iPad Mini First Look: Features and What to Expect

Initial Impressions of the Apple iPad Mini

The Apple iPad Mini is now available, and Dave’s prediction from May regarding the benefits of a smaller iPad and a larger iPod touch has proven accurate.

As Dave previously explained, the Mini caters to a wider range of user requirements. Its lower entry cost makes it accessible to a greater number of consumers.

Furthermore, it presents strong competition within the tablet market, effectively challenging devices like the Nexus and Windows tablets.

Firsthand Reactions After 24 Hours

Having used the iPad Mini for over a day, I’m prepared to share my initial observations regarding its strengths and weaknesses.

Throughout this review, I will also recommend several key applications that enhance the Mini’s functionality.

Additionally, I will offer suggestions for app developers to optimize their offerings for a more seamless experience on this compact device.

Essential Apps and Potential Improvements

To maximize the utility of the iPad Mini, consider these applications:

• Reading Apps: Ideal for enjoying books and articles on the go.
• Note-Taking Apps: Perfect for quick jots and brainstorming sessions.
• Gaming Apps: The smaller size offers a comfortable gaming experience.

Developers could further refine their apps by focusing on optimized layouts for the smaller screen size.

Improved touch target sizes and simplified interfaces would significantly enhance usability.

Reasons for My iPad Mini Purchase

The decision to acquire an Apple iPad Mini stemmed primarily from two key factors. My initial iPad 1 model no longer receives support for iOS 6, an operating system version containing productivity enhancements I regularly utilize.

Additionally, the larger form factor of my original iPad proved cumbersome when used for digital reading.

Desire for a Compact Reader

I had previously hoped for a device comparable in size to a Kindle, but I chose to wait and observe Apple’s product development in this area.

However, had I already invested in the iPad 3, I might not have felt the need to purchase the iPad Mini, given the considerable cost associated with both devices.

The price point was a significant consideration when weighing the benefits of upgrading.

A Compact Option: The iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is, without question, a scaled-up version of the iPod touch. But does this increased size translate into a worthwhile investment? A purchase is justifiable if you find the iPod touch or iPhone screens too restrictive for enjoying media, yet the standard iPad feels unwieldy or difficult to manage in certain scenarios.

While one-handed operation of the iPad is achievable, it may not be feasible for all users, particularly those with smaller hands. The iPad Mini, despite its slim profile comparable to a notebook, doesn't quite match the featherlight feel of paper.

Optimal comfort is found when using the Mini in a reclined position, supported on the lap – a posture I’ve long favored for extended reading sessions with the original iPad. A minor ergonomic consideration is the relatively narrow edge of the Mini, which some users with larger thumbs might find less comfortable to grip.

Optimizing the Reading Experience on the iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is particularly attractive to users, such as myself, who prioritize it as a dedicated reading platform. My daily reading habits involve applications like Pocket, Instapaper, NewsRack, GoodReader, Amazon for iPad, and Zinio, utilized for consuming articles, books, and various documents.

Consistent with my expectations, the iPad Mini proves to be an exceptionally well-suited device for reading, largely due to its compact size. Opening a Kindle ebook on the Mini evokes the sensation of reading a moderately sized paperback.

Text font size adjustability within iPad applications is especially beneficial when using the Mini. While current iPad apps are compatible, some developers will likely need to optimize their interfaces with slightly larger text and icons to accommodate the smaller screen.

Apple itself should consider updates to its Mail, Notes, and Reminders applications to enhance usability on the iPad Mini.

The iPad Mini has prompted a return to using Instapaper for article reading, over the Pocket app. Instapaper’s distinctive tilt scrolling functionality is ideally suited for the device.

This feature not only eliminates the need for manual page scrolling but can also demonstrably improve reading speed. It’s regrettable that this capability wasn’t incorporated into the recent iBooks 3 update.

Key Features for Enhanced Readability

• Compact Form Factor: The smaller size closely resembles a paperback book.
• Adjustable Font Sizes: Crucial for comfortable reading on a smaller screen.
• Tilt Scrolling: Instapaper’s feature significantly improves reading efficiency.

The Importance of App Optimization

Developers play a vital role in ensuring a seamless reading experience on the iPad Mini. Updating app interfaces to feature larger, more legible text and icons is essential.

This optimization will maximize the benefits of the Mini’s portability and enhance overall user satisfaction. Consideration should be given to the specific needs of readers when designing for this device.

The iPad Mini as a Digital Notepad

Although the iPad Mini may not function effectively as a substitute for a laptop computer, it has proven to be a remarkably useful tool for note-taking. This is largely due to the integrated speech-to-text dictation capability present in iOS 6, a feature which significantly influenced my decision to acquire the device.

Notes can be dictated rapidly and effortlessly within any application that supports text input. Utilizing the built-in microphone is convenient, but I've found that employing the remote microphone included with Apple earbuds enhances the experience, particularly when composing longer texts.

Enhanced Dictation Experience

Further improvements to productivity could be realized if the remote control were capable of directly initiating the dictation function. This would streamline the workflow and reduce the need for manual activation.

Several applications are particularly well-suited for writing on the iPad Mini. These include Drafts, Evernote, Day One, and aNote HD.

• Each of these apps offers a user-friendly interface.
• They are all configured to synchronize notes seamlessly across multiple devices.

The comfortable design of these applications contributes to a more enjoyable and efficient writing process. The ability to access notes on various platforms adds to their overall utility.

The iPad Mini, combined with these note-taking apps, provides a powerful and portable solution for capturing thoughts and ideas on the go.

iPad Mini: Initial Impressions

The 16 GB Wi-Fi model of the iPad Mini was my choice, primarily due to a reduced need for extensive travel. Consequently, a large storage capacity isn't a necessity, as I don't anticipate storing over a gigabyte of media files directly on the device.

However, it's worth noting that 16GB can feel restrictive for power users. As I accumulate more applications, documents, and e-books over the next couple of years, managing storage space – largely through cloud-based solutions – will become essential.

Apple Smart Cover and Alternatives

This is my first experience with the Apple Smart Cover, and its convenience for quickly waking and sleeping the device by opening and closing it is undeniable. Despite its functionality, I don’t consider the Smart Cover particularly aesthetically pleasing.

Therefore, I am planning to purchase a different case, specifically the Men's Cover case available from Etsy, to better suit my preferences.

Pricing and Future Expectations

The iPad Mini’s starting price of $329 seems somewhat inflated, by approximately thirty dollars. This is especially true considering Apple likely anticipated a significant number of existing iPad 3 owners would be interested in upgrading to the smaller form factor.

I predict Apple will adjust the Mini’s price point within a year, coinciding with the release of a new iteration featuring a Retina display.

Retina Display Considerations

The impact of the Retina display is, for me, not particularly noticeable. When comparing the Mini side-by-side with my wife’s iPad 3, the difference in visual clarity isn’t immediately apparent.

Nevertheless, I am confident that Apple will continue to refine display technology and text rendering across all iPad models over time.

Concluding Thoughts

This represents my initial evaluation of the Apple iPad Mini. Further articles detailing useful applications for the device are planned.

I am eager to hear your perspectives. Have you purchased an iPad Mini? If so, what motivated your decision, or conversely, what factors led you to pass on it?