Judging from critics' reviews, the iPad Mini is an excellent tablet. But how do those reviews-based on a short test drive with the device--compare to the opinions of people who have actually bought one?
CNET gives the iPad Mini 4 out of 5 stars, citing its large screen and user experience, but docking points for the cost (it's $130 more than Google's Nexus 7 or Amazon's Kindle Fire HD) and its slower A5 processor.
MacWorld concurs, giving the iPad Mini 4 out of 5. The iPad Mini has the same screen resolution as the larger iPad, so it can natively run all existing apps out of the box. However, it doesn't come with a Retina display like the regular iPad.
Completing the trifecta is PC Magazine, which also awards the iPad Mini a 4 out of 5. Editors like the options at the AppStore, but shy away from the expensive price tag. They specifically call out the Nexus 7 as a better small tablet.
As for users, their opinions, on average, agree with the critics, but there's much more variance.
The 38 reviews for the iPad Mini at CNET average to only 3.5 stars. However, the distribution of those ratings isn't even. Half of the reviews give the iPad Mini 5 stars, while an additional quarter of them give it 4 stars.
Less than a third of the reviews were less than four stars, so while the low ratings bring down the average, overall, user reviews are weighted heavily toward the high end.
Amazon reviews skew the same way. However, since Amazon sells the iPad Mini at a higher price than the Apple store, some of the reviews take off points because of Amazon's pricing, not because of the merits of the machine.
Disregarding those reviews, the average on Amazon is a little above 4 stars, again, comparable to nearly every other person who's gotten their hands on the iPad Mini.
The consensus speaks for itself. If the sleek looks and the larger app selection are worth paying an extra $130 to you, get the iPad Mini. You won't be disappointed.
If you'd prefer an Android OS and a smaller price tag, go with the Nexus 7. You still won't be disappointed.