The iPad mini is a 7.9-inch version of Apple's popular iPad, and offers a polished tablet experience in a smaller package. It's too expensive however, and its display resolution doesn't measure up to competing tablets, or other iOS devices.

Ultra-thin and light; Handles ebooks and iPad apps well; Camera; storage and optional 4G make for a full iPad experience

Over £100 more expensive than rivals; Low-resolution display; A5 processor isn't particularly quick

The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the iPad mini 2 to get those updates when it launches later this year. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS.

The iPad mini doesn't arrive in stores until November 2, but our US colleagues got to spend some time with one after Apple's media event at the California Theater in San Jose. Their conclusion: Yes, it's a small iPad-but there's more (and less) to it than that. Here are their hands-on impressions.

This is the tablet I wanted, couldn't be happier. I usually get 10hrs of wifi use and about 7 hrs on 3g. This is really good because I use my mini constantly for streaming media,apps,music and various things I look up. i only have to charge the tablet once a day.

Would recommend to those working on the go

Quick; easy

Poor connection and battery life

The Ipad mini is one of the latest additions to Apples tablets, not forgetting the upgraded model with retina display. I don't own an Ipad mini but I have borrowed my friends for the last week to give it a try.

fast; portable; amazing operating system; stylish; robust

too small; app screen size isn't accurate

There has been some initial discussion here at TMO whether the iPad mini would, at some point, be a better seller than the standard size iPads. Others have also speculated about this. At first, I thought it might do so over the next year.

Very thin, very light, easy to hold in one hand, 10 hour battery life, awesome fit and finish; Beautiful, magical to handle.

No Retina display; iSight camera suspect; Corners cut on power adapter; Some iPhone apps at 2x may not look great.

Don't confuse the "mini" in "iPad mini" with "lite"--with the exception of a Retina display, this slimmed down iPad gives you the full iPad experience, including access to over 275,000 iPad-optimized apps, in a device that's about half the overall size and weight of the standard iPad.

Most of the full-size-iPad experience in a smaller; lighter package; All existing iPad apps run natively; Wireless capabilities and cameras on par with fourth-generation iPad; Very good performance; Incredibly solid construction and beautiful design

No Retina display; Some apps and websites feel a little cramped on the smaller screen; Landscape keyboard is too small for easy touch-typing

I've heard many complaints about the iPad mini. I've heard people moan about the dated processor and the low resolution, 4:3 screen. I've even heard a few complain about the lack of GPS in the Wi-Fi version.

Smaller; lighter & more portable; Beautifully designed and built; Huge selection of apps; Seamless integration with Apple devices

Ageing processor; Relatively low resolution screen

this is an amazing piece of technology!! i have one and i can take it anywhere because it is nice and small.