Apple iPad Mini
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MD528LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you want the full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package, the iPad Mini is worth the premium price. Otherwise, good alternatives are available for less money.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Apple iPad Mini price range: $299.00 - $449.99
- Reviewed by: Scott Stein
- Reviewed on: 10/30/2012
- Updated on:11/30/2012
The good: The iPad Mini's ultrathin and light design is far more intimate and booklike than the larger iPad, and its cameras, storage capacities, optional LTE antenna, and general functionality offer a full iPad experience. The screen's dimensions elegantly display larger-format magazines and apps.
The bad: The iPad Mini costs too much, especially considering the lower resolution of its 7.9-inch non-Retina Display. The A5 processor isn't as robust as the one in the fourth-gen iPad and iPhone 5. Typing on the smaller screen is not quite as comfy.
The bottom line: If you want the full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package, the iPad Mini is worth the premium price. Otherwise, good alternatives are available for less money.
User reviews
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Haven't used PC in weeks! Plus, response to criticisms.
by SquareOFortune on November 27, 2012
Pros: Excellent battery life
More durable than expected (so far)
Super light: Usable in one hand like a smartphone
Dual speakers louder than I expected
Non-retina display isn't hard to get used to; keeps device thin, light, less hot and less priceyCons: No retina display yet
Summary: [This is a "Response Review" written for anyone wondering if the Mini's UI, performance, and build quality stand up to everyday use compared to its big brothers, originally meant ...
Summary: [This is a "Response Review" written for anyone wondering if the Mini's UI, performance, and build quality stand up to everyday use compared to its big brothers, originally meant as a reply to a user, but which quickly tripled CNET's character limit for replies and morphed into a three-point look into the Mini. For the review that inspired this one, read "I returned my iPad Mini in less than 24 hours!" by MindObix]
— = long hyphen
Mr. or Ms. reviewer "MindObix," thank you for sharing so much thought-out detail about your experiences with Apple's latest li'l tablet, and inspiring me to make an account just to go over a few things with the Denizens of the Interwebs. As an iPad Mini owner myself, there are a few things that drove me absolutely nuts about some of the reviews it received (yours included), so I'll touch on those points and reference your review for the groundwork.
First, iPad Mini Performance:
For someone who stated to have decent exposure to multiple iPads, it was jaw-dropping to see you consider the Mini to be "sluggish." You do realize that the Mini has exactly the same performance (A5 @ ~1GHz) as the iPad 2 and iPad 3, right? All three are, on average, twice as fast as the A4 in the original iPad, which still hasn't become exactly a slouch even by today's high standards, and all three are a bit faster than the 800MHz A5 that's in your iPhone 4S—the second-hand flagship device for another year, and a device which many, including yourself and yours truly, don't seem to mind using.
Since the Mini is as fast or faster than all iPads with one exception, are you suggesting that every single generation until the 4th iPad has been trash in the performance department? I don't think that argument can be soundly made, saying the least.
Secondly, Text & UI size:
This one didn't completely drive me up a wall like the performance comments, as I can empathize with less-than-stellar eyesight. But from 2010 until March of this year, you and all other iPad users have been using 1024x768 iPads with horrible pixel density (stretched out, blurry text and images at 132ppi). Now, you have a much sharper, cleaner version of that same resolution, with a pixel density, UI size, and text size that's exactly the same as the first iPhone, the 3G, and the 3GS (all 163ppi), and it's suddenly crap?
I don't really follow the logic. Were one to say that they simply couldn't read iPhone UI elements until 2010 with the retina display, then I may be able to understand (your review stated that you'd rather use Mail on your 4S). This reveals—however—that you are in fact ok with the size of text and UI on the iPad Mini and all iPhones, but that you simply need that UI with more pixels. But, if one were to say they loved their 3GS but couldn't read anything on the iPad Mini, you can see how this wouldn't make sense (again, given that both devices have the same pixel density, font size, and UI size, only one has more real estate).
Lastly, qualms with Anodized Aluminum and Build:
I can't disagree with MindObix and similar reviewers more on this one. To me, my anodized black iPad Mini feels like a high-class "bite me" to all dark plastic tech devices. It's the "Darth Vader" way to make black gizmos instead of flimsy, hollow materials. The silver/white models look equally cool in my opinion, more angelic than 'Vader-esque. I've also been less than completely gentle with my Mini, and I haven't had a single scratch, mar, or ding show up yet (knock on wood), even though I expect them from my gadgets nowadays. Some say that the 4/4S and other iPads "feel" more durable, but I'd urge such people to check out drop tests of these new anodized Apple toys on the googlywebs; their durability seems to often be better than their thicker, heavier forebears, and sometimes better than their competitors. Plus, videos are always more entertaining than feelings.
When people say they'd rather buy an iPad 2 instead of an iPad Mini, my brain translates that into saying, "I'd rather pay $70 more for the same speed processor and graphics, a less crisp stretched out version of the same resolution screen, worse front & back optics, older, worse wireless hardware, and twice the weight.
I'd totally pay money for that."
Not me, Mr. Anonymous Internet Person. I'll keep my dollars and extra features.
Sent from my iPad Mini
Updated on Nov 27, 2012
This is how CNET's text editor prints long hyphens, apparently. Sorry for any trouble reading. =(12 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What the original iPad should have been.
by iPedroid on November 3, 2012
Pros: - Great size
- Premium Construction
- Great Cameras
- iOS = Thousands of great apps
- Fast enough for most users
- It actually works (before you hate on this read my summary below)Cons: - No retina display
- No A6X chipSummary: EUREKA! it works!
I am super thrilled with this tablet after being turned away from the android offerings because of a puzzling lack of functionality.
Although this size might not ...Summary: EUREKA! it works!
I am super thrilled with this tablet after being turned away from the android offerings because of a puzzling lack of functionality.
Although this size might not be right for everyone for me the 7-8 inch ballpark is where I've always wanted to be.
Before I start talking about this iPad let me give you some background as to why I chose this offering.
First off I have recently returned a Nexus 7 and a Galaxy note 10.1.
Without doing full unwanted reviews on those products, lets just say that the particular Nexus 7 I got, had a bad wifi antenna (might just be me, but this happened on two models)
And the Note 10.1 was incompatible with most of the great apps I had purchased for my Nexus, plus, it was too big for my taste.
Flash- forward a few days, and i am first in line for the ipad mini.
The ipad mini is an ipad 2 with better cameras shrunken down to a more ideal size.
Thats all you need to know, really!
Theres nothing crazy new or revolutionary about it, but after what I had experienced with the android offerings I had chosen this worked for me!
If you like a bigger size i'd look at the nexus 10 or the ipad 4th gen but as it stands I love my new ipad.
I'm sure that soon it will include retina and A6 chips, but as for now I think I'll just enjoy owning a tablet that works!14 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fills a niche in the Apple ecosystem
by kenrick--2008 on November 1, 2012
Pros: At 308 grams, the iPad Mini is really easy to hold in one hand. The keyboard is large enough to type easily (hunt and peck or with two thumbs). It is great for use with AppleTV and as a reader, where the larger iPad needed to be rested on something.
Cons: Resolution is adequate from 18 inches (45 cms) but when reading text at 10 inches (25 cms) you are aware of the pixels.
Summary: The Mini is large enough and light enough to be comfortable for reading online books and magazines. I would have liked a retina display but not if it meant a ...
Summary: The Mini is large enough and light enough to be comfortable for reading online books and magazines. I would have liked a retina display but not if it meant a heavier tablet. If you already have an iPad and can afford to have a separate reader, the Mini is ideal for you. If you are looking for a lighter laptop substitute, stick to the iPad.
6 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Got an infant? Get an iPad Mini!
by cojo88 on November 7, 2012
Pros: Portable, Battery Life, Bright Screen, One Hand Use, Loud Speakers
Cons: Recharge Time, Tiny Text Occasionally.
Summary: Just like the new iPad my family is Mini, me, my wife, and our 5 month old in a one bedroom apartment. As you might imagine space is at a ...
Summary: Just like the new iPad my family is Mini, me, my wife, and our 5 month old in a one bedroom apartment. As you might imagine space is at a premium. We use the Mini all the time as a second computer, an eReader, and to watch video.
If you have a baby you know you spend a lot of time swaying, walking, and soothing, last night I did so while reading my favorite sports column. In the unfortunate event you spend time in the hospital with your kiddo the Mini fits well on the cluttered surfaces of pediatrics room. Since it is small we can use it while holding a sleeping child. We find it the perfect size to just grab and use, and sometimes more importantly, put down in a hurry to attend to a baby.
Compared to other small tablets the Apple is a very polished, finished device, the use of aluminum and the evolutionary iOS combine for a sophisticated intuitive system that can be just about anything you like. The Mini is a mobile television, eReader, computer replacement, gaming system, and with siri a family scheduler/reminder system.
For more on our little family here is my wife's design/family blog www.everafterblueprint.com5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid product with one important minus!
by alexknysh on November 2, 2012
Pros: This is real iPad, very good form factor, lightweight, good battery, compatible with large great app library, really portable.
Cons: Low screen resolution.
Summary: Very good small tablet. Nice design, lightweight, every bit an iPad. Only one draw back: is screen resolution, witch is very important because it is the only way to interact ...
Summary: Very good small tablet. Nice design, lightweight, every bit an iPad. Only one draw back: is screen resolution, witch is very important because it is the only way to interact with product. But it my not be a problem for some one new to apple retina world. I own iPhone, MacBook Pro retina, so I live in retina world. And for me it is an issue. If you on a market to get small media player (iPod touch), I would really recommend to take a look at this product. You won't be sorry!
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Unbelievably light&thin.You have to hold to appreciate.
by johnlott on October 31, 2012
Pros: Bigger screen yet incredibly thin and light. Other Kindle and Nexus devices feel old & clunky. B&N (11 oz) feels noticeably lighter than Kindle Fire HD and Nexus (14 oz & 12 oz), but Apple mini iPad (8 oz) feels much lighter.
Cons: Higher price balanced off by massively superior construction.
Summary: The Apple iPad Mini is massively superior to the Kindle and Nexus. You really have to actually hold these devices to appreciate the difference. For book reading the difference is ...
Summary: The Apple iPad Mini is massively superior to the Kindle and Nexus. You really have to actually hold these devices to appreciate the difference. For book reading the difference is huge. Bigger screen makes web surfing much better on the mini iPad. If you want a device to read over a long period of time, none of the other devices comes close.
10 out of 21 users found this user opinion helpful.
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All the IPad bells and whistles in tiny package!!
by popmusikdaddy on October 31, 2012
Pros: 275,000 apps, iCloud,easy access to purchases from iTunes Store and more
Cons: lighting connector,the price (holiday's around the counter a drop of $40-$60 will happen count on it), no retina display
Summary: It's a great for children or folks who don't have $499 sent on a dime!! It's an IPad it's still the best tablet on the market ...
Summary: It's a great for children or folks who don't have $499 sent on a dime!! It's an IPad it's still the best tablet on the market period hands down. It's give a everyone a better price point for starters then before and this is attempt to draw sales alway from the IPad 2. I welcome the IPad Mini and 4G models
8 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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best 7 inch tablet
by Usama5799 on December 12, 2012
Pros: os
camera
perfomanceCons: price
pixel density2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect size and weight; Good but not a great product.
by ericschwartz15 on December 9, 2012
Pros: Screen size. Weight. Fit in hand. Ideal if you use iPhone, Mac, etc. Good speed. App Store. Smoothness of OS (especially when compared to the performance of a Kindle Fire HD).
Cons: While I don't watch a lot of movies/tv shows on my iPhone 5, I apparently have been spoiled by the screen clarity as I notice a slight drop off with the mini. Connecting iMessage on the mini to my phone number and not my wife's was an epic nightmare.
Summary: While I realize we are probably only a few months away from a Mini with Retina display, this format serves its purpose. I have a major international trip on the ...
Summary: While I realize we are probably only a few months away from a Mini with Retina display, this format serves its purpose. I have a major international trip on the horizon and my 3 year old has overtaken my iPad 1. I really love the size and feel and the app store puts this way ahead of other offerings. I do wish they would have offered a higher costing mini with Retina display to begin with.
After a month of use, I must say this is my favorite tech purchase of all time. With the Amazon Instant Video App, Newsstand, and iBooks, I now travel with only this device as a carry on. The 7.9" screen size is perfect. The battery is very good. Go for higher memory and skip the cellular capabilities. My iPhone 5's Hotspot works perfectly when no other wifi is available.
Updated on Jan 13, 20132 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Go and play with one you will love it!!!
by funhouse69 on November 27, 2012
Pros: Light weight, awesome battery life, portable, fast, well made, looks great and lightning fast Wireless and LTE (Verizon Model).
Cons: Price, No Retina Display
Summary: I am in no way a Diehard Apple Fan, I get to play with a lot of various electronics at my work. I went to purchase the Mini when it ...
Summary: I am in no way a Diehard Apple Fan, I get to play with a lot of various electronics at my work. I went to purchase the Mini when it came out but after playing with it I decided that I would wait for the Cellular Version as it is so portable and lightweight while still feeling like a high quality unit. Sure an iPad with a Retina display would be great but at what cost?
Seriously before you knock this go and play with one, you will see why it is the perfect size for portability. I use it more than the iPad 4 that I have access to.
Battery life in insane, I've been seeing 12+ hours even with LTE.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MD528LL/A
- Description: iPad mini makes one thing clear: its 7.9-inch display more than measures up to the complete iPad experience. View web pages in Safari. See where you are and what's around you using Maps. Flick through your photos and watch videos in vivid detail. And wave hello to the family on a FaceTime call. The iPad mini display uses the same LED backlight technology as iPad to give you plenty of pop per square inch. iPad is known for its fast, fluid performance, and iPad mini doesn't disappoint. It features the powerful and power-efficient A5 chip, which makes everything you do feel smooth and natural. From the little things like switching from app to app and swiping from page to page, to the big things like editing photos, watching movies, and playing games. An impromptu performance on the subway, the winning shot at your daughter's soccer game, and an awesome 360-degree view from the top of the mountain - the iSight camera on iPad mini lets you capture all these unpredictable, beautiful, spectacular moments. In 1080p HD, no less. The spacious iPad mini display gives you a great view of whatever you're filming. And with automatic video stabilization, your recording is free of bumps and shakes. So your videos are instantly ready to share.
Display
- Type 7.9 in,
IPS TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Display Resolution 1024 x 768 ( 163 ppi )
- Touchscreen Yes
- Features Fingerprint resistant oleophobic coating
General
- Operating System Apple iOS
- Carrier AT&T ,
Sprint ,
Verizon Wireless Processor
- Processor Apple A5
- Number of Cores Dual-Core
Memory
- Flash Memory 16 GB,
32 GB,
64 GB Communications
- Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0,
802.11 a/b/g/n Camera
- Rear-facing Camera 5 megapixels
- HD Video Recording 1080p
- Features Video stabilizer,
Autofocus,
Tap to focus,
Photo and video geotagging,
Face detection in still images,
5-megapixel iSight camera,
FaceTime HD camera - Front-facing Camera 1.2 Megapixel
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats DOCX,
HTML,
PDF,
DOC,
RTF,
TXT - Supported Still Image Formats PPT,
TIFF,
JPEG,
GIF,
PPTX Multimedia
- Supported Digital Video Formats H.264 High Profile Level 4.1 (up to 1080p),
MPEG-4 SP (up to 640x480),
Motion JPEG (up to 1280x720) - Audio Microphone , Speaker
- Supported Digital Audio Formats AAC,
WAV,
AIFF,
Protected AAC,
MP3,
Apple Lossless,
Audible
Software
- Preloaded Software Messages,
Music,
Reminders,
Camera,
iBooks,
iTunes,
Maps,
Game Center,
Photo Booth,
FaceTime,
Videos,
Safari,
Photos,
App Store,
Newsstand,
Clock,
Mail,
Notes,
Siri,
iCloud,
Calendar,
Contacts System Requirements for PC Connection
- OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.6.8 or later,
Microsoft Windows 7,
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista,
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later Expansion and Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Headphones,
1 x Lightning Battery
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium polymer
- Capacity 16.3 Wh
- Run Time 10 hour(s)
- Run Time Details Web browsing over Wi-Fi - up to 10 hour(s),
Video playback - up to 10 hour(s),
Audio playback - up to 10 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Color Black & slate
- Sensors Accelerometer,
Ambient light sensor,
Three-axis gyro sensor,
Digital compass - Features Front camera ,
Rear camera ,
Bluetooth - Included Accessories Power adapter
- Cables Included 1 x Lightning to USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.3 in
- Depth 0.28 in
- Height 7.87 in
- Weight 0.68 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95% (non-condensing)
- Min Storage Temperature -4 °F
- Max Storage Temperature 113 °F
- Max Altitude Operating 9840 ft
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010


