Apple's iPad mini and 4th generation iPad: Key features and price

Apple held a special event in San Jose, California, late last night ( Indian time) where they launched a slew of new products, including new Macs and a new iPad. The list of Macs included a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, a slimmer iMac, and a new MacMini. For details on the Mac computers check out our live blog here. But the most awaited product was, of the course, the iPad mini. And in a surprise move, the tech giant launched the new 4th generation 9.7 inch-screen iPad as well. Here’s a quick look at the key features of the two new tablets launched by Apple. iPad mini: The most important thing you need to know about this one is probably the price – and it’s not cheap. The iPad mini starts at $329 for the 16GB version with Wi-fi only. The one with cellular connection starts at $429 for 16GB. The device is available in three versions as far as disk space is concerned: the 16GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. Pre-order list opens on 26 October and the device will hit the stores on 2 November. India is NOT on the list of countries where it will be launched in the first phase. [caption id=“attachment_501097” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The new iPad mini (L) and fourth generation iPad are displayed after they were unveiled during an Apple special event at the historic California Theater. Getty Images[/caption] The screen size is 7.9 inches (diagonally) with a screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels making it around 163 pixels per inch. Not Retina Display quality, like the iPad 3 and the 4th generation iPad. The iPad mini is armed with a dual-core A5 processor chip, a 1.2 megapixel FaceTime camera with HD and a 5 megapixel camera. It is 4G LTE enabled as well. As far as battery is concerned, the mini has 10 hours life if you’re just on Wi-Fi and around 9 hours if you’re using a data connection. It also comes with the new Lightning conductor. The iPad mini does look great and has a pretty fast processor chip. But the biggest factor that might not go down so well with a lot of consumers is the price which is pretty close to a regular 9.7 inch iPad. 4th generation iPad: This is was surprise release as everybody was so focused on what the new mini would look like. Apple has launched the new iPad or the 3rd generation iPad, earlier this year in March, so this was a bit too soon. Apple has given the regular iPad a boost as far as the processor is concerned. The 4th generation iPad has a dual-core A6 processor with a dedicated quad-core for graphics. This will probably ensure less lag. The screen resolution is the same with Retina Display quality with 2048x1536 pixel screen resolution at 264 pixels per inch. In short the only thing that seems to have changed is the processor and the Lightning conductor. This one starts at $499 for a 16GB Wi-Fi only version, $599 for 32GB Wi-Fi only version, $699 for 64GB Wi-Fi only version. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version starts at $629 for the 16GB version. Pre-orders open on 26 October for this as well and shipping begins on 2 November. The fourth generation iPad is thus more powerful but still quite expensive.