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Apple's 256GB iPad mini is $50 off at Amazon
Apple's 256GB versions of the iPad mini have received a $50 discount at Amazon.
This week's best deals: 10.2-inch iPad, Apple Watch Series 5 and more
The best deals we found this week include the 10.2-inch iPad for $250, $100 off the Apple Watch Series 5, and Amazon's Kindle on sale for $65.
Apple's latest iPad mini drops to $349 at Amazon
Apple's current-generation iPad mini is on sale for $349 at Amazon, making it a better deal if you prefer a small tablet.
Apple's latest iPad mini drops to an all-time low at Best Buy
If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to pick up an Apple iPad mini, now is the time to do so with the 64GB model starting at $330.
The latest iPad mini returns to its lowest price ever at $350
Amazon and Best Buy are offering a significant discount on the iPad mini 5 today. Both are selling the tablet for $350 for the 64GB WiFi model. While we've seen this price before (Amazon had it at $350 for a week or so last month), it's the lowest Amazon has ever listed the tablet, and it usually doesn't last long. Typically, the price tends to hover between $385 and $400.
Apple may introduce a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with a mini-LED screen
When Apple introduced the much-improved 16-inch MacBook Pro, it raised an obvious question: when will the 13-inch model get a similar update? You might not have to wait too much longer. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (who has a history of mostly accurate near-term forecasts) has followed up on past claims with an investor note asserting that Apple will replace the 13-inch MacBook Pro in 2020 with a 14.1-inch model using a mini-LED screen that would promise higher contrast ratios, wider color ranges and other image quality boosts. Kuo was shy on other details, but it's safe to presume this new model would get the upgraded keyboard and other refinements from its 16-inch sibling.
The iPad Air is on sale at Amazon (along with a bunch of other iPads)
We've already seen a couple solid iPad discounts this year, and it seems to be an ongoing trend. Select versions of the iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini are on sale today, offering something for everyone.
Apple's latest iPad mini is down to an all-time low of $350 at Amazon
Like the idea of Apple's small-but-speedy iPad mini, but don't want to pay a $70 premium over the usual price of the larger entry-level iPad? You might not have to. Amazon is running a sale that lops $49 off the price of the iPad mini, bringing it to a new low price (for the store) of $350 for the 64GB WiFi model. You'll see a comparable discount on the 256GB model, too, although the deals aren't nearly as sweet for cellular buyers (just $34 off the 256GB variant).
Is the iPad Mini a great choice for a small tablet?
Yesterday's Apple event didn't cover any updates to its iPad Mini -- which makes sense given that the 2019 iPad Mini was just released back in March. When senior editor Chris Velazco reviewed the most recent model, it had been three years since the last iteration of the tablet. The improvements that Chris most appreciated about the new iPad Mini were the improved display, solid battery life and Apple Pencil support; the parts he was less thrilled about were the recycled design, slow 12W charger and "unexciting" cameras.
Xfinity Mobile moves beyond phones with iPads and Apple Watch
Comcast's Xfinity Mobile is no longer limited to selling smartphones... provided you like Apple hardware. The carrier (whose network is run by Engadget parent Verizon) has introduced its first non-phone devices, including LTE versions of the Apple Watch Series 4, iPad Air and iPad mini. All three will cost the same as they do elsewhere. It really comes down to the cost of service. Whether you're subscribed to by-the-gig or unlimited data, it'll cost you $10 per month for every smartwatch or tablet you add to your plan.
Apple iPad mini review (2019): Still the best small tablet
When Apple announced the first iPad mini in 2012, the tablet's purpose was clear: It squeezed just about everything that made the regular iPad such a pleasure to use into a smaller, cheaper package. It's no wonder the mini built such a devoted following. After a few more years, though, Apple stopped updating its line of small tablets, leaving its fans with a tough decision to make: Do they move up into a bigger iPad instead? Or buy one of Apple's "Plus" phones to try and get the best of both worlds? Or should they just hang on until Apple decided to give the mini some attention? The people who went with that last option ultimately waited three years, but Apple has finally delivered the goods. The new, $399 iPad mini is here, and the many improvements you'll find here make it a pleasure to use. As familiar and as capable as this mini is, the context around it has changed: It's no longer the entry-level iPad, and the rise of big smartphones means the convenience of a small tablet isn't quite what it used to be. After living with the new mini for over a week, I'm convinced there isn't a better small tablet out there. Whether a tablet like this still meaningfully fits into your life, though, is a question only you can answer.
Apple quietly announces 10.5-inch iPad Air and refreshed iPad mini
Apple's online store went dark earlier this morning, and now it's clear why: The company decided to quietly roll out not one, but two new iPads ahead of its big event next week. The new, larger, 10.5-inch iPad Air will arrive with a 70 percent performance boost compared to its predecessor, thanks to the company's A12 Bionic chip with Apple's Neural Engine. That'll be useful alongside the now 20-percent larger display -- which is compatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil too.
Report: Apple might be revamping its iPad lineup in March
Japanese website Macotakara reports that Apple's upcoming March event will see the release of a new line of iPad Pros as well as 128GB iPhone SE and a new bright red color choice for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The company is expected to unveil iPad Pros in 7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch models.
Mophie's 'Space' battery cases bring more storage to iPhone 6, iPad Mini
Last year Mophie, a company best known for its mobile battery offerings, stepped into slightly new territory by releasing a battery-toting iPhone case with external storage dubbed the "Space Pack." Now, as if on cue, Mophie is unveiling new entries in the Space Pack line for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPad Mini. And, not to be forgotten, there's also a new standalone battery pack called the "Spacestation." They all look very similar to Mophie's existing battery solutions, but they include anywhere from 32GB to 128 GB of flash storage, which could be useful for anyone stuck with a paltry 16GB iPhone or iPad Mini. But, as is typical for Mophie, that convenience won't come cheap. The iPhone Space Packs and the Spacestation start at $150 for 32GB of storage, and jump up to $200 for 64GB and $300 for 128GB. The iPad Mini pack, meanwhile, runs from $200 to $400.
Apple profiles the musicians behind its new 'The Song' holiday advertisement
Apple this weekend released a new holiday advertisement called "The Song" that told the story of a young woman who remastered a love song sung by her grandmother to her husband before he left for military service. To promote its commercial, Apple yesterday released a follow-up video that profiles the musicians in the clip and details how the video was created. The ad is the product of a collaboration between musician Dana Williams, vocalist Rhiannon Giddens and Third Man Records. Sung by Giddens, the grandmother's song was recorded using a vintage voice-o-graph booth supplied by Third Man Records. The song then was edited by Williams using GarageBand, a tool that she uses to record "basically all of her music." "The Song" isn't Apple's first sentimental holiday advertisement. Last year, the company received industry accolades for its touching iPhone-focused video, "Misunderstood."
Logitech's AnyAngle case: Just the angle you want for iPad Air 2, iPad mini
Logitech continues to outpace most accessory manufacturers in coming out with a variety of very useful products for the iPad. Today's announcement is for a very adjustable iPad case for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini called the AnyAngle (US$59.99). As you can see in the video below, AnyAngle uses a unique hinge mechanism to adjust to, well, just about any angle. I can see the AnyAngle being a good companion to Logitech's recently-released Keys-To-Go Bluetooth Keyboard, a standalone keyboard equipped with Logitech's splashproof FabricSkin. It's the perfect combo for people who want to use a keyboard with their iPads, but don't necessarily want that keyboard to be attached to the tablet. AnyAngle comes in a variety of colors - Black, Red/Blue, Violet, Grey, Teal, and Yellow. We hope to have a review item in hand soon.
Twelve South HiRise Deluxe: The only charging stand you need
The good folks at Twelve South today announced their latest adjustable charging stand for iPad and iPhone. The HiRise Deluxe (US$59.99) works with everything from the iPhone 5/5s to the iPad Air, and now comes in colors to match your favorite Apple device - silver, gold, and black (well, it's kinda close to Space Gray). Take a look at our review, then have a chance to win a gold HiRise Deluxe courtesy of Twelve South and TUAW. Specifications Height of front support: 1.65 inches (4.2 cm) Total height: 3.38 inches (8.6 cm) Width: 3.9 inches (10 cm) Depth: 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) Weight: 0.5 pounds (.22 kg) Design Like the original HiRise before it, the new HiRise Deluxe uses a large, stable base with two adjustable risers. One contains the Lightning or micro-USB adapter for charging your device, while the other is a "backstop" that holds the iPad or iPhone in place. Everything as usual comes in a well-designed box that Steve Jobs would have been proud of. Inside a smaller box in the big box are the rear support, cable clips, a Lightning cable and a micro-USB cable. Functionality Assembly is required, but it's quite simple and there are good instructions. First, you remove a support screw with a knurled knob and then attach the rear support with that same screw. Next, you remove the base cap by pulling a tab. Now you select your cable (I chose Lightning, but if you use a Mophie case you'll probably select the micro-USB cable) and thread it through the front support. Next comes the selection of one of three different cable clips, which are selected based on whether your device is in a case or not. The clip holds the cable at just the right distance to give your device clearance for the case if needed. The clip now slides into the front support and clicks into place, and all that's left to do is to route the cable through a channel in that base, then reattach the base cap. If you are carrying your iPhone "naked" and later decide to add a case, just be sure to keep all of the extra cable clips and also be sure to adjust the rear support with a twist of the screw. It's that easy, and took me only about a minute to set up. What you end up with is something that will hold your device solidly while it's charging, and look good in the process. Conclusion Twelve South has improved on a classic and now made it compatible with the most recent iPhones, iPads, and iPad minis. They've made the HiRise Deluxe coordinate beautifully with whatever finish you have on your Apple device, and by including a cable you no longer need to use your Apple-supplied cable. The HiRise Deluxe is a stable and attractive charging stand that should last you for years to come. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway One lucky TUAW reader is going to have an early Christmas and win a HiRise Deluxe in gold! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 22, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Twelve South HiRise Deluxe valued at $59.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The DuMont: A 50's retro TV enclosure for iPad mini and Jambox
There's nothing Apple fans love more than dressing up their devices with some sort of accessory, especially when that accessory mimics something retro. In this case, Jeffrey Stephenson -- a computer modder and designer who has a list of awards a mile long for his ingenuity -- decided to turn an iPad mini and Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker into a tiny version of a 1950's-era DuMont console television. Regretfully, you can't buy one this unique enclosure, but if you're into woodworking or furniture-making, this should be a piece of cake for you to whip one up! Stephenson provided a gallery of images showing just how the DuMont was built. And now for something completely different -- a video of the DuMont in action:
What's Apple doing with the iPad Mini 3?
To say that Apple glossed over the iPad Mini 3 last week would be putting it mildly. All told, Apple spent exactly 35 seconds discussing the device. And with good reason, the iPad Mini 3 is essentially the same device as the iPad Mini 2, the lone enhancements being Touch ID and new color options. This is somewhat strange. Typically, new hardware models from Apple are positioned as attractive and compelling upgrades from preceding devices. Just look at the iPad Air 2, for example. Compared to the original, the iPad Air 2 is thinner, has a more advanced processor, faster Wi-Fi, Touch ID support, and an improved iSight camera. The impetus to upgrade is clear. The same, however, can't be said for the iPad Mini 3. Save for Touch ID, the iPad Mini 3 is the exact same device as the iPad Mini 2; they share the same screen technologies, the same A7 processor, and the same iSight camera. Nothing has been made thinner, nothing even a gram lighter. So what gives? Why is Apple seemingly giving the iPad Mini 3 the cold shoulder? There are few points to consider which, together, may help shed some light on what can only assume is Apple's purposeful ho-hum iPad Mini upgrade this year. Protecting already thin margins It's well known that Apple enjoys higher margins on the iPad Air than it does on the iPad Mini. As a result, perhaps Apple was hesitant to bestow the iPad Mini 3 with more recent and more expensive components so as to not cut into already thin margins. Though the inclusion of Touch ID isn't all that expensive (the sensor is rumored to cost around $7), new components start to add up quickly once you account for a next-gen processor, a more advanced Wi-Fi module, and a better camera. Further, if we assume that the full-sized iPad remains Apple's more popular model (Apple unfortunately doesn't break down its iPad sales by device), it stands to reason that Apple, with respect to the iPad Mini, can't make up for lower margins with increased volume. Pushing consumers towards the iPad Air Aside from obvious size differences, remember that the iPad Air and the iPad Mini 2 housed the exact same internals. Both came with Apple's 64-bit A7 processor, the same screen technologies, and the exact same FaceTime and iSight cameras. While this was great for consumers, the number of people opting for the iPad Mini 2 over the iPad Air may have been higher than Apple was anticipating. Note that the average selling price across Apple's iPad line during the company's July quarter was $443.58. In the preceding quarter (from January to April), the average selling price for the iPad was $465. And just yesterday, Apple's earnings report revealed that the average selling price for the iPad during the September quarter was $431. The following infographic from The Verge highlights how the average selling price for the iPad has been trending downwards for a while, and really started to sink once the iPad Mini was released in November of 2012. That being the case, perhaps the modest iPad Mini upgrade was designed to make the iPad Air 2 that much more appealing. For just $100 more than the base model iPad Mini 3, consumers can get a bigger screen and distinctly improved internals. The iPad Mini is less important thanks to the iPhone 6 With the recent release of the gigantic iPhone 6 and the gargantuan iPhone 6 Plus, perhaps Apple is betting that its two new iPhone models will diminish demand for the iPad Mini. Perhaps Apple reasoned that it shouldn't invest more money than necessary into an already lower-margined product on the precipice of experiencing a decline in sales volume. Remember, Apple has no problem cannibalizing its own products. In fact, you might even say they enjoy it. Recall Tim Cook's comments on cannibalization during an earnings conference call last year. "I see cannibalization as a huge opportunity for us," Cook said. "Our core philosophy is to never fear cannibalization. If we don't do it, someone else will." Further, remember that the impetus behind releasing the iPad Mini in the first place was to stop smaller and lower-priced Android tablets from eating into iPad sales. With the new iPhone 6 models now out and in high demand, perhaps the strategic importance of the iPad Mini has been lessened. To that end, the iPad Mini, arguably, doesn't need to be positioned as the most advanced smaller-sized tablet on the market. Rather, it can continue to serve a role by merely existing as a cheaper alternative to the iPad without needing any of the more recent technological bells and whistles. Speaking to the potential for cannibalization, former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassee recently wrote: Talk of Apple's game plan brings us to the iPhone 6 Plus... Does the new, larger iPhone say something about the future of the iPad mini? I once thought the mini was the "real" iPad because I could carry it everywhere in a jacket pocket. But about two weeks ago I bought an iPhone 6 Plus, and I haven't touched my mini since. (As punishment for my sin, I found 52 apps awaiting an update when I finally turned on the mini this morning...) Now I have an "iPad micro" in my (front) jeans pocket...and it makes phone calls. It remains to be seen how pervasive iPhone6/iPad Mini cannibalization is, but if Gassee's thoughts on the matter are shared by many, look for a big uptick in the ASP for iPads when Apple releases its earnings results for the holiday quarter this coming January. Slower upgrade cycles Another point to consider: perhaps the iPad Mini 3 was somewhat neglected because the iPad, for a variety of reasons, has a slower refresh cycle than the iPhone. While consumers often have no problem upgrading to a newer phone every two years, and in many cases every year, the same can't be said for tablets. It therefore stands to reason that even if Apple gave the iPad Mini 3 the same upgrade treatment as the iPad Air 2, no one with an iPad Mini 2 would be compelled to upgrade. At the same time, Apple didn't have to add much of anything to the iPad Mini 3 to make it an extremely attractive upgrade for anyone currently using the original and Retina-less iPad Mini. This is typical Apple Apple traditionally bestows its latest and most advanced technology on the products it would prefer to sell more of, which is to say its lineup of more expensive flagship devices. It's why the iPhone 5s came with Apple's amped up A7 while the iPhone 5c came with a year-old A6 processor. So while last year's iPad Air had much in common with the iPad Mini 2, that level of parity between the the company's two iPad lines can be viewed as more of an exception than the rule. Especially when one considers that every retina iPad model has featured a beefed up variant of Apple's A"x" processors; the iPad 3 had the A5x chip while the iPad 4 had the A6x chip. In other words, Apple showering the iPad Air with advanced components and keeping the iPad Mini on the sidelines arguably returns things to the status-quo that Apple typically prefers. Looking ahead Apple's most recent earnings report revealed yet another year over year drop in iPad sales. It'll be interesting to see if the iPad Air 2 will help reverse that trend or if sales will continue to drop going forward. For any interested iPad Mini owners, I suppose the silver lining is that last year's iPad Mini 2 is available for $100 less than the iPad Mini 3 and the only thing you'll be missing out on is Touch ID.
Apple keeps iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Air models alive at reduced pricepoints
Apple today introduced two new iPad models, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. While Apple quickly glossed over the iPad Mini 3, it spent a considerable amount of time discussing the iPad Air 2, an upgrade which delivers a host of attractive enhancements such as a blazing fast A8X processor, much improved camera quality, and Touch ID. While the pricing matrix for Apple's new iPad models remains unchanged, consumers looking to get a capable iPad at a more affordable price are in luck. Phil Schiller announced today that the iPad Mini, the iPad Mini 2, and the original iPad Air will all remain available for purchase at reduced pricepoints. The original iPad Air can now be picked up for $399 while the iPad Mini 2 and original iPad Mini can be purchased for $299 and $249 respectively. Phil Schiller made a point of noting during today's keynote that the $249 pricepoint on the original iPad Mini represents the lowest pricepoint ever for any iPad model.
