Apple introduced the long-rumored iPad mini today. At 7.9" in diagonal, the new smaller iPad is said to allow for one handed usage. Apple had the device on hand for reporters to have hands on demos with the device.
Overall, the impressions are positive with many focusing on the build quality and lightness of the device. While the device is smaller, others note that it's certainly not tiny. Here is a roundup of some of the early impressions:
The finish of the device is matte on the back, making for a very nice feeling in the hand. The weight is really the most impressive part, though – as with the iPhone 5, but to an even greater degree, the iPad mini feels almost weightless when compared to its predecessors. It’s so thin and light as to feel almost like a prop, rather than a functional device.
The display on the mini looks incredibly sharp, and even though the resolution is lower than the 3rd and 4th generation full-size iPad, it doesn't immediately seem like a 1024 x 768 display. The smaller, 7.9-inch surface area certainly helps squeeze the pixels.
It's still not "small," though. While a fully outstretched adult hand can generally grasp it without help from the other, you'll still want both for typing and using apps. It's still too big for your average pocket, and it's not going to save you a heck of a lot of room in your knapsack compared to the 9.7-incher.
Anandtech offers this hands on video:
Top Rated Comments
Idiots everywhere.
HOLD IT with one hand. You either have your 9.7" iPad in your lap, on the stand or held with two hands. You never hold it with 1 hand for prolonged periods of time.
you USE your iphone with 1 hand.
So why the big deal about the 4" iPhone, didn't Apple say it was the perfect size for one hand use, the iPad Mini is much bigger!
Yeah, the kindle fire has 169 ppi and the iPad mini has 163 ppi, what a total failure /sarcasm
Only Apple would say that a >4" phone is too large for the hand, yet talk about how great it is to use a 7.9" iPad mini that fits in one hand. :)
I now see how innovation works at Apple since Steve Jobs has died.
"We need innovation in the iPhone! Do it now!"
---"We'll make it bigger!"
"Brilliant! Magical!"
"We need innovation in the iPad! Do it now!"
---"Well... it worked for the iphone, but lets make this smaller!"
"Brilliant! Magical!"