Apple Announces iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display
Posted on Oct 28th 2013
Apple released two new tablets this month, the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display. Here’s what’s new with Apple’s latest iteration of the ever-popular iPad and iPad mini:
Slimmer, lighter, and with a smaller bezel, the iPad Air was built for easy handling. The new iPad weighs in at 1 lb., versus the iPad 4’s 1.44 lbs. and measures 7.5 mm in depth, versus the iPad 4’s 9.4 mm.
The tablet’s A7 processor and M7 motion coprocessor make this the fastest, most efficient iPad yet. It includes a 5 megapixel camera like the iPad 4, but with improved sensors that take better low-light photos.
Like the previous generation of its 10-inch tablet, Apple promises a 10-hour battery life and offers a 128 GB version.
Accessories for the iPad Air have already been announced. We're excited about the OtterBox Defender, Belkin Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case, and ScreenGuardz Pure Shatter-Resistant Glass Screen Protector. Pre-order yours today.
The most notable upgrade to Apple’s 7-inch tablet is the addition of Retina display. With 2048 x 1536 resolution and 326 pixels per inch, the iPad mini’s screen is now razor sharp. The screen upgrade makes the mini slightly thicker and heavier than the first generation.
The iPad mini with Retina display also runs faster than its predecessor, as it comes with Apple’s latest processing chip, A7. With two microphones, one at the top edge and one on the back, this iPad will capture better sound, which enhances Siri's voice recognition capabilities.
Like the full-size iPad, the iPad mini with Retina display comes in space gray and silver, offers 10 hours of battery life, and includes a 5-megapixel rear camera.
To make the most out of the iPad mini, we recommend the OtterBox Utility Series Latch II Case, which makes handling the mini a breeze, and the CaseCrown Bold Trifold Case, a mini-sized folio that converts to a stand. To protect it, don't overlook a great screen protector. We like the ScreenGuardz Pure Shatter-Resistant Glass Screen Protector.
The iPad Air starts at $499 and will be released Nov. 1. The iPad mini with Retina display starts at $399 and will be released "later in November," according to Apple's website.