Right on schedule, Apple unveiled the iPad Mini ($329). And, I suppose, there’s really not much to say. It’s a smaller iPad. Or, maybe, a larger iPhone. With a lesser DPI than either. But thinner than my recently returned Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. Brian Lam, of The Wirecutter, was hopeful that folks attending Apple’s event might go beyond the press release verbiage in their coverage… to which PC Mag‘s Sascha Segan responded with allusions to the inevitable “in the hand” descriptions. My colleagues were only happy to oblige with nearly universal iPad Mini hand praise:
Engadget
Just as the bigger iPad, this one feels delightful in the hand.
TechCrunch
The finish of the device is matte on the back, making for a very nice feeling in the hand.
Venture Beat
The iPad mini has a metallic back panel similar to the current iPad, which feels cold in the hand but provides good grip.
The Verge
It feels as high-end as the new iPhone, but even sharper in the hand – like a slice of solid aluminum.
T3
It’s easy to hold and manipulate in the hand but feels durable and well-built enough to accompany you throughout the day.
AnandTech
The build quality and finish both feel good as you’d expect, but the device is just considerably lighter than the iPad which results in superior in hand feel.
Seattle Times
The most important consideration is that the iPad mini is truly light and comfortable in the hand.
Vancouver Sun
Apple took aim at its fast-growing competition in the tablet market Tuesday by unveiling its new iPad Mini, a downsized device that fits in the hand
Bonus! Windows Surface Tablet reviews are out:
Ars Technica
It also feels good in the hand.
TechCrunch
Through a process called VaporMg, which essentially allows Microsoft to mold components and chassis together at less than credit card-level thinness, the tablet feels solid and compact in the hand.