With the new iPad mini and the refreshed fourth-generation iPad are headed to retail stores around the world on Friday, which means the embargo on reviews lifted on Tuesday night.
MacRumors has assembled links to a variety of reviews for both the iPad mini as well as the speedier fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display. While now sold out online, both tablets will be heading to retail stores this Friday, November 2.
Among the comments about the iPad mini: CNET called it "really shockingly nice to hold," while The Verge claims "the iPad mini hasn't wrapped up the 'cheapest tablet' market by any stretch of the imagination, but the 'best small tablet' market? Consider it captured."
"This is, in many ways, Apple's best tablet yet, an incredibly thin, remarkably light, obviously well-constructed device that offers phenomenal battery life," remarked Engadget, who concluded the iPad mini was "simply, a great tablet."
The Loop's Jim Dalrymple was surprised to find that he "actually used the iPad mini more than my iPad," while The Guardian claimed "there's no doubt this is indeed a five-star device" when compared to Google's Nexus 7.
Reviewers also praised the so-called fourth-generation iPad, although it's clear that the FaceTime HD camera, Lightning port and faster A6X processor make it a dubious upgrade for those who already own a third-gen "new" iPad.
CNET said it best: "The latest iPad adds several tweaks and improvements to secure its position at the top of the tablet heap. It's better all around, but third-gen owners need not apply."
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