Well, I guess the iPod touch is the smallest iPad but it is still called the iPod touch so I am writing about the iPad mini 4. I have been waiting for a customer return or open box unit so that I can upgrade to this latest iPad mini. I have the 2nd generation iPad mini and it is always close by. While I primarily use it for reading, I have used it as my sole technology on journeys overseas and find that the size is perfect for me.
The new iPad mini 4 has several new innovations but its size is simply astounding. It packs the powerful A8 chip in a sleek housing that is only 6.1mm thick and weighs about 2/3 of a pound. With the 64-bit architecture this iPad is fast and powerful. The processor is 30% faster than previous iPad minis and the graphics are an amazing 60% faster. One feature that I know I am looking forward to is the 3.1 million pixel Retina display. This will give me much crisper text and lots of detail in images. The anti-reflective coating will make it easier to use in a variety of lighting conditions including the bright sun out in my backyard.
I think I am so used to Touch ID on my iPhone 6 that I keep trying to unlock my iPad mini 2 with my finger. Fortunately, when I upgrade I will have Touch ID on the iPad mini 4 not only to unlock the iPad but also to purchase music or other content from the iTunes store and while I doubt I will use the iPad for Apple Pay that much it is ready for me if I do.
While I do not think I have ever taken a picture with my iPad and think it is sort of funny watching tourists take pictures of the ocean with their iPads, the iPad mini 4 has an 8 megapixel iSight camera on the back and a FaceTime camera on the front for great pictures and videos. Video can be at 1080p with the iSight camera and 720p with the front-facing camera.
With 802.11ac wireless protocol, I will be able to take advantage of the full speed of my network, too. I wonder if I should get the gold one?