iPad mini 2 release date is expected to fall within the last quarter of the year. But there are rumours suggesting it could come out sooner in response to favorable market anticipation. Still, the iPad mini is not dropping its price over consistent solid sales. Why is there so much hype about the new iPad mini?

Gadget shopping could be a more serious activity this year because of existing and emerging devices for media consumers. Here are three of the reasons you might want to have an iPad mini 2.

1. Comfortable portability. With the iPad mini, Apple has reportedly found the sweet spot in terms of form and size for the right user grip. This could be one of the reasons why many users have switched from other eBook reading devices to the iOS device. iBooks is also a favored part of the whole iOS design. And because it's smaller, the iPad mini is easier to carry around compared to its full-sized counterparts.

2. Sharp display. iPad mini's 7.9-inch screen with a resolution of 1024×768 px is a disappointment for many Retina-accustomed Apple users. But for iOS newbies, the pixel density (163 pixels per inch) of the mini screen is not bad at all. It shows just enough colours and contrast for browsing and media entertainment. Now rumour has it that AU Optronics is manufacturing a 7.9-in screen with a resolution of 2048x1536 (324 ppi). For Apple gadgeteers, this is a huge reason to be excited about the next mini.

3. Cheaper alternative. The Apple iPad mini is relatively cheaper than its full-sized tablet siblings. However, many reviewers found the starting price of $329 (WiFi only, 16GB) is much too expensive, considering the mini is now exactly robust in terms of memory (equivalent of 512MB). Still, if you'd like to start a tech adventure with Apple now, the iPad mini makes a good starting device. Rumours suggest the iPad mini 2 will be more expensive because of some upgraded components, but this will still be cheaper than, say, the upcoming iPad 5.

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