Apple introduced a smaller iPad on Tuesday, putting it in competition with devices from Amazon, Google and others. Here's a look at some of the hardware specs for Apple's iPad Mini, compared with leading rivals and the full-sized iPad.
Apple's iPad Mini (available November 2)
- Price: $329 for base model with Wi-Fi only and 16 gigabytes of storage, $429 with 32 GB, $529 with 64 GB. Add $130 for versions with cellular capability.
- Screen size: 7.9 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1024 by 768 pixels
- Weight: 0.68 pound (0.69 pound for cellular versions)
- Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Operating system: Apple's iOS
Pros: Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. High-resolution screen. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $459.
Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.
Barnes & Noble's Nook HD (available November 1)
- Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of storage, $229 with 16 GB
- Screen size: 7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1440 by 900 pixels
- Weight: 0.69 pound
- Cameras: None
- Battery life: Up to 10.5 hours of reading and up to 9 hours of video
- Operating system: Modified version of Google's Android
Pros: Expandable with microSD card. High-definition screen. Larger-screen version available Nov. 1 as well.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications is small. Lacks cameras and option for cellular broadband.
Amazon.com's Kindle Fire HD
- Price: $199 with 16 gigabytes of storage, $249 with 32 GB
- Screen size: 7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1280 by 800 pixels
- Weight: 0.87 pound.
- Cameras: Front-facing camera.
- Battery life: 11 hours.
- Operating system: Modified version of Google's Android
Pros: Cheap and portable. Convenient access to Amazon store. High-definition screen. Dolby audio. Larger-screen version coming Nov. 20, including option for cellular broadband.
Cons: Small selection of third-party applications available from Amazon. No rear camera for taking video and photos. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.
Amazon's regular Kindle Fire
- Price: $159 with 8 gigabytes of storage
- Screen size: 7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1024 by 600 pixels
- Weight: 0.88 pounds
- Cameras: none
- Battery life: 8.5 hours.
- Operating system: Modified version of Google's Android
Pros: Cheap and portable. Convenient access to Amazon store.
Cons: No-frills tablet lacks camera and microphone. Small selection of third-party applications available from Amazon. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. No option for cellular wireless broadband.
Google's Nexus 7
- Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of storage, $249 with 16 GB.
- Screen size: 7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
- Weight: 0.75 pounds
- Cameras: Front-facing, 1.2 megapixel camera
- Battery life: 9.5 hours
- Operating system: Google's Android
Pros: Access to a variety of games, utilities and other software for Android devices, though not as extensive as apps available for iPad.
Cons: Integrates with Google Play store, which is still new and isn't as robust as Apple or Amazon's stores. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. No option for cellular wireless broadband.
Apple's iPad
- Price: Starts at $499 with 16 gigabytes of storage, goes up to $699 with 64 gigabytes. Add $130 for versions with cellular data access. (Apple still sells the older, iPad 2 for $399.)
- Screen size: 9.7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 2048 by 1536 pixels
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
- Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing
- Battery life: 10 hours.
- Operating system: Apple's iOS
Pros: Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. Unique high-resolution screen. Widest range of cases and accessories available. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $629.
Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.
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