Apple has released its first tablet that is smaller than 9.7 inches and seeks to compete against a torrent of Android devices. It just hit the retail shelves today and we had a few days to really get a sense of what this smaller edition brings to the table.

More Lightweight Than Most Android Tablets, Stereo Speakers, Access to the Most First Party Apps and Games, Easy to Use, Geared towards Readers, Long Battery Life

4:3 Aspect Ratio, Non-Retina Display, Lack of Customization Features, Thunderbolt Connector Makes Old Docking Stations Obsolete, Unless You Buy Pricy Adapters, High Price

Apple enters new territory with its iPad Mini and its 7.9-inch screen . A successful start. The choice of materials, the feel and workmanship fulfill the expected premium claim despite the low price. The low total weight combined with a thin aluminum chassis sets standards.

Workmanship, feel, choice of materials and stability, Light and compact, State-of-the-art wireless technologies, Extensive range of accessories, Excellent touchscreen & pleasant keyboard, The IPS screen's good rates, Outdoor use made possible by high luminosity, Good application and graphics...

Case susceptible for fingerprints, Limited connectivity, Subsequent memory expansion not possible, EUR 140 extra for 3G or LTE, Screen only supports 1024 x 768 pixels, Current movies only with black bars due to the 4:3 format, Only 12 month warranty ex-factory, Suboptimal positioning of the stereo...

The iPad Mini is a decent tablet that is almost affordable by Apple's standards, making it a good choice for anyone already comitted to the Apple ecosystem.

Decent build quality, good battery life, iOS 6

Screen isn't as good as other Apple devices, A5 processor doesn't offer top end performance

“If you’re spoiled like us and are already used to high-resolution screens on your new gadgets, the iPad mini may be a let down, initially. But if you disarm your screen snobbery and relax, you’ll find an incredibly comfortable, well-sized, well-built tablet at a more affordable $330 price.”

Beautifully made, slim and light, the Apple iPad mini MD531LL/A packs precisely the power of an iPad 2 into a tablet you'll actually want to carry around.

If you want the full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package, the iPad Mini is worth the premium price. Otherwise, good alternatives are available for less money.

The iPad Mini's ultrathin and light design is far more intimate and booklike than the larger iPad, and its cameras, storage capacities, optional LTE antenna, and general functionality offer a full iPad experience. The screen's dimensions elegantly display larger-format magazines and apps.

The iPad Mini costs too much, especially considering the lower resolution of its 7.9-inch non-Retina Display. The A5 processor isn't as robust as the one in the fourth-gen iPad and iPhone 5. Typing on the smaller screen is not quite as comfy.

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Performance:</span></sp

Super skinny construction, Takes good photos & videos for a tablet, Stellar battery life

Low resolution display

There’s simply no better tablet at this size, with ultimate portability and unparalleled power for its price point.

Supreme power, Best-in-class for the size, TrueTone screen welcome, Apple Pencil support

Design hasn't moved on, Bezels are still huge, Not a cheap option - it's pricier than the 9.7in iPad

Summing up Apple products can seem like déjà vu, as many of our opinions remain whether we're looking at a Macbook or an iPhone. Like BMW or Dyson , you're paying for the research, design, craftsmanship and brand association when handing over money for an iThing.

4:3 screen ratio, Battery Life, Weight

Lower res screen than rivals, Price, No headphones included

You have to pay a premium, but the iPad Mini feels and performs as it should

Beautiful build quality, Fantastic feel, Great screen, Great with video, Entertaining with music, Easy to use

Pricey, No expandable memory, Cable and cover accessories all add up