The iPad Mini is just one of several tablets of its size. Here's a look at how the Mini compares with other tablets with comparable screens.
Apple Inc.'s iPad Mini
- 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. Larger-screen version available.
Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.
Barnes & Noble Inc.'s Nook HD
- 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.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications is small. Lacks cameras and option for cellular broadband.
Amazon.com Inc.'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.com Inc.'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 Inc.'s Nexus 7
- Price: $199 with 16 gigabytes of storage, $249 with 32 GB. Add $50 for 32 GB model with cellular capability (available Nov. 13).
- Screen size: 7 inches diagonally
- Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
- Weight: 0.75 pounds
- Cameras: Front-facing, 1.2 megapixel camera
- Battery life: 8 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. Option for cellular wireless broadband.
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.