Apple Media Event Announcements: Free OSX Mavericks is Here! iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, New Retina Macbook Pros

OSX Mavericks from www.Apple.com

Hopefully, you saw the Apple Media Event and saw the new introductions.  I missed it but I hope to watch it later if I can view it on my Apple TV (which I didn't hear of any updates for).  There were some good announcements today.  Here is a quick summary:

OSX Mavericks is available and FREE at the Mac App Store.  Thanks to MacRumors for that information.  You can access OSX Mavericks by clicking here.  Mavericks comes with over 200 new features which I'll cover in depth later...maybe not all 200 but the major updates.  So, hurry and get Mavericks!

iPad Air:  The latest full size iPad was introduced and is now called the iPad Air because it is thinner and lighter than its predecessors and comes with a Retina display as usual.  It also has a 64-Bit A7 processor and it comes with sizes up to 128 GB's of storage.  See more details here.

iPad Mini:  The latest generation of iPad Mini now comes with a Retina display.   I know many people were waiting on that so it's finally here.  If this is what was holding you back from getting an iPad Mini...then wait no longer...well, a little longer...they should be released in November.  The new iPad Mini is a little thicker and heavier than its predecessor but hopefully we won't be able to really tell the difference.  It also has a 64-Bit A7 processor and comes in sizes up to 128 GB's of storage.  See more details here.

Macbook Pro with Retina:  There was no update for the normal Macbook Pro but the 13" and 15" Macbook Pros with Retina were updated with new Haswell processors and faster Flash storage.  The entry level price has also dropped on the Retina Macbook Pros by $200.  See more details here.




You can watch the full event here if you haven't seen it.

I hope you enjoyed the announcements from Apple and we will dive deeper into them later.

What are your thoughts about Apple's announcements?  What products are you excited about?

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Is the iPad Mini Truly a Mini iPad?

Mini iPad or iPad Mini?

Is the iPad Mini Truly a Mini iPad?

The iPad 

When the iPad was introduced to the masses, it was groundbreaking.  That's just my opinion but I think most people would agree.  This wasn't too long ago.  Remember, this was a time when it seemed like everyone was using Windows operating system.  There were a few people that had ventured off to OSX and Linux.  Netbooks were supposed to be the next big technological advance.  It didn't seem as if they had the processing power or RAM needed of an ultra portable device.  It seemed Apple was either the first to notice this or the first to find a better solution.  All of a sudden, there was the iPad!  It came with a screen large enough to see whatever you preferred clearly and a touch screen capability so you could easily navigate.  Of course, Apple had ventured into the tablet market before but not with the same success of the iPad.  Will the Mini iPad have the same success as its bigger brother?  At the time of the iPad's introduction, Apple was surging.

A New Apple

Apple was a revived company that had introduced their iMac computers with decent success.  Then they introduced the iPod which changed how the world listened to music.  Apple also introduced us to the iPhone.  All of a sudden, we were carrying a small computer in our pockets.  Even though the iPhone had a lot of the capability that most people needed, there seemed to be something missing.  We carried laptop computers because there was no way we were transporting our computer towers and monitors.  All of a sudden, the laptops began seeming too bulky for travel, but the iPhones seemed too small for watching videos and extended travel.  Then came the iPad!

Which came first?

The Mini or the iPad?  We all know the iPad was introduced first.  But do we know if Apple had already tested a Mini iPad?  Maybe the first iPad ever tested was the size of a Mini iPad.  Maybe then Apple decided they needed something with a larger screen.  Of course, this is just speculation.  I don't know Apple's testing process for creating the iPad.  When you think about the first iPad and the features it had, how well does the iPad Mini stack up?  I will agree the iPad Mini does not have the same Retina display and resolution of the current model iPad.  Yet, when I tested the Mini iPad in the store, there was something very familiar and enjoyable about it.  It was so light and maneuverable.

Apple says the iPad Mini is "every inch an iPad".  The next time you're in your local Apple Retail Store, make sure you try out the iPad and the iPad Mini and decide if the iPad Mini is truly a Mini iPad.

New iPad, Old iPad. Now What?

Many people are getting their hands on the latest offerings from Apple, the iPad Mini and the updated iPad 4.  Both are great devices with strong demand.  Now, many are probably enjoying their new gadgets.  They can watch videos, play games, help manage your life, and much more thanks to all the apps available in Apple's app store.  Plus, they have a sleek design.

While you are enjoying your new iOS device, guess who is lurking in the background?  Guess who used to have your attention but now goes unnoticed?  Have you completely forgotten about your old device?  Did you buy the first iPod?  Where is that iPod now?  Mine sits in storage...and it probably still works!

So what will happen to your old iOS device?  Is it doomed to the same fate as my first iPod?  Some people will choose to keep that device for use in another room...or maybe a car!  Others may pass the older device on to a family member.  I think most people will look to sell their older iOS device.  I feel weird saying old...it may be less than a year old!  If you're trying to decide, here are some options for your older iPad...

New iPad Old iPad

Possible Use for iPad Mini

Now that users can actually get their hands on the iPad Mini, they are finding creative ways to integrate the device in their daily lives.  This video below is one example.  I'm sure there are more such as putting the iPad Mini on your refrigerator using the magnetic smart cover (try at your own risk).  Anyway, I think the car installation is a cool idea.  I like how the iPad Mini just slides into place.  Then you have all the apps and features at your fingertips.  Plus, you could use Siri so that you can keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.  All while having the full sound of you car stereo system.  I'm not sure what your plan B would be if you forgot your iPad Mini at home or work.  Can the iPhone or another iOS device connect into the system as well?  Those are the questions I have.  What do you think about this setup?  Would you consider it?  Why or why not?  Also, please let me know if you have any creative ideas for Apple's iPad Mini.

The iPad Mini and iPad 4 Have Arrived!

The holiday season is approaching and Apple just unleashed two gadgets on the world:  the iPad 4 and it's little brother, the iPad Mini.  Is the iPad Mini small enough to be a stocking stuffer?  I stopped by an Apple Store today since I had a little bit of extra time (not really, but I went anyway).  I went to see if they had an iPhone 5 in stock...they did, I hesitated, then it was gone.  Then I looked up as one of the Apple employees brought out about 6 small boxes.  I thought, oh yeah, the iPad Minis!  So I walked around to the two tables that had the iPad Minis.  I was able to play with one for a few minutes.  It was small and lightweight.  I could see why someone would  like it.

Along with the iPad Mini, the iPad 4 is also available now.  It's probably been slightly lost with the focus on the Mini.  The iPad 4 still comes with a Retina display and it is twice as fast as the previous model.  There are 275,000 apps built for the iPad.  One thing I recently found out, the iPad also has an optional Smart Case.  It is similar to the Smart Cover but covers the entire device and it folds into a stand.  I'm not sure how long this has been around but I think it's interesting.

Below are some articles that talk about different aspects of the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini.

4th Gen iPad Teardown

iPad 4 Chip Details

iPad Mini Sells Out at 5th Ave Store

Shorter Lines for iPad Mini

iPad Mini Preorders...and My Thoughts

Now you can preorder the iPad Mini in white or black.  It seems like there may be more demand (or less stock) for this new Apple product.  In under 20 minutes after opening for preorder, the white iPad Mini was already sold out of its initial stock.  If you order a white iPad Mini now, expect to wait about 2 weeks before it will be shipped.  The black iPad Mini is still available for delivery on November 2nd.  Who knows how long that will last?  It may change before I finish writing this post.  Below are articles about the white iPad Minis initial stock being sold out and some preorders already being prepared for shipment.

At first, I didn't think I would be affected by the iPad Mini launch but I'm already starting to like the device.  The screen is smaller, but the device is lighter.  Plus, it has Siri.  I think I will be okay with my iPad 2...without Siri.  In the future, I'm not sure if I would choose the larger iPad or the iPad Mini whenever I decide to upgrade.  What are your thoughts?

Initial White iPad Mini Stock Sold Out

Some iPad Mini Preorders Preparing for Shipment

iPad Mini

iPad Mini Resolution and Pricing/iPad Resales

Now that the iPad Mini has been unveiled, what are your thoughts?  It seems like people would be concerned about resolution and pricing.  The resolution is the same as the iPad 2 instead of the 3rd or 4th generation iPad.  Then you have the pricing that is about $100 more than the competition.  In Apple's defense, you have the quality hardware and software mesh and the ability to connect into the Apple ecosystem.  Plus, it's very light.  With the holiday season around the corner, we will see how well the iPad Mini sells.  Below is an article that goes into more detail about the pricing for the iPad Mini.  Also, there is an article about people selling their iPads as they get ready for replacements.


iPad Mini Pricing

iPad Resales

Apple Announcements: iPad, iPad Mini, 13 Inch Macbook With Retina, iMac, and Mac Mini

The announcements have been made and it looks like the rumors were pretty much on target.  For Apple product lovers, there are some new toys to enjoy.  This includes the Fourth Generation iPad, the super-thin iMac, the 13 inch Macbook Pro with Retina, the updated Mac Mini, and of course, the iPad Mini!  As usual, I am interested in the Mac Mini...the tiny workhorse.  But it was the iMac that shocked me; I was surprised to see the thin iMac.  I'm not trying to start the next rumor, but after seeing the new iMac, I can't help but wonder what Apple could do with the iTV...if they were to make it.

MacRumors did a round up of the announcements for the day.  Take a look at the articles below.  There are a couple of videos at the bottom as well.  Enjoy!  And let me know what you think about Apple's updated and new products.

- Apple Introduces New 7.9-Inch iPad Mini Starting at $329
- Apple Announces Fourth-Generation iPad with Lightning Connector, New A6X Chip
- Apple Announces Lighter, Thinner iMac Models with Fusion Drive
- Apple Introduces 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display
- Apple Introduces New Mac Mini With Faster Processors and Quad-Core Option

- First Impressions and Hands On with iPad Mini
- Hands On with Apple's New 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro

- Some Apple Retail Stores Offering 30-Day Window to Exchange iPads for New Model
- Apple's New 'Fusion Drive' Not a Typical Hybrid Drive
- iPad Mini Supports Siri, iPad 2 Still Doesn't
- Apple Devices to Support Many New International LTE Networks In Coming Months
- 21.5" iMac Has No User-Upgradable RAM; 27" Has Four Accessible RAM Slots
- Apple Announces Updated iBooks App With Continuous Scrolling
- Apple Updates iBooks Author with New Templates and Remote Update Feature

Apple Media Event Around the Corner

Apple's Media Event is Tuesday, October 23, 2012.  This media event is supposed to reveal updated iMacs, 13 inch Macbook Pros with Retina, and Mac Minis (my favorite!).  But of course, the main attraction is the iPad Mini.  Apple has had huge success with the full size iPad but never entered into the smaller tablet market.  Apple's competition seized the opportunity and began offering smaller tablets.  Now, Apple is about to enter the market with the iPad Mini.  How do you think the iPad Mini will be received?

Below is an article that discusses the venue for the Apple Media Event...the California Theatre.

California Theatre for Apple Media Event

Apple Media Event Rumor Roundup

There are a lot of rumors for the Apple Media event expected for next Tuesday.  MacRumors has done a rumor roundup so I have it for you below.  New information has surfaced since then in regards to pricing of the new products.  Those links are also below.  You can look through all the latest information below and let me know what you think about the rumors and the expected prices as well.

Rumor Roundup

13 Inch Macbook Pro with Retina Pics

Updated iPad and Possible Pricing

iPad Mini Pricing

iPad Mini Media Event Oct 23?

The latest rumor is that Apple is planning its iPad Mini media event for Oct 23rd.  I haven't really heard a lot about the demand for this device so I'm not sure how successful the launch will be.  I think Apple has done their research so I believe it has enough demand.  I just don't know if it will sell like the iPad.  What are your thoughts?

I kind of like the idea of having an iPad on the refrigerator (like the picture below) but it may work better with the iPad Mini.  What do you think?

More details about the media event are here...
iPad Mini Event

Apple May Ship 10 Million iPad Minis

According to component suppliers, Apple may be gearing up to ship 10 million iPad Minis in the 4th Quarter!   The iPad Mini still hasn't been officially announced yet but the rumor mill talks of an announcement this month.  Do you think Apple could sell 10 million iPad Minis or do you think the demand will be low and competition will be fierce?


10 Million iPad Minis

iPad Mini Production in Brazil

The latest news says that Foxconn is producing the iPad Mini in Brazil to get ready for a launch.  The device is expected to be announced this month.  Are you excited about the iPad Mini?


iPad Mini Production in Brazil