iPad Mini to Displace iPad 2

With the newest release from Apple on its way, the iPad Mini is already making waves. Unfortunately, it’s not the waves you’d think, and not necessarily good news for Apple fans. The iPad Mini will apparently replace the iPad 2,
which is not good for those that were hoping to hold out for another price drop. On the other hand, it shows the growing popularity of tablets, mainly smaller tablets that are aimed to be easier to use and even more mobile. Like the long ago released iPod Mini/Nano, this newest innovation seems like it will be a great seller, but the growing trend seems to have larger implications on the mobile technology and tablet market.

What is most remarkable about this phasing out the iPad 2 for the iPad Mini is that it shows a change for prioritizing a smaller tablet. This is completely different from the moves that smartphones are making, which are only getting larger. The reason these devices have gotten larger, and why tablets are so popular, is because they have a strong use for entertainment apps. With companies like Netflix, and other satellite providerscoming out with mobile apps, having a larger screen is advantageous. This makes it seem a little odd that Apple is going in the opposite direction of this trend with its new tablet.

The newest iPad Mini does boast one big thing over the iPad 2 is price. The projected price for the Mini is $249, whereas the iPad 2 is priced at around $399. When it comes down to, that will definitely get buyers to come on to the idea of a smaller tablet, regardless of the size. The mobility may also be a little bit better, but at the current size of tablets, you really can’t get much more convenient.

Another issue with smaller tablets is because they are zeroing in on an awkward size; somewhere between a smartphone and a tablet. What makes this problematic is if there is a need for this type of device. Tablets are great because of how large they are, and the way they are stepping in for laptop computers. Smartphones step in as amazing tools that are easier to carry, though they might not have the same capabilities as all tablets. It seems that a tablet that is in between these two devices don’t have a lot of utility, other than the previously mentioned price.

All in all, the lower priced tablet will probably do well with the Apple fanatics. The price will pull in people that don’t want to shell out the $400+ tablet devices, and the performance will be close enough to pull in entry tablet users. Luckily for iPad 2 fans, there is still a lot of options for the iPad 2 (16 GB, 32 GGB, and 64 GB, with or with 3G) so there won’t be a complete loss of devices to choose from. While Apple might not be putting out the iPad 2, it is still possible to find nice refurbished or used ones, so not all is lost at the hands of the iPad Mini.