The iPad mini 2 release date has been widely believed to coincide with the first anniversary of the original mini. But at least one analyst has been frequently quoted as saying Apple's small iPad will arrive mid-year. For some buyers, the more important information bits are about the mini 2 specs - will there be deal breakers (again)?

iPad mini 2 is coming with the iPad 5 as an advance party to build more hype?

This image is reportedly a leaked photo of the iPad mini 2 shell. (iPad Mini 2 Release Date Mid-Year – Analyst; Top 3 Deal Breakers)

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has told clients the iPad Mini 2 will arrive mid-2013, just after the iPad 5 is released and has enjoyed some press time. He specified the month of April for the iPad 5 release, which is a mere 6 months away from the October 2012 unveiling of iPad 4th generation and iPad mini. Munster suggested Apple will release the iPad 5 and the iPad mini 2 at almost the same time this year, and each device will have its moment in the spotlight.

Many Apple forum residents find this difficult to believe, because Apple is not likely to have two release events just 6 months or less apart. An iPad mini 2 release mid-year will not be taken lightly by iOS enthusiasts. Is there any reason to believe Apple is shaking up its own pattern at the risk of upsetting customers?

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iPad mini 2 Top 3 Deal Breakers: Sooner or later, the improved display should show

Many iPad mini 2 watchers are tired of the release date rumours. What they need to know (although Apple is not likely to divulge this soon) is whether or not the new mini will offer spectacular, hard-to-resist display specs.

iPad mini did not impress gadget shoppers who would not go for anything less than Retina display. Other people say you would not notice the difference. But those passionate about the Retina would say that any switch to a Retina-less Apple device is a downgrade. So a "lame" display is a deal breaker for those waiting for the iPad mini 2 release.

Exorbitant pricing and poor memory are the second and third iPad mini 2 deal breakers. Many users were turned off by the $329 starting price of the iPad mini. Should Apple stay on the extra-pricey path, buyers would be split into those who don't care about the price and those who do.

As for memory, the iPad mini 2 only has 512 MB of RAM in the Apple A5 chipset. This is simply not enough for heavy tablet users. It is another deal breaker for those who would like to ditch other devices and concentrate the use of apps in the small tablet.

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