When the first iPad Mni was launched, customers were happy to embrace a smaller iPad mainly because of the thin, lightweight build of the device compared to the competition. The tablet was set to take on the competition in the 7-inch segment. Customers largely ignored the fact that they could not make calls from the device.

A lot has changed in the last 1 year or so. More and more companies are launching a crossover between a tablet and a phone called a "Phablet." Will the iPad Mini 2 do well in this phablet era?

The phones from Samsung are known for their 5-inch screen size, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 with its 7-inch touch screen and call facility is doing well. The company recently launched the Galaxy Mega in the U.S., while Nokia is reported to be working on a 6-inch phablet called "Bandit."

Customers today are spoilt for choice; they would expect more features to be fit into their small device. Companies constantly strive to meet and exceed their expectations.

But will the new iPad Mini 2 provide a call feature? Chances are that Apple may not do so. Instead, customers can expect to make do with alternate forms of connectivity like Skype, Facebook and other connection-oriented apps.

The biggest criticism of the iPad Mini has been its inability to make a "GSM call." This was already considered to be way behind other similar devices in the market then. If Apple continued to follow this policy, then it may find things difficult in the highly competitive marketplace.

Apple can, however, compensate for any shortcomings by giving better features and functionality. A thinner body, an 8 MP camera at the back, 2 MP camera in the front and a better Siri, Apple's "intelligent assistant." The iPad Mini 2 is also rumoured to come with Retina Display and to be available in different colours.

So, will these features alone lure customers into buying the iPad Mini 2 without a "GSM call" feature? That remains to be seen. But, hopefully, Apple will not disappoint its customers with the new device.