Apple launches the worst kept secret – also known as the iPad mini

Last night London time Apple unveiled the iPad mini, the same device that we have all known about for quite some time. The biggest difference being that most of the leaks I saw claimed a display size of 7.85 inches where Apple is now officially claiming 7.9 inches. However pointless that comment might be, Apple are hoping to bring iOS tablets to a more affordable price tag – and steal the limelight from Google's Nexus 7.

On the outside the iPad mini impresses with a thin and sleek design that is just 7.2mm thin and weighing 308 grams. This is compared to the Android based Nexus 7 that is 10.5mm thin and weighs a bit more at 340 grams.

The iPad mini loses its bigger brother's Retina display branding, restrained to a 7.9 inch, 1024×768 resolution display. While the resolution is a bit disappointing, all existing iPad applications will run just fine.

Everything is powered by the Apple A5 chipset, including a dual-core processor. There is also a 5 MP camera and a HD webcam to keep those few and somewhat odd camera-on-tablet fans happy. Keeping everything running for up to 10 hours is a 16.3 Wh battery.

iPad mini preorders will commence from October 26 and will start shipping from November 2. Pricing starts from £269 for the 16 GB, Wi-Fi only model.

KitGuru says: A £70 premium over the equivalent Google Nexus 7 model isn't exactly small. Regardless the iPad mini will sell very well, thanks to that priceless Apple branding.

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