The just-released iPad Mini with Retina display is shaping up to be one of the most popular holiday gifts and for the first time it's on sale for $379.99 with free shipping.
When Apple announced the first-generation iPad mini in 2012, it decided to ship the tablet with a non-Retina display, which quickly became one of its most criticized feature or lack thereof. Apple also decided to to use an older A5 processor inside to keep costs down and make sure its full size 9.7-inch iPad remained more powerful.
While its display was a disappointment to many, its ultra-thin and light design quickly became one of its most beloved features. Apple also gave it another feature that many tablet fans appreciated,making it a tablet with slim bezels around its display and software that was able to detect accidental touches while holding the tablet. The iPad mini was unveiled alongside the fourth-generation iPad and despite its shortcomings, it reportedly outsold the larger, Retina display-equipped, and more powerful iPad.
When Apple announced the iPad mini with Retina display this year, it once again launched it alongside its larger sibling, the new 9.7-inch iPad Air. This time around the company decided to pack the smaller tablet with the same powerful internals as the flagship iPad Air. The iPad mini with Retina display finally got the same Full HD Retina display found on the iPad Air. Apple also gave the new iPad mini the same powerful 64-bit A7 processor and M7 coprocessor found in both the iPad Air and iPhone 5s.
The new powerful internals came at a cost, however; instead of keeping the iPad mini with Retina display at the same price as last year's iPad mini, it raised the price and the 16GB entry-level tablet is priced at $399.99.
For the first time ever, the iPad mini with Retina display is being offered for less than its $399.99 normal price. Rakuten.com is now offering the 16GB iPad mini with Retina display for $379.99. The tablet is currently listed as in stock and will ship in 1 to 2 business days. The retailer is also including free shipping with the order.
