The Apple media event which took place in San Jose did as we all anticipated include the iPad min, a tweaked Mac mini, the iMac, a 13 inch MacBook Pro with retina display, an update to iBooks and some alterations to the third generation iPad.
The event kicked off with Apple CEO Tim Cook giving shareholders an update on how much the company has achieved in the last month. Then Phil Schiller and Tim Cook took it in turns to officially reveal the new Apple fruits.
The first announcement was a new version of iBooks. There were no real significant changes. iBooks now features continuous scrolling in between pages for easier reading, better iCloud support and social sharing features. This is not really the kind of update we were expecting but at least it was something.
The 13 inch MacBook Pro with Retina display was next and it offers those looking for a thinner, lighter notebook the chance to purchase a high end product in a smaller size. This new model comes with a price tag of $1699 which is $500 cheaper than the 15 inch edition. The Mac mini was next and this features intel�s newest Ivy Bridge processor along with four USB 3.0 ports. There is also a server edition offering up to 2TB of HDD space. The re-designed iMac was also unveiled and this is now just 5mm thick at its thinnest points around the edges. The optical drive is going but we are sure this won�t be an issue with people.
Whilst the Mac alternatives were great, it wasn�t the main reason everyone had tuned into this event. This event was always all about the iPad mini and when Schiller finally unveiled it to the world all doubts about this new device were put to rest. The iPad mini packs in the A5 processor, 729p 7.9 inch display and a bezel reflecting that of the iPod touch. It fits nicely into the hand too. The rumor of 12 different models turned out to be a little off but there is still plenty of variety for everyone. The 16GB iPad mini will retail at $329 so we don�t think Apple are going to be dealing with massive demand just yet.
The last thing that was announced at this event is something that is a little controversial. Apple decided to give the iPad 3 a few changes. The new �twice as fast� A6X processor has been added along with better Wi-Fi, improved 4G LTE in European and Asian nations and the new lightning connector. A lot of talk has followed this update and many people seem to think that they have been ripped off. It has only been eight months since the launch of the third generation iPad and to have a fourth generation iPad announced so soon is ridiculous. What does everyone else think of this?
