Apple Announces the 7.9-inch iPad Mini Starting at $329

[Shawn Zipay]

If, for some reason, you really wanted an iPad but just didn't like how "big" it was, then today's news is right up your alley. Apple has announced a 7.9-inch iPad Mini. For the 16GB model, you can expect to pay $329 (USD).

Phil Schiller took to the stage today during a special event in San Jose, California to reveal the iPad Mini to the masses. As noted, it has a 7.9-inch screen capable of a 1024x768 resolution (like the old iPad models). It has a 7.2mm thick aluminum shell, making it about half the weight of the fourth generation iPad.

If you want something larger than 16GB, expect to pay dearly for it. The $329 is for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model. A 32GB Wi-Fi model is $429, while a 64GB model is $529. If you'd rather have LTE, expect the base model to run you $459 with subsequent models going up in increments of $100. Meanwhile, a 16GB Nexus 7 is $249.

It touts a 10 hour battery life and will come in either black or white. Orders will start being taken on October 26 and it will ship out by November 2. I imagine there are people already lining up to get one.

(via The Verge)

[Shawn Zipay]

This shouldn't sell well at that price. It shouldn't, but I know damn well that people are going to be complete idiots and think that's a good deal and they will buy this in droves.

Old technology, insane prices, and once you get up to the $500 range, why the hell wouldn't you just buy a regular iPad with Retina Display at that point? Hell, they still even sell the iPad 2, which is still a better option once you're looking at $400. It's a $70 difference between the Mini and the iPad 2 for the same GB of storage.

And like I said in the article, a freaking 16GB Nexus 7 tablet with Android is just $250!

[SgtMattBaker]

Yeah I was expecting it to be 249.99 ... but that's just nuts.

[signa]

the newer nexus7 just hitting stores now is 32GB for $249.

[Eagle101]

whats the point of this. I dont understand, Ipad mini.

[K-16]

For those who think the iPod Touch is too small, and the iPad is too big. Likely to compete against Kindle and other smaller tablets that are considered more practical for some. Sigh... Mr. Jobs, this is why you are missed. Apple is going back to their hockey puck ways and rehashing products. Hmm... I think Sony and their PS3 Slimmer might have been contagious to the electronics industry.

[jimykx]

IpAd mini, wtf, is it like an Iphone that doesn't make calls or send sms's ?

[signa]

you should be able to send SMS from any wifi tablet by using your google voice number.. and probably make calls too.
I was gonna get a number for my N7, but i figured why bother, i always have my phone on me.