Office supply retailer Staples has finally started selling the iPad in the US (spotted first by 9to5Mac ), after it was confirmed earlier this year by Regis Mulot , the firm’s Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources, that Staples was going to carry Apple products in the US.
You can order the iPad on Staples’ online store now, though 9to5Mac notes that inventory will only likely arrive this week. The retailer is giving those who buy the iPad 5 percent back in rewards.
Staples already sells Apple products in Canada and other international markets, but starting to sell the products in the US could pose a threat to Microsoft, as the retailer has been a key partner for retail sales of the Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets.
➤ Staples begins selling the iPad in US stores [9to5Mac]
Headline image via Spencer Platt/ Getty Images
iPad mini with Retina vs. iPad mini: What has Apple changed?
At its October media event in San Francisco, Apple today announced the iPad mini with Retina display , the successor to the original iPad mini. After all the rumors and leaks, Apple’s second 7.9-inch tablet is now official.
Before you run out and buy it, assuming you’re not interested in Android or Windows 8, you might want to see what you’re getting for your hard-earned cash. As such, we’ve put together a table to show you what exactly Apple has changed.
| iPad mini | iPad mini with Retina | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| Price | $329, $429, $529 | $399, $499, $599, $699 |
| Price with LTE | $459, $559, $659 | $529, $629, $729, $829 |
| Display | 7.9‑inch, 1024×768, 163 ppi | 7.9‑inch, 2048×1536, 326 ppi |
| Processor | Dual-core A6X | 64-bit A7 |
| Rear Camera | 5MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture | 5MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture |
| Video Recording | 1080p | 1080p |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP photos, 720p video | 1.2MP photos, 720p video |
| FaceTime | Over Wi-Fi or cellular | Over Wi-Fi or cellular |
| Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Browsing time on cellular | Up to 9 hours | Up to 9 hours |
| Browsing time on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Height | 7.87 inches (200 mm) | 7.87 inches (200 mm) |
| Width | 5.3 inches (134.7 mm) | 5.3 inches (134.7 mm) |
| Depth | 0.28 inch (7.2 mm) | 0.29 inch (7.5 mm) |
| Weight for Wi-Fi | 0.68 pound (308 g) | 0.73 pound (331 g) |
| Weight for LTE | 0.69 pound (312 g) | 0.75 pound (341 g) |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning |
| Colors | Black & Slate, White & Silver | Space Gray, Silver |
Given that the pricing for the iPad mini with Retina has increased over what the iPad mini launched at, you’re basically spending extra cash for a heavier but more powerful tablet with a significantly improved screen. The iPad mini with Retina ships in November , with exact timing and country details yet to be announced.
See also: Everything Apple announced at its October event in one handy list
Top Image Credit: Apple
Qualcomm takes on Samsung’s Galaxy Gear with Toq smartwatch, coming in Q4
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch may have gotten all the buzz, but Qualcomm’s Connected Experiences division has just announced its own smartwatch: the Toq , featuring the company’s Mirasol Display technology.
The limited edition Toq, which will sync with Android smartphones, is scheduled to arrive this quarter. Qualcomm is billing the always-on screen as “visibly different technology” that is viewable in bright sunlight. Battery life is said to last for days. The Toq is expected to retail for around $300.
The watch includes Qualcomm’s WiPower LE wireless charging technology and stereo Bluetooth. Qualcomm will also offer a “Premium Audio Edition” of the Toq that includes wireless stereo headphones.
Qualcomm announced the device at its Uplinq developer conference . Event attendees will receive a Toq.
➤ Qualcomm Toq