iPad Mini: Is it worth it?

Apple seems a bit conceited with its iPad Mini release. Will Apple fans just buy any device it makes — even poorly conceptualized ones like the iPad Mini?

The iPad Mini was available for preorders this morning at midnight Pacific time. Fans will be just shocked to learn that in just a few hours the iPad Mini is now back-ordered at least two weeks. We at SheKnows eyed this latest Apple creation with some serious skepticism: Are consumers simply desperate for any product new from Apple?

This pricey device is annoyingly expensive: $330 to $660

The iPad Mini is noticeably less expensive than the iPad 2 and iPad 3 — more so when comparing it to larger capacities — but all iPad Mini models lack the beautiful retina display of Apple's iPad 3. Moreover, the iPad Mini is still pricey; prepare to shell out at least $330 for the device.

Let's be honest: The iPad really shines when it's used for entertainment so forking over $330 for 16GB of space — Wi-Fi only mind you — is a bit ridiculous. Yes, the iPad Mini at this capacity is $70 cheaper than the iPad 2 and a painful $170 cheaper than the iPad 3. However, at this 16GB capacity, the iPad mini is also a glorified iPad Touch. The features are almost exactly the same except for the iPad Mini's dimensions. Except now you're paying $330 instead of $200, and you still don't get to enjoy the amazing experience of the retina display – which is included in the latest iPod Touch.

As you start to move up the capacity ladder, you will pay an additional $100 each time you double your space: 16GB is $330, 32GB is $430, and 64GB is $530. Of course, if you want to be able to use your iPad Mini with your cellphone network, brace yourself for sticker shock: 16GB is $460, 32GB is $560, and 64GB is $660!

The iPad Mini is likely for users who have yet to buy an iPad 2 or iPad 3. The cheaper price seems alluring at first until it becomes clear what features users are giving up — a beautiful retina display — and how the iPad Mini compares not only to Apple's other products but competitors as well.

Most users will be fine with 32GB of space. That being said, the issue then becomes if consumers want Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and cellular network capabilities. . I bet most people can't afford the nearly $600 price tag for the 32GB iPad Mini with the cellular network option, and let's not forget the charges from your cellphone provider for the added device .

So, at the end of the day the Amazon Kindle Fire HD is $250 or the iPad Mini is $430. Do you want to pay an addtional $180 for "aesthetics"?

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Photo credit: Apple