Submission + - iPad Mini: Apple's beautiful but compromised cash-in (extremetech.com)
MrSeb writes: "Early this morning, right on schedule and in perfect synchronicity, the first hands-on reviews of Apple’s iPad Mini hit the web. In a rather refreshing and pleasant twist, the reviews aren’t universally positive. In fact, it looks like Apple may have finally released a non-perfect mobile device — the perfect accompaniment to the rushed, botched release of Apple’s own Maps app in iOS 6 earlier this year. From the two-year-old A5 SoC, to the low-res 1024x768 screen, one has to wonder why Apple knowingly released a device that is two years behind the curve. For a few cents more, Apple could’ve put an A5X, A6, or A6X inside the iPad Mini, ameliorating any performance issues and instantly making it the fastest tablet on the market. For a few dollars more, Apple could’ve sourced a high-res display. But it didn’t — why? The only explanation that fits is that Apple is intentionally low-balling the consumer, just to make more money. By making the iPad Mini beautiful, and cheaper than the real iPad, Apple guarantees millions of sales — even if the hardware spec isn’t up to scratch, or there are a few rough usability edges. Then, in six months, Apple can release the iPad Mini 2, with a faster processor, more RAM, and perhaps a Retina display — and boom, another billion dollars of profit."
