The iPad Mini 2 release date may take some time to happen, which could prompt many tablet shoppers to seriously consider the first iPad Mini and take the plunge now.

Analysts believed Apple will not be able to deliver the Mini 2, with or without Retina, anytime in the second half of 2013. Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities was convinced the debut will not happen until March or April 2014. He pointed to components and production concerns as causes of the delay.

With the wait for the iPad Mini upgrade taking too long, it seemed prudent to grab the device soon, but before making that decision, it is wiser to read first the list below - alternatives and things to consider that could lead to smarter purchase.

Why Not Android Rivals or Bigger Screen Slates?

The iPad Mini was nearing its twelfth month, which in the tech world is a real big deal. It meant the tablet's specs and features will be soon outdated. In fact, Android rivals such as the new Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Tab 3 series were already out in the market, and what they offer easily dwarfs over the underwhelmed Mini capabilities.

Google's Nexus 7, for instance, boasts of a quad-core CPU and a Retina-like screen resolution that should sufficiently serve the tablet needs of average users. Also, Samsung's new Tab 3 family easily beats the Mini muscle, specifically the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, according to early reviewers. Both units were priced $300 and below, making them more attractive compared to the Mini's starting price of $330.

Or, buyers can go for the large-screen slates, which require additional dollars but offer richer tablet experience. Among the solid candidates are the Galaxy Note 10.1, the Galaxy Tab 3 10 and the Nexus 10 version 2, which should hit store shelves by Q4 2013.

Phablet Could Prove a Better Buy

At 7.9-inch form factor, the iPad Mini delivers the best compromise for users who want the smartphone and tablet functionalities into a single portable package. It was far easier to handle than the 9.7-inch iPad and other Android challengers with almost the same features. The only sacrifice was device shrinkage, which for some is actually heaven sent. While they forego screen real estate, they gain better portability and sexiness.

Yet to really achieve maximum mobility, the best option would be a phablet buy, which offered sleeker tablet forms with the benefit of getting phone functions within the same gizmo. The strongest candidate in the field, of course, was the Galaxy Note 2 or the Galaxy Note 3, which analysts said will debut by September or October.

Two viable options would be the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3, which are more affordable compared to Samsung's Galaxy Note phablet series.

Or Wait Out for the Expected iPad Mini Price Cuts

Apple traditionally provided sizeable discounts for its older products once the new ones begin rolling out. The same should happen to the first Mini in the immediate aftermath of the Mini 2 landing.

There was one problem, however, with this choice. As mentioned above, the compact tablet refresh would not take place anytime soon. Shoppers will have to wait until next year to avail of the Mini lower price points should it turns out that Apple fails to deliver the iPad Mini 2 by December 2013, which analysts said is the product's earliest release date.