Following months of speculation, Apple (AAPL 1.27%) unveiled the new iPad mini at its special event today. The new device carries a 7.9-inch display and features the same resolution as the iPad 2. The iPad mini will feature Apple's dual-core A5 chip, the same processor used in the iPad 2, along with two cameras.
Apple is including 4G LTE support for the smaller model, similar to the larger 9.7-inch version. The tablet will also boast the same 10-hour battery life, improving its portability. Pricing starts at $329 for a 16-GB model, with additional configurations available that follow Apple's existing pricing strategy. Adding $100 increments will double storage up to 64 GB. Including 4G LTE capabilities adds a $130 premium.
Along with the iPad mini, Apple unveiled a new fourth-generation iPad with upgraded internal specifications and added support for more international 4G LTE frequency bands. Additionally, the company is now bringing on Sprint Nextel (S +0.00%) as an iPad carrier partner.
Pre-orders start on Oct. 26, which also happens to be the day Microsoft (MSFT +0.05%) launches Windows 8 and its Surface RT tablet. It will launch Nov. 2 in a wide range of countries.
Apple also unveiled updates to its Mac mini and iMac families, while introducing a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
