iPad mini 2 has no official release date yet, but it should arrive around (or before, if rumours prove true) the last quarter of the month. It is a typical schedule for a new entry from Apple, considering the first mini was released in November last year. But for those itching to shop for a new reading or media consumption gadget, the wait can be too long. What is wrong about the iPad mini as it is now?

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iPad mini has been up for grabs since November for a base price of $329 (Wi-Fi only). One of the reasons why some buyers are holding out for iPad mini 2 is the small iPad's screen resolution. For those accustomed to the Apple Retina display, there is a lot missing in the first mini edition. Consider this review by John Gruber, whose wife's first impression of the mini was, "Ew, the screen is terrible."

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First- time tablet buyers are not likely to make the same observation. Consider the reasons given by Scott Williams on why he prefers the iPad mini over the full-sized Apple tablet. Now here's one of possible responses to those good points: a CNET video on "reasons not to buy an iPad mini."

In a nutshell, Williams lauds the iPad mini for its size, weight, and even screen display. Donald Bell of CNET is saying the mini is too pricey for what it can deliver, and shoppers should wait for the iPad mini 2 to get better value for money. The truth is there is no one perfect tablet for everyone -- in any size. So you have to determine what you want for yourself.

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iPad mini 2: 3 Things Likely to Happen

The iPad mini 2 is likely to sport a better screen display. Rumour has it that the next mini could have Sharp's IGZO thin-but-tough screen technology. There are also rumours that iPad mini 2 will have Retina and non-retina variants. Either way, it is difficult to imagine that the mini could maintain its light 308 g (WiFi only) body once it has a sharper, more stunning display.

Naturally, a crisper display is more demanding of battery juice. And as battery gets bigger, the device tends to get thicker and/or heavier. Add to that the cost of production. Rumours suggest iPad mini 2 production costs $30 more expensive (per device) to produce. This gives the mini shoppers the three things that are likely to happen to iPad mini 2: better display, heavier/thicker chassis, more expensive price.

If you're a first-time tablet buyer, go for the slim iPad mini now. But if you have no tolerance for non-Retina displays (because Apple ironically trained you to be like that), you probably will not feel your money's worth with a non-Retina tablet.

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