After the successful launch of the iPad Mini in 2012, Apple has entered the 7 inch tablet market that former CEO Steve Jobs stated would not have been successful.
Today, it seems that Apple is foregoing Steve’s prediction that the market will not accept tablets that are smaller than the first generation of the iPad as it prepares to launch the new iPad Mini 2, officially called the Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display.
The new iPad Mini was announced last Oct 22, 2013 in Apple’s event in San Francisco where the iPad Air was also introduced.
But unlike the iPad Air that had a specific launching date in the UK, the iPad Mini 2’s launch date was a bit sketchy as it was said to be launched sometime in November.
What to Expect from the new iPad Mini 2
The first iPad Mini made the iPad 4 feel like a brick to hold as it was smaller and significantly lighter. From the 9.7 inch screen of the iPad 4, iPad Mini owners was presented with a 7.9 inch version that could easily fit in a small bag, perfect for those who love to bring their iPad with them everywhere they go.
The smaller iPad Mini was capable of running all the apps on the iPad 4; however; it was lacking the Retina display that offers 1080p resolution that provides HD viewing and also had less processing power.
The only real advantage of the first gen of the iPad Mini was it was lighter and smaller but as for the screen and computing power, it was definitely trailing behind the iPad 4. 
This time around, Apple has significantly improved the iPad Mini 2 by adding these features, making this current version 4x faster than the first Mini.
Accurately called “The iPad Mini with Retina Display” it now supports 2048x1536 pixels in resolution which is four times sharper but with the same 7.9 inch screen, making images achieve a beautiful pixel density of 326. Seeing this gadget with your own eyes is a pleasure, particularly if you are into HD viewing and Facetime.
Yet what is resolution if the computing speed and graphics performance is lagging behind, right? Fortunately, Mini 2 owners will be experiencing none of it, as the iPad Mini 2 will now be powered by the A7 chip that will allow it to run on 64 bit architecture, just like the iPhone 5S and iPad Air.
The only thing we noticed on the iPad Mini 2 is that is slightly heavier than the first iPad Mini, and a far cry from the iPad Air that weighs only 1 pound. In fairness, the weight is barely noticeable as you will be more likely focusing on the amazing graphic performance, speed and yes, you know it, the Retina display.
Like the iPad Air, we were quite perplexed as to why Apple did not include the Touch ID technology they introduced on the iPhone 5S. It would be asking too much from Apple to include all their big gun features in all their newly launched devices, but it wound have been interesting to see the Touch ID technology would work on the iPad Mini 2 and iPad Air.
Perhaps in the coming versions, we’ll see it included, but for now, we’ll just have to do with what we have.
Just like the iPad Air, the Mini 2 also carries a punch in terms of communication with its dual-antenna Wi-Fi and support for MIMO technology that will produce faster transfer speed. That is definitely faster than the first iPad Mini, from 150Mbps to 300Mbps.
The camera is also upgraded; from the 1.2MP camera to the 5MP iSight snapper that fully supports 1080p HD on Facetime. This new iPad is definitely a gadget to own for those who are seeking to find a fast tablet, not compromising on performance and can easily be taken virtually everywhere.
The iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display comes in two colors, Silver and Space Grey. There are of course smart covers available as well, so if you’re the kind of person who loves to make their iPad colorful, you won’t be disappointed.
iPad Mini 2 Price in The UK
Since there is no specific release date for the iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display, the best thing to do now is to prepare for the price; with its new advanced features, prepare for a more expensive iPad.
The new iPad Mini with Retina Display at 16GB Wi-Fi only version is £319 which is £50 more expensive than the first iPad Mini and is 23g heavier. 
Spending more money on the latest version is worth every penny, no doubt about that; as the iPad Mini 2 is packed with advanced features, justifying its extra cost.
So owning one, many owners are wising up and getting comprehensive iPad insurance in addition to its warranty. For the latest Mini, getting complete protection is probably one of the wisest thing to do right after your upgrade.
iPad Mini Insurance UK
We all know that you can get AppleCare+ for your iPhone or iPad and its protection is indeed helpful. However, with some scrutiny, we can see that it is merely an extension of your iPad’s warranty which makes it two years.
While it covers repairs and parts, it will NOT cover accidental damages like cracking your iPad’s screen, water damage, theft and loss.
Owners who want total protection will be seeking a more comprehensive cover, which is exactly what we can offer. Click here for a FREE quote.
Our comprehensive iPad Mini insurance will give you maximum protection:
- Included 48 Hour Claim Service.
- We aim to process all claims within 48 hours
- Included Accidental Damage Cover
- Included Optional Loss Cover
- Included Fraudulent Call Cover up to £100 – More Info
- Included Extended Warranty
- Included Theft Cover
- Included International Cover (up to 90 days abroad)
- Included Water & Liquid Damage Cover
Yes, the new iPad Mini with Retina Display is set to launched on November 2013 so if this is the first time you will buy an iPad, it’s the best time to own this amazing device.
As for those who own previous versions, the upgrade is definitely worth it. Just be sure to have everything ready and protect your brand new Apple iPad Mini 2 with our in depth insurance iPad insurance.
Interested on a FREE quote? Click here
