Discussion on:

The iPad Mini: Smaller size and price appeal in the enterprise?

So I have to rely on others opinions about this but the thought occurs to me that there's already iPad's in the lower price ranges. Aren't there? Yes, they're an older generation but there is an 'iPad' available in the $400 price range ($300 if you get refurbished) so that leads me to think that 'most' people that wanted an iPad have already gotten one. Will releasing a 'current version' iPad-mini around 7-8" have that much appeal or is just an attempt to offer a solution for every category cause I just don't sense a pent up 'pressure' of anticipation for an iPad-mini? I myself am more interested in the Windows 8 tablets but to me, assuming that Android and iOS have roughly the same capabilities with some UI differences, if there's a 10"+ Android tablet for $300 and an iPad-mini with an 7-8" screen for $300, I'd probably opt for the larger screen. It seems like a bigger bang for your buck unless you have an explicit iOS preference at which point, I'd assume that you've probably already gotten an iPad because you're an Apple fan. It could just be more of an attempt to de-value the Android lines in the minds of consumers. If a 7-8" iPad mini is $300 and the larger Android is $400, the iPad 'must' be better because it's a smaller device for more money.

that for some reason, you don't like Apple. The comment " It seems like a bigger bang for your buck unless you have an explicit iOS preference at which point, I'd assume that you've probably already gotten an iPad because you're an Apple fan."

leads me to believe this. If I've misunderstood your comment then I apologize. I was never an Apple fan before my wife bought me an Ipad(1st generation), nor do I own any other Apple device.

However, after owning and using an Ipad, I can see why there are many Apple fans, and yes devoted fans. I do plan on buying a newer Ipad, just not right now, but because I've had a great experience with the one I have, I take it with me everywhere I go.

I do a lot of writing, and esp. when I'm on the road it's just much easier to pull over and grab the Ipad, rather than pull over, move into the passenger seat, get out the laptop, boot up, write what I need, etc, etc.

And for what it's worth, I am a big fan and user of Windows, just recently purchased a new Sony Vaio laptop with Win7. I also believe that no one has an office suite that can compare to MS Office.

However, when I'm writing, I now prefer to do most of my writing with Pages, an Apple program. The great thing with Pages, is that I can export it as a Word doc, if I want to.

Thanks...
TW

With that comment specifically. I wasn't saying which is more valuable or which is better. I was trying to imagine what a typical consumer that wasn't invested in either OS would think if they saw the two side by side.

But you're right, I'm not an Apple fan but I'm also not an Apple hater. I've spent a significant amount of time with Windows 8, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad's, Android Phones, Android Tablets through my own usage and through the support of my clients devices. I'm invested in the Microsoft platform (SkyDrive, Zune (Xbox Music), Xbox, Microsoft Office, etc) and I haven't ran into any issues so I've stuck with it because I don't want to spend my personal time managing the interaction of the separate platforms. It all just works and I suspect that anyone that's invested in the Google and Apple systems would say the same.

If your concern is cost then you should opt for Nexus 7. Its a fantastic tablet made even more fantastic for its price. There is little you can do on an ipad from a enterprise perspective that you couldn't do and in many cases even better on a Nexus 7. What exactly would an enterprise market view as more appropriate 8.9 vs 7? Seems moot at that size. Besides these "will this device be more appropriate" arguments are silly when you haven't seen the devices live.

All these rumors flingf around and still no respoonse from Apple. They must be laughing at the free publicity AND the dingbats who come out with these rumors with [in 99% of the cases] no actual hard evidence that it would be out.

I don't have an iPad but if I got one it would be for the bigger screen. A mini iPad should have something other than lower price to make it a desirable purchase, or would the Apple badge be enough?