Apple has launched new iPads, but most of the current models are still available (with only the old iPad 4 Retina being retired). This makes the iPad range bigger than ever before, and more confusing for consumers. The big news in a way isn't the new iPad Air 2, though it looks pretty slick, but instead the re-pricing of other models further down the range.
The original iPad Mini with its basic 1,024x768 display is now just £199 inc VAT, which is the cheapest you've ever been able to buy a new iPad for. It's no powerhouse but basic games will still run fine on its A5 processor, which was launched back in November 2012. This cuts £50 off the previous official UK price of the device, and should make an iPad a more tempting Christmas gift for many.
Next up is the renamed iPad Mini with Retina Display, which is now officially called the iPad Mini 2 (which is what lots of people called it anyway). This is now available for £239 inc VAT, which is a huge price cut from the old official price of £319. Given that this device uses a 64-bit Apple A7 chip, it's a big step up inside as well as display wise and is probably a better buy, even for those on a budget.
The original iPad Air is still on sale but will now cost £319 inc VAT, chopping a hefty £80 off the £399 price before tonight. Yes it's slightly thicker than the new device and uses last year's A7 chip, but unless you're interested in the new camera on the iPad Air 2 then this is now looking a bit of a bargain. If you bought one last year then that's a fair whack of depreciation.
Alongside the iPad Air is the new iPad Mini 3, which has Touch ID, but not the new camera of the iPad Air 2, or the new A8X chip. It's hard to see in what way this an update worth the money, with little in the way of new hardware, though the new colours
Then of course there's the new iPad Air 2 with its new A8X processor, improved gap-less display with less reflection and all the camera features from the iPhone 6 – such as slow-motion at 120fps 720p. The new proicessor does look to be a big step up, but again it feels like a small step forward, with new features that many won't want or need from a tablet.
They say that consumer choice is a good thing, and having five iPads to choose from sounds pretty good to us. We'll bring you hands-on impressions of the new tablets shortly and full reviews as soon as Apple sends us samples.
