that those who say that the iPad mini is the future should consider that there are multiple versions/sizes of laptops, iMacs, and other products for a reason. Contrary to the labels on some clothing, one size does *not* fit all.
There’s your problem. I use mine for consumption AND creation. The weight is significantly less than a laptop so I really don’t mind. As I was setting up my wife’s iPad mini, I was struck by how small it is. Sure, there are times the smaller one would be better, but the larger iPad, like my 3rd gen, is incredible as an all-around device. Also, I was shocked at how much I missed my retina display. The mini is an improvement over the iPad 2, having the same pixels in a smaller area, but still no retina.
All in all, my wife would not have appreciated a full size iPad as much, and since she can put this in her purse and she uses it mostly for consumption (and farming) the iPad mini is perfect for her (as it also obviously is for this writer, who has not realized the full potential and elegance of the iPad.
I wasn’t sure which I would prefer on trips. Now I am positive: the 10″ iPad is the new workhorse for me. The iMac and MBP stay at the office.
The comment, “There’s your problem,” refers to this quote:“I use my iPad for consuming media and playing games, not for creating. The larger display doesn’t add anything for me, and the extra weight makes it a bit of a drag,” McElhearn writes.
I feel a little sad Apple used a non-RD display for the iPad Mini. Seems to me the smaller the device the more you need RD and the iPad Mini was made for it. Looks like I will have to wait another year. *sigh* After using my iPad 3 I just can’t go back. It’s always the second gen model it seems that’s the sweet spot.
I use the iPad 2. I have never felt like the screen was short on resolution or quality. The iPad mini packs the same pixels in a smaller area, actually increasing the resolution over my IPad 2. As long as one is not switching back and forth between a Retuna display I think most people are going to find the display on the mini just marvelous. You will probably get your Retina mini next year.
Well, that’s the problem. A good number of potential Mini users will have an iPhone 4, 4S or 5. The difference in resolution is immediately apparent – I took a look myself.
Apple did not want to go with iPad 3/4 route, making the tablet thicker and heavier comparing to iPad 2 because of screen requiring much more energy.
So making iPad mini with Retina display is not only issue of higher cost of the display itself, it is also issue of making bigger, heavier, thicker, pricier battery, thicker and pricier case — so this drags a lot along with Retina resolution itself.
Next year Apple will be able to use Sharp’s IGZO technology to make iPad 5 lighter and thinner again — maybe even thinner and lighter than iPad 2: for example, thickness could be like 8+ mm and the weight could be like 550 g, which is 100 g less than current iPad 4.
Alongside with it IGZO technology would allow making of iPad mini 2 with Retina display without increasing the battery, the weight, the thickness and price of the devices.
Yep- I too will wait. And save up…
I got my iPad Mini yesterday. Now I love my iPad 3 even MORE!
The mini was setup as my device……took ages to load all my apps and stuff. A couple of hours later I was setting it up as my 11 year old’s iPad Mini. He is loving the mini much more than his iPad.
What I found hard was to go back to the old display from the retina display of the iPad.
I guess, “once you go retina you never go back”, applies here.
I’m not sure if the mini will replace the larger iPad as the flagship device, but I have to admit it is pretty damn sweet. I picked mine up yesterday and haven’t put it down yet. The design and craftsmanship is in a class by itself. And yes I can say this because I have a Kindle Fire HD. While the Kindle has a higher resolution, it is humiliated in thickness, responsiveness, and quality. I won’t even go into app and OS comparison to allow the Fire to keep some shred of dignity. As for the resolution, it really isn’t bad, but if Apple had been able to add a retina display? The competition could have kissed their collective asses goodbye completely.
I agree the mini is not for the fanboy market. Its for a way bigger market.
I can see lots if people enjoying the Mini. But I want my next iPad to be 13″.
Jeez! What the hell is Kirkville? C’mon MDN, you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel to get positive stories. It’s not necessary.
Don’t get around much, do you? Kirk McElhearn has been writing for MacWorld for sometime now, and has a regular column.
Well I do have a life. So I don’t get to spend all my time reading about Apple. And no, I don’t read MacWorld. Used to get the magazine years ago but that was years ago. And wow! I’m flattered that you would take so much of your valuable time to come up with a new username just for me! Wish I had that much time to do useless things.
“Wish I had that much time to do useless things.”
As opposed to doing useful things like hanging around on this site blathering about how you don’t have the time to do it? Yeah, that makes sense.
“Weekend” is a known Troll, who frequents MDN because he wants to associate with a respectable group of people, instead of his actual basement-dwelling, Cheetos-stained peers.
When you see the user-name “Weekend”, think “ignore”.
Troll? I make my living with Macs. Wannabe. Sorry my opinions don’t suit your taste. I have an opinion, I’m just not a fanboy. That’s difficult for you to understand. I’d tell you to suck shit through a dead pigs ass but that wouldn’t be nice. So I won’t.
Ah, so Weekend and GM are one in the same. Very interesting!
Depends on which device I’m using. Different email for different device. Thus different username. Have a problem with that?
I think Steve was right about the size – the original iPad has the ideal screen size. At home, I will certainly continue to use the retina screen iPad.
That said, the mini is great device, extremely portable with a build quality second to none. I can carry it in a pocket at work and it will go with me in my backpack everywhere else.
I too am in the camp of the mini as showing the future for the iPad. Not that I am giving my retina iPad away anytime soon. For instance, when exploring a new city with Maps, there is no comparison, the retina iPad wins hands down; the same for other content creation. Both iPads have a place in my Apple arsenal.
As for the mini, I am happy they went with the same aspect ratio as its larger brother. The 7″ tablets are to narrow to browse comfortably, or even read books.
Now all I need is an A6 retina mini, and all will be well. they will sell a gazillion of those.
So in the next 12 months the iPad mini retina will be introduced for $329. The original iPad mini drops to $299. Still not the greatest price points but a little better. If they could just drop both a little and still keep margins decent that would be fantastic. We’ll see.
I predict a maximum of $249 for the iPad Mini in a year. A $30 difference is way too low for retina display, A6, probably thinner/lighter, etc.
Increasing memory from 16 to 32 to 64 should be only about. 50$. I think that this would make them move as fast as they can make them. 329$ for 16 – 379$ for 32 and finally – 429$ for 64. This keeps Apple honest and profitable.
What a bunch of girlyboys.
Apple will eventually make the iPad lighter without reducing the size of the screen. In three years, when I plans to purchase another iPad, I expect a significant weight reduction.
It seems to me that the iPad 2 is going to fall out of production next year and we’ll have this for the lineup:
iPad (5th gen) — starts at $499
iPad mini (2nd gen with retina display — what resolution this will be I don’t know . . . might become another resolution that the SDK will hopefully automatically scale for developers) — starts at $329
iPad mini (1st gen). — Starts at $229
At this point, there will be no reason for anyone to eschew an iPad for a cheap Nook or Nexus.
The iPad 2 is already out of production, Apple is just selling the last production run.
Every now and then a market will offer two sweet spots, Apple is now hitting both.
Just played with an iPad mini at Best Buy. Love the size and the screen is not nearly as bad as all the tech “journalists” are saying it is. This size hoever makes me realize that ios definitely need a user interface overhaul.
I’m using my mini right now. My wife took possession of our iPad 3 before I even saw it. I like the mini’s size. I have a 4s but I really can’t tell the difference in the screens. I’m seeing many mores ads on the mini. I need a Adblock app.
I think there are way too many pasty-white, limp-wristed pansies out there! I’ve been using my iPad (3) since last April. I actually find it less stressful to hold than the similar-sized lighter-weight paperback textbook I would normal be using.
You probably spend a lot of time building up your wrist, and that makes the iPad 3 seem lighter.
I think the a RD was left off to keep it thin this year. The RD ipad 3 and 4 had to be made uncharacteristically thicker and heavier for the RD. That was not an option for a Kindle size device in my opinion. This “flaw” only builds momentum for next year’s mini 2 if they can overcome the technical difficulties of making thinner and lighter RD. We can expect a full size ipad 5 as thin and light as the mini when that tech hurdle is overcome. Sharp’s IZO screens may solve that.
100% AGREE!! While it disappointingly lacks a retina display, the Mini will be the new gold standard! Never could figure out why my iPad didn’t get used much till I got the Mini! Truly hits the sweet spot of size and weight! My iPad Heavy is being gladly sold while it still has value!
Went to the local Apple Store Friday mid-afternoon and it was packed. Most of the mini models were sold out – just some black ones in 32 and 64GB’s left. I spent close to half-hour fiddling with one and thought it was really, really nice. I think I like it even more than the full 10″ form factor. It’s so light and thin and is so much easier to handle and hold in one hand for extended periods of time.
What was really surprising and unexpected is that the screen didn’t feel cramped at all. The webpages looked great and a bunch of other apps like Numbers and Pages worked and looked fine as well. Also, the non-Retina display was still excellent. I’m fine with the 1024×768 resolution on the two iPad 2 units in the household, so the same resolution on the smaller screen made it even more brilliant.
The supposedly “inferior” screen looked great and made me think: “What are they complaining about? How many people are *really* going to have an issue with this?” That being said, it was the usability that surprised me. It didn’t feel like a “downgrade” at all as far as user experience from the full-size iPad. In some ways, it might feel more like an upgrade because you can get around the screen quicker without the feeling that you’ve lost space.
I’m actually quite amazed by how nice it looked and felt. Everything about it was indeed just right. I wasn’t expecting that. I was thinking, “I bet it’ll just feel like a cramped iPad and there is no real use for it other than portability and comfort.” This just wasn’t the case at all. It really is the full iPad experience. It’s not a larger iPod touch as some people thought this would be. This is an iPad.
Apple hasn’t lost its mojo at all. All the products are getting better and better. I’m looking forward to checking out the new iMacs even though I won’t be getting one anytime soon. When those hit the Apple Stores, it’s going to look really spiffy in there with all the other cool new products introduced this year – MBP Retina 13″ and 15″, iPhone 5, iPad 4, iPad mini, iPod touch, and iPod nano. This is going to be the mother of all quarters for Apple and business history itself.
The future is tablets everywhere not just mini vs maxi
Agree. They are the future of mainstream consumer computers. I only use a full size computer for specific work related applications, for everything else, it’s a mobile device.
BS, they will get lighter. I want a larger iPad myself. Brink on 12″ or whatever it will be.