Lighter, faster and actually usable compared to the original iPad, where you couldn't even have a few windows opened in the browser without reloading the entire page every time you moved between windows. So yes, the iPad 2 was a big step forward at the time.

Right now I'd wait for the iPad 5 to come out before buying again. They will supposedly get that weight down by quite a bit, not to mention the dimensions will be smaller as you won't have such a large "frame" around the entire screen.

How will we hold it without accidently clicking the screen?

All my iDevices are refurbs from the Apple store. Only had one brick, an iPod and it was exchanged in ten minutes at the local Apple Brick & Mortar Store.

I don't plan to buy anything new from Apple again and I hope the mini shows up as a refurb.

Cheers

If you're looking at an older model iPad because of the cost factor, consider a Nexus 7 or 10. You can pick them up for much less than new iPads, but they have as much functionality as them. They also have some extras, like higher screen resolution and GPS chips with great native maps, for those who care about such features.

iPad5 will be machined like the mini, less thick and less wide than the iPad4, but same size screen.

iPad3 got discontinued because it is the same as the iPad4, except iPad4 has a better CPU and lightning connector. It was not considered by Apple as a new annual model. In fact, Brazil has a class action law suit that iPad3 owners get the iPad4 for free or some sort of compensation because Apple did not adequately prepare the public of the refresh and were still selling 3's until they were quietly replaced by 4's within the same cycle year, or something to that effect.

iPad1 and 2 - normal resolution
iPad3 and 4 - retina resolution (once you start and get accustomed to retina, you will not like normal reso, it will appear faded and blurry)

If cost is an issue, iPad3's on the used market are a best buy.

And if you plan to jailbreak in able to mod your iPad or get apps, it is best to do it before Apple closes the hole with the next iOS update.

The next iPad mini will likely be retina screen, no jailbreak of course.

You may find this article about the iPad Mini helpful:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3...dental-touches

I'm wondering what the screen resolution will be. When retina first came out it changed things quite a bit and some games designed for the iPad/iPad2's resolution look a bit blurry after the upscaling.

The iPad mini, on the other hand, has a smaller screen but the resolution is identical to that of the iPad/iPad2 so absolutely nothing changes in terms of the screen when it comes to Apps.

I'm still waiting to be given a compelling reason to get another iPad to join our iPad 2. The third generation has that nice display but is slightly thicker and heavier. Also, the third generation is perhaps a little under powered at times for making the best use of its display.

The fourth generation (notwithstanding the new connector) looks good and is what I'd probably go for it we didn't have an iPad already. The Mini is lovely and I have to say I've been tempted from time to time, but my Nexus 7 has been good enough to stop me from actually buying.

So what would I likely buy? A Mini with retina or a device that delivers all the capabilities of fourth gen, in a thinner, lighter package would both be very tempting. Both are of course long rumoured and it's not a great stretch to think some of that bezel could go, on the larger device.

Thx