Apple iPad Mini
For a small (7.9-inch) tablet, the iPad Mini is significantly more expensive than nearly all of its direct competitors. And it lacks the high-res Retina screen found on the iPhone 5 and full-size iPad. But if your gift recipient already owns a boatload of Apple apps -- or you're willing to splurge on the best-in-class tablet experience -- the iPad Mini is best choice.
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.
October 31, 2012 10:27 PM PDT
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
