Despite the late Steve Jobs' pronouncements that Apple would never release a 7-inch tablet, Apple unveiled the iPad mini , a shrunk-down version of the 9.7-inch iPad. The general consensus around the Web is that the iPad mini is an excellent compact tablet.

Apple has never been known to abide by industry trends; instead, they have always been known to be trend setters more than followers. The iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are three very good examples of products that have sparked innovation in their respective segment.

After taking a closer look at both the Apple iPad mini and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 we can safely say that it isn't a fair apples vs oranges comparison. The iPad mini is clearly the more premium device with faster 4G LTE connectivity, better build quality and more useful apps and functions.

The iPad mini isn't just an Apple tablet made to a budget. This isn't just a shrunken-down iPad. This is, in many ways, Apple's best tablet yet

Beautiful; thin and light design; Stellar battery life; Bright; clear display; Sturdy construction

Too wide for some; Pricier than many 7-inch alternatives

Apple iPad Mini is a one hell device, which is sure to make people curious and create an appetite to own one. An iOS based tablet PC, iPad Mini comes as a fourth-generation device from the famed brand.

Compact and slim design; Good battery life; Simple and neat UI

Screen resolution not quite effective; No GPS; Bit expensive than other brand tablets

Does the world need a newer, smaller iPad that's practically the same price as the existing iPad 2 I mean, looking at it on paper, the iPad mini uses the same hardware as the iPad 2 - the same processor, same amount of RAM, same screen resolution - and it's only $70 less expensive.

The iPad Mini is exactly what its name suggests it is – a smaller iPad. With a good build, decent screen and specs, and a solid ecosystem behind it, there's no doubt that it's a compelling device. Price will, undoubtedly, be a factor for many.

Just before we left the Gadget Show Live Yesterday we stumbled upon the T3 hottest Gadget stand and at first there seemed to be nothing out the ordinary until we noticed  out the corner of our eye a device that happend to have an apple logo etched on the back.

With its typical glamour and showmanship, global technology giant Apple last week finally revealed a smaller version of its dominant iPad tablet . But will the iPad mini maintain Cupertino's reputation for quality? Read on to find out.

"Every inch an iPad". That's Apple's marketing punchline for its smallest, lightest and newest iPad, the iPad mini . Claiming to offer all the features of the traditional, larger iPad, the iPad mini packs a 7.9in display into a superbly crafted body.

Outstanding design and build quality; Excellent battery life; Fantastic apps ecosystem

Non-retina display; Some smaller UI elements; Expensive