Review: iPad Mini charms with design and finish, but screen is a letdown

NEW YORK, N.Y. - I bet the iPad Mini is going to be on a lot of wish lists this holiday season. I also bet that for a lot of people, it's not going to be the best choice. It's beautiful and light, but Apple made a big compromise in the design, one that means that buyers should look closely at the competition before deciding.

Starting at $329, the iPad Mini is the cheapest iPad. The screen is a third smaller than the regular iPads, and it sits in an exquisitely machined aluminum body. It weighs just 11 ounces — half as much as a full-size iPad — making it easier to hold in one hand. It's just under 8 inches long and less than a third of an inch thick, so it fits easily into a handbag.

The issue is the screen quality. Apple has been on the forefront of a move toward sharper, more colorful screens. It calls them "Retina" displays because the pixels — the little light-emitting squares that make up the screen — are so small that they blend together almost seamlessly in our eyes, removing the impression that we're watching a grid of discrete elements.

The iPad Mini doesn't have a Retina screen. By the standards of last year, it's a good screen, with the same number of pixels as the first iPad and the iPad 2. The latest full-size iPad has four times as many pixels, and it really shows. By comparison, the iPad Mini's screen looks coarse. It looks dull, too, because it doesn't have the same colour-boosting technology that the full-size model has.

This is not an entirely fair comparison, as the full-size iPad starts at $499 and weighs twice as much. The real issue is that this year, there are other tablets that are cheaper than the iPad Mini, weigh only slightly more and still have better screens.

Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle Fire HD costs $199 and has about the same overall size as the Mini. While the Kindle's screen is somewhat smaller (leaving a bigger frame around the edges), it is also sharper, with 30 per cent more pixels than the Mini. Colors are slightly brighter, too.

Barnes & Noble Inc.'s Nook HD costs $229 and has a screen that's even sharper than the Kindle HD's. It's got 65 per cent more pixels than the iPad Mini.

Why do tablets from two companies chiefly known as book stores beat Apple's latest for screen quality?

Sharper screens are darker, requiring a more powerful backlight to appear bright. That, in turn, would have forced an increase in the battery size. That's the reason the first iPad with a Retina display was thicker and heavier than the iPad 2. So to keep the iPad Mini thin while matching the 10-hour battery life of the bigger iPads, Apple had to compromise on the display.

This can't last, though. By next year, it will likely be even more obvious that Apple is seriously behind in screen quality on its small tablet, and it will have to upgrade to a Retina display somehow. That means this first-generation iPad Mini will look old pretty fast.

The display causes a few other problems, too. One is that when you run iPhone apps on the Mini, it uses the coarsest version of the graphics for that app — the version designed for iPhones up to the 2009 model, the 3GS. You can blow the app up to fill more of the screen, but it looks pretty ugly. The full-size iPad uses the higher-quality Retina graphics when running iPhone apps, and it looks much better.

Some apps adapted for the iPad screen don't display that well on the Mini screen, either, because of the smaller size. Buttons can be too small to hit accurately, bringing to mind Steve Jobs' 2010 comments about smaller tablets. The late Apple founder was of the vociferous opinion that the regular iPad was the smallest size that was also friendly to use.

In some apps, text on the Mini is too small to be comfortably read — the section fronts in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal apps are examples of this.

Of course, in some other respects, the iPad Mini outdoes the Fire and the Nook, so it isn't just the tablet for the buyer who needs the prettiest and the thinnest. In particular, the Mini is a $329 entry ticket to the wonderful world of iPad and iPhone apps. For quality and quantity, it beats all the other app stores. (Oddly, there's an inverse relationship between screen quality and app availability in this category — the Nook HD has the best screen and the fewest apps, while the second-best Kindle Fire HD has middling access to apps.)

The Mini also has front- and back-facing cameras, for taking still photos and video and for videoconferencing. The Kindle Fire HD only has a front-facing camera for videoconferencing. The Nook HD doesn't have a camera at all.

In short, the iPad Mini is more versatile than the competition, and I'm sure it will please a lot of people. But take a look at the competition first, and figure that by next year, we'll see something from Apple that looks a lot better.

___

Peter Svensson can be reached at http://twitter.com/petersvensson

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About the iPad Mini:

The base model of the iPad Mini costs $329 and comes with 16 gigabytes of storage. A 32 GB model goes for $429 and 64 GB for $529. Soon, you'll be able to get versions that can connect through cellular networks, not just Wi-Fi. Add $130 to the price.

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Review: Prettier iPad retains familiar qualities

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — I have grown fond of my iPad 2 during the past nine months. So, I was curious if I would like my tablet computer any less once I saw Apple's new and improved iPad.

The verdict: I won't be abandoning my iPad 2 for its sexier successor anytime soon.

Although Apple Inc.'s latest temptress may turn some heads, the new iPad isn't radically different from last year's model, based on the 15 minutes I was able to spend noodling with the device at the company's product launch Wednesday.

If you don't already own a tablet computer, and want one, then the new iPad will be tough to resist — if you can afford it. The device, which goes on sale March 16 in the U.S., Canada and 10 other countries, will sell for $499 to $829. If you want to save some money, consider the iPad 2, which Apple will continue making and sell for as low as $399.

The new iPad's alluring screen quality provides the main attraction. A higher-resolution screen called "Retina Display" makes everything — from vacation pictures to the text on a website — look crisper. By Apple's calculations, the new iPad offers four times the resolution of its predecessor.

For that reason, you're more likely to buy the new iPad if you are a shutterbug, a video game fanatic or someone who enjoys watching movies on a smaller but luscious screen.

Watching a few minutes of the movie "Hugo" proved to be even more lustrous on the new iPad than it did on my 52-inch flat-panel TV at home. Apple says this should be a routine experience, given that the new iPad can accommodate about 1 million more pixels than even the best HDTVs currently on the market.

Video games look even more realistic, thanks in part to the quad-core graphics chips in the new iPad.

On the down side, an old video on YouTube looked even grainer on the iPad's higher-resolution screen. It reminded me a little of what happens when I mistakenly flip to a standard television channel on my HDTV.

While the imagery can be quite mesmerizing, I am not convinced it's a compelling enough reason for most people to replace one iPad for another

When I just flipped through some photos of some recent trips to Kauai and Pittsburgh that I have stored on my iPad 2, I wasn't wishing I could see what the pictures would look like on a new iPad. I also watched a few minutes of "Lost In Translation" on my iPad 2 without wondering what Scarlett Johansson would look like if I were watching the same movie on the new iPad.

Bottom line: None of the content you have on an iPad 2 will suddenly look fuzzier even after you've seen something on the new iPad. More importantly, other common iPad activities such as Web surfing, checking email and jumping on to Facebook or Twitter, seem to work the same on either the new or old model.

The new iPad includes one intriguing feature that I wish I could have tried. There's a new microphone icon on the iPad's virtual keyboard that can be pressed to dictate emails or other notes on the device. Just say a few sentences and the new iPad is supposed to automatically type up everything you said. Unfortunately, the room where Apple allowed reporters to experiment with the new iPad on Wednesday was too loud for the dictation feature to work effectively.

It seems to me, though, that even the new dictation tool might leave some people pining for something more. Just consider how much more appealing the new iPad would be if Apple had added Siri, the automated personal assistant that has become one of the most popular features on the latest iPhone.

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iPad 2 Case Review: Bracketron Back-iT for iPad 2

iPad 2 Case Review: Bracketron Back-iT for iPad 2
Reviewed by Tong Zhang

Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4

What's Hot: Thin and light, many color choices, easy to use.

What's Not: The top of the iPad 2 isn't protected.

The Bracketron Back-iT case for the iPad 2 is designed to work with the Apple Smart Cover and protect the back of the iPad 2. There are quite a few of similar type of cases on the market, such as the Case-mate Barely There case or the iSkin solo Smart case, that all work with Apple's Smart Cover. The Bracketron Back-iT case for iPad 2 offers matching colors to your Smart Cover as well as a soft touch surface. The Back-iT case is super light and thin, and comes in 5 stylish colors: orange, green, pink, gray and blue.

Design

The Bracketron Back-iT case for the iPad 2 has a simple design: the case covers the back of the iPad 2 and it's form fitting. The polycarbonate material is reasonably durable and thin enough to have some flexibility. The case is very easy to put on, just slide the iPad 2 in and click on four corners; and it?s easy to take the case off also. The Back-iT has a soft touch surface inside and out, and it?s reasonably grippy which helps with handling of the large tablet. We do like the five color options that match the SmartCover from Apple, and the Back-iT has a perfect cutout for the Smart Cover to attach onto the iPad 2. The soft surface has a matte look, and doesn?t show much fingerprints or hand grease.

Features

The Bracketron Back-iT case for iPad 2 is very light and thin, and it?s hardly visible from the front. The case has perfect cutouts for all ports and buttons, and it?s thin enough for the iPad 2 to dock in charging stations and audio accessories easily. The case holds the iPad 2 in its corners and most of the right side, but leaves out the left side for the Smart Cover. The case has a low cut on the top where it leaves out the power button, top mic and the audio jack out for easy access. The camera hole is just large enough to give the camera enough viewing angles, and the screen lock and volume buttons on the right enjoy a perfect cutout. The case has a cutout for the 30-pin connector on the bottom and a grill cutout for the speaker.

Conclusion

Though simple, the Bracketron Back-iT case for the iPad 2 is a very functional case. It?s a great companion to the Smart Cover for iPad 2, and it?s thin and light. We like the color selection that matches the Smart Covers and the soft touch material feels very nice and helps with handling the slippery tablet better. The case can certainly protect your iPad 2 from bumps, pokes and scratches while in your bag or backpack. The polycarbonate material is reasonably sturdy and the case is very easy to use. The thin form ensures the iPad 2?s compatibility with docking stations and audio speakers. The only concern we have is the top of the tablet isn?t protected at all from scratches and bumps.

Price: $29.95
Web site: Bracketron

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iPad 2 Case Review: Seidio Active Case for iPad 2

iPad 2 Case Review: Seidio Active Case for iPad 2
Reviewed by Tong Zhang

Editor's Ratings (1-5): 5

What's Hot: Very protective with three-piece design, has perfect cutouts and a built-in stand.

What's Not: We can't find any.

Seidio makes cases for gadget users who are active and on the go. Most of their cases aren't as rugged as cases from OtterBox, but they are rugged enough to protect your devices from big bumps and bruises. We liked their Innocase Active X case for the iPhone 4, and the Seidio Active Case for the iPad 2 has a similar design with 2-layer protection. But the iPad 2 case adds something that the iPhone 4 didn't have: a hard shell screen cover that doubles as a sturdy tablet stand. Like with the iPhone 4 Active case, the back cover on the iPad 2 also comes in different colors, though currently only the black version is available and Sapphire Blue and Amethyst are coming soon.

Design

Very similar to the iPhone 4 Active X case, the Seidio Active Case for iPad 2 has a clever two-layer design. The interior layer is made with soft rubber polymer that can absorb impact but won?t scratch the surface of your iPad2. The polymer layer has some thickness and fits the iPad 2 like a glove. The rubber case has inset for the exterior skeleton hard cover so that the hard cover sits flush with the rest of the rubber layer, adding no additional bulk to the case. The rubber case also has ribbed sides to help you handle the iPad 2 better. Like with the iPhone 4 case, the Seidio Active Case for iPad 2 has a hard shell that covers most of the iPad 2?s back and grabs on the four corners and two sides like ?claws?. The hard shell provides not only the extra protect for the back of the tablet but also gives lots of support for the structural integrity. Your iPad 2 will sit safely in a crowded bag thanks to the skeleton cover.

The Seidio Active Case for iPad 2 isn?t just a blown-up version of the Active X case for the iPhone 4. It has something to protect the large screen on the tablet, a multi-purpose screen cover. The screen cover reminds us of some of the screen covers on OtterBox cases as it?s hard and sturdy. The hard cover also has a very clever design: it covers the iPad 2?s screen and also has ?claws? to latch onto the ?claws? of the skeleton shell. This design ensures that the screen cover goes onto the rest of the case securely but since it works with the hard shell pieces, it doesn?t add any pressure to the iPad 2 through the rubber layer. Together with the two hard shell pieces on the front and back, the Seidio Active Case is like armor for your iPad 2. The skeleton shell has some flexibility for you to put it on or take it off without too much struggle.

The case weighs 6.4 oz. without the screen cover, and 12 oz. with it.

Features

The Seidio Active Case for iPad 2 has perfect cutouts for all ports and buttons on the tablet as well as the rear camera and the speaker grill. You should have no trouble using any charging cables or audio headsets on the iPad 2. The rubber layer case and the skeleton claws wrap around the front of the iPad 2, creating a protective frame so that when you lay the tablet screen side down, the case touches the table surface, not the iPad 2?s screen. The front screen frame stops short at the front facing camera, leaving it exposed for video chat. The case has semicircle cutout for the Home button making it very easy to use while the iPad 2 is sitting in the case.

The additional piece in the iPad 2 version of the Active case is perhaps the most used one. The screen cover is sturdy yet light, coated with the same rubberized coating as the skeleton shell, so it feels soft in hand yet it?s very rigid. The cover has rubber material on the sides to help with handling the tablet, and it has grippy strips so that it won?t slide when your tablet is propped up sitting on the cover. The stand built into the case has a metal ring that can slide into one of the 15 slots to create different viewing angles for your iPad 2. The side of the stand that touches your tablet has a very soft suede surface so it won?t scratch your iPad 2 when you use the stand. The stand is steady when holding up the iPad 2, and you can fold the stand up when it?s not in use.

Conclusion

We liked the Seidio Active X case for the iPhone 4, and we like the Seidio Active Case for iPad 2 for the same reasons. It?s semi-rugged yet very slim, it?s very well built and can protect your iPad 2 from shocks, bumps and other harmful factors in a crowded backpack or computer bag. The additional screen cover makes a lot of sense for the large screen, and it doubles as a very capable tablet stands that?s steady and won?t slip on a flat surface. You can choose to take the entire case for a trip or leave the screen cover behind for a day in the office. You will like all the details and cares put into this case when you have it in your hand.

Price: $69.95
Web site: Seidio

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Asus Eee Pad Transformer review - V3.co.uk

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10 May 2011

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With the Eee Pad Transformer, Asus has succeded in making a tablet that offers more to business users than the iPad. It's not a complete success, especially where some PC functionality is concerned, but it's still a fantastic piece of equipment.

Pros:

Stylish, well built, sensibly priced, easy to use, brilliant performance

Cons:

Not capable of everything a regular laptop can do, keyboard can be fiddly

Overall Rating:

Price: £429 as tested, £379 without keyboard

Manufacturer: Asus

Review Specifications

There were people who laughed when Apple launched the iPad. Firstly, the idea seemed ludicrous: the form factor hadn't existed previously and was not one in which anyone had shown any interest.

Secondly, the name was subject to much derision. Now, though, the market is aware of tablets and has accepted them in varying degrees, even when they have ludicrous names.

Well, no name we've seen yet is as bad as Asus' Eee Pad Transformer. But no product has caused as much excitement either. It's an Android Honeycomb tablet with dimensions similar to the iPad's, but with features that could make your laptop redundant.

The Eee Pad does this by offering a two-part solution. The main component is a tablet with a 10.1in screen and the usual features that come with the latest version of Android.

The second component - a keyboard with additional battery - costs around £90 extra but aims to allow the Eee Pad to compete with a PC. So does this system work, or will your compact laptop still triumph?

Laptop replacement
To dive straight in, we don't honestly think the Asus system can replace a Windows, Mac OS X or a Linux laptop. Honeycomb is a good mobile operating system, but there are several things about it that don't work as a serious computing platform.

Take, for example, copy and paste. This has never been the strong suit of most smartphones (although Nokia has never had a problem making this feature work). It took ages for Apple to introduce it and, while it does work on a phone, it's nowhere near as slick as on a desktop PC.

To use the Eee Pad like a laptop, you're going to need to copy and paste into and out of documents from time to time. This seems to involve transferring your hands from the keyboard onto the touchscreen. The way the docked tablet is angled makes this monstrously difficult and a very poor user experience.

Indeed, attaching the keyboard seemed to affect how we thought of the device. We have no problem using a tablet, but the addition of a dock with a decent keypad seemed to confuse us slightly, as if we were battling against the muscle memory of using a Windows laptop.

We found ourselves hardly using the touch screen, and tried to do everything with the mouse and keyboard. In the same way that Windows isn't designed for touch-screen displays, Android isn't really designed for keyboards and mouse inputs.

And then there's the keyboard shortcuts, which we're used to on all desktop operating systems. On Android, the likes of control+v don't work, and people who use PCs will find this frustrating. To be fair, these are early days for Honeycomb and future updates should improve all these concerns.

We also found that that the trackpad and arrow keys on the Transformer keyboard enticed us to do stupid things quite often. Several times we found our cursor jumping up the screen as we typed (because we leaned on the wrong bit of the keyboard). The good news is that you can switch off the trackpad. The bad news is that you can't turn of the arrow keys.

So far, you could be forgiven for thinking we don't much like the Asus. In fact, the truth is that we have loved every moment we've spent with it. The typing quirks are an irritation, but using the device as a laptop is still plausible.

SD card sockets on the tablet section and a full sized socket on the keyboard dock means that you can add storage, read and manipulate files from a digital camera (Adobe offers a mobile version of Photoshop for free on Android) as well as upload them to the internet.

1 2 Continued on page 2

Android 3.0 Honeycomb, 10.1in 1,280x800 screen, dual-core 1GHz NVidia Tegra 2 processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB or 32GB storage, MicroSD card reader (SD card reader on Keyboard dock), 2xUSB (on keyboard)

Topics: Tablets AsusAsus EeeTablet PC

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