Apple iPad mini reviews are in, here's what critics are saying

The reviews are in for Apple's iPad mini and the critics seems to be impressed with the tech giant's smaller tablet computer.

The iPad mini is 7.2 millimeters thick, 0.63 pounds and comes in black or white. The iPad mini's screen is 7.9-inches at 1,024 x 768 display resolution.

Some wondered if a smaller iPad would hurt Apple's bottom line. It's too early to tell, but if pre-sales and reviews are any indication, the iPad mini is off to a running start. Although the tablet hits stores on Friday, pre-orders currently indicate a shipping time of two weeks. The mini tablet got high praises from tech journalists.

"If you want the full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package, the iPad Mini is worth the premium price," says CNET senior editor Scott Stein. "Otherwise, good alternatives are available for less money."

The iPad mini's quality, for its size bracket, seems to be appealing to several reviewers.

"There's no tablet in this size range that's as beautifully constructed, works as flawlessly, or has such an incredible software selection," said Joshua Topolsky, editor in chief of The Verge.

Being small has some disadvantages. The iPad mini doesn't have Retina display or the same processor as the fourth generation iPad. However, that wasn't a deal-breaker for critics.

"The iPad mini may not have the A6X processor of the new flagship fourth-gen iPad, but the A5 is sufficient to keep things moving smoothly without making a huge dent in battery life," said SlashGear editor in chief Vincent Nguyen.

Like the iPad 2, Apple's iPad mini does not come with Retina display.But, Engadget editor in chief Tim Stevens lists the tablets display as a "pro," pointing out that the smaller screen size means more pixel density.

"Colors are very pleasing to the eye and viewing angles, as ever with an Apple display, do not disappoint," Stevens said.

The iPad mini starts at $329 for a 16GB Wi-Fi only model, $429 for a 32 GB model and $529 for a 64 GB model.The Wi-Fi only models will ship on Nov. 2. However, pre-order ship dates have been pushed back for some models. The iPad mini models with Wi-Fi and 4G starts at $459 for 16GB, $559 for 32GB, and $659 for 64GB, and is available on Nov. 16.