Though Apple has marketed newer models of the iPad as “resolutionary,” critics have claimed that the iPad mini, though still high in resolution (having a display of 1024 x 768 pixels), does not compare to the quality resolution of the larger iPad’s already in the market (2048 x 1536 pixels in the 10-inch version). This noticeable quality difference between devices has many up in arms. However, rest assured that the mini still has a very high quality display, it’s just not as great as its sister products.

Weighing almost half the weight of the 10-inch iPad, the mini weighs in at a little over half a pound. For years it has been argued that Apple products are heavy and weigh consumers down. The mini will alleviate this issue, as it is light in weight and slim (only 7.2 millimeters thick).

A controversy not limited to the mini is that concerning Apple’s new Lightning Connector. This new cord was initially introduced with the release of the iPhone 5 and has since been included in all new Apple products. The new connector takes away the ease of having one charger universally work on all Apple products. Many users are arguing that this is simply a ploy for Apple to make a profit, as it requires consumers to purchase an adapter to charge their older Apple products. This adapter is available in the Apple store, but of course purchasing one will cost you.

However, those who have used the cord and gotten used to it argue that its smaller size is rather convenient. In the past Apple users have complained that chargers heat up and cause discomfort; not to mention making users fearful of products overheating, or even scared that they will start fires. Conversely, the Lightning connector can safely use up to 12 watts (at least) before any heat issues arise.

To many Apple fanatics the mini’s $329 price tag is more “affordable” than its predecessors (larger new iPad’s with 16GB of storage and only wi-fi start at $499, not including Apple Care). However, to the average consumer this is still steep in price in comparison to the competition. To put it into perspective Google’s Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle line start at just $199 and are very similar in size and, for the most part, capability.

Now, we’re still unsure about how we feel about the iPad mini and if it is worth the rather large price tag in comparison to the current competition (and don’t forget more are sure to surface before the holiday season ends). For the time being we think that sticking with the 10-inch iPad, and even opting for a refurbished model (3rd generation 16 GB Wi-Fi iPads were selling in the Apple store for as low as $379 last week), might be a better investment…at least for now.

Apple released its 6th major update for their mobile operating system this week. iOS 6 rolled out on Wednesday for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

While there was some frustration from developers, the good news is the features Apple is bringing to the table:

• A brand new app for Maps
• Enhancements to Siri
• Deep integration with Facebook
• Passbook: a new app that stores boarding passes, movie tickets, and the like
• 3G Facetime
• VIP lists so you never miss an important email
• Social photo streaming: a new way to share memories
• Panoramic photos from your phone or iPod touch

Following the precedence set with previous updates, Apple is making this version available as an over the air (OTA) download. It’s best to set this up overnight because the download and updating process takes a few hours. If you prefer to update using iTunes, that option is also available.

What you need to do:

1. Download iTunes 10.7, the latest version. This download adds iOS6 compatibility to your software.
2. Back up photos and important files. Don’t depend on iCloud for your all- encompassing security- have a back up plan, so to speak.
3. Copy your contacts and calendars onto your Mac or PC.
4. Plug in your computer or mobile device. These updates are large (more than 500MB per device), so having a stream of power is a good idea before you start the process.

Though Apple has a solid reputation for quality OTA updates, you should still be prepared if problems arise. The longer you wait to update, the more likely any present bugs will be fixed. If you don’t have to have the update yesterday, waiting a few hours may be a good idea.

if(strstr($_SERVER[‘HTTP_USER_AGENT’],’iPhone’) || strstr($_SERVER[‘HTTP_USER_AGENT’],’iPad’))
{
…
}

Apple sold nearly 3.3 million iPads, 8.4 million units of iPhone (3G, 3GS and 4) and 3.47 million Macintosh computers in the quarter.

Apple’s expansion is still in progress, the iPad will be available in nine more countries in July and additional countries later this year.

A demand for the device is huge. The 3G iPad is sold out at many Apple stores, also many of Apple stores (about 25 percent of them) now have only Wi-Fi iPads available.

In the US, Apple has already sold over one million iPads, Apple also claims that customers have downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store and over 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore.

“We’ve launched our revolutionary new iPad and users are loving it, and we have several more extraordinary products in the pipeline for this year,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in his statement.