iPad Mini

by Esther P., Pad & Quill Techster
 
The iPad mini, as with any Apple device, is sleek and sophisticated—something you should be proud to carry around and show your friends. An iPad mini with a cracked or damaged screen, however—not so cool to carry around.
 
If you want to keep your tablet looking sharp, you might want to look at your options for iPad mini screen protection. Even though the screen is designed to hold up under typical use, we all know that accidents happen. With a screen protector, you can breathe a little easier, knowing that your iPad mini is safe and sound.
 

“If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he’s dead, then maybe he was a great man” -James Dean

The Holmes family lost it’s patriarch when Mr. Pad and Quill’s dad passed quietly through the “grey rain-curtain of this world to the white shores of a far green country”.  At times like this, when your heart is stricken with grief and loss,  you search, at times in vain, for words that give expression to what this dear loved one meant to you.  I imagine this is why some of the greatest works of art are born in anguish and adversity.

Artistic people are always looking to capture the essence of an experience, to emote a moment or to leave an impression of themselves in their little corner of the world.  In this way, technology is a great friend to artistic people allowing the easy capture of a photo, or the quick jotting of a lyric, while certainly increasing

by Esther P., Pad & Quill Techster
 
One big advantage that the iPad has over the iPad mini is the option of a Retina display. That may be changing soon with the introduction of the next-generation iPad mini. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the next iPad mini that Apple launches will most likely come with a high-resolution Retina display.
 

Retina Rumors

Samsung, LG, and Sharp are rumored to be the suppliers Apple is using for the new Retina display on the iPad mini. The screens on the current iPad mini are supplied by Sharp and Taiwan-based AU Optronics.
 

Color Options

A 'PSA' from Mrs. PQ.

There is a certain craziness in the air when retailers begin stocking back to school supplies next to the aisle of clearance red, white and blue bunting, patriotic frosting and leftover fireworks.  There isn’t a kid I know who wants to trade in the sun-tanned, mosquito-bitten, Kool-Aide-smile life of summer for the hard desk chair, homework every night, life of fall on July 5^th.   However, retail drives the rhythms of life at least for one mid summer afternoon at the Pad & Quill household because Mrs. PQ knows if you don’t jump on the school supplies in July you will be paying full retail in August.

With four kids to equip with pencils, notepads, and clothes, (god forbid we can’t forget the clothes), there are no greater phrases then “discount” and “sale” when it comes to shopping.  Except perhaps, “Mom, I need a new backpack, can we go to REI?”

by Esther P., Pad & Quill Techster
 
I'll be the first to admit it. I hate getting my hopes up just to be disappointed. So when rumors about the new iPad mini coming out with a Retina display later this year suddenly got crushed by the same analyst who predicted it in the first place, I chalked it up to just another case of whiplash Apple rumors.
 
Truth is, no one really knows for sure whether the iPad mini planned for launch in late 2013 will have a Retina display or not. But the rumors are out there.
 

The Case for Retina in 2013

 
Some of the moves Apple has made recently, such as requiring that all screenshots in the App Store be optimized for Retina displays and putting pressure on app developers to only create apps compatible with the Retina display, point to the fact that Retina displays will be a staple across all Apple devices—and soon.
 
Also pointed out by Zach Epstein of BGR.com

by Esther P., Resident Techster
 
With the iPad all the rage as few as 3 years ago, when it was first introduced, the fact that it's now being overshadowed by the iPad Mini shows just how fast technology—and consumer preferences—are changing.
 

iPad Use Drives Demand

 
For most of us, time spent on a tablet like the iPad consists largely of surfing the web, checking email, and using apps. Since none of these require a lot of typing or screen space, the smaller the better. iPad Minis are popular mainly because of their size. The size difference between the iPad and the iPad Mini is only a few inches and a fraction of a pound, but it's enough to tip the balances in favor of the iPad Mini when it comes to popularity. A 7.9" screen is just easier to slip in a purse or backpack than a 9.7" screen. The Mini is also lighter and slimmer, which makes it pretty convenient for travel or just carrying with you wherever you go.

A naked iPad Mini is a beauty, but it's also asking for trouble somewhere down the line. Coffee spills, scratches from your pet's claws, and accidental drops can easily turn your pristine iPad Mini into a not-so-pristine tablet. Before that happens, we recommend protecting your new device with an iPad Mini case. Here are some tips on how to find the best iPad Mini case for you.
 

Lightweight, Not Bulky

 
The biggest reason most people love the iPad Mini is that it's so light and thin. The smaller tablet size makes it easy to carry around and use almost anywhere. Your iPad Mini case should be lightweight and slim for everyday use. If you need more protection than that, consider getting a bag as well as a case. Then tuck the iPad with its case inside the bag for heavy-duty protection.

The time for a new iPad release is getting closer. Although Apple tends to play its cards close to the chest, they leak out just enough information to get Apple fans excited for the next iPad phase. Both the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini are due for an upgrade. Here are a few of the rumors we've heard about the future of these two Apple tablets.
 

iPad 5

 
The new fifth-generation iPad is rumored to have a slimmer, lighter body than the iPad 4, with improved front and back cameras. The design will be reminiscent of the iPad Mini, which launched in late 2012 and became an instant hit. Although we haven't heard about any radical upgrades in speed or battery life, the tweaks and upgrades are enough to make it the best iPad—and best tablet—yet.
 

iPad Mini

 
The steady rise of iPad Mini sales and the decline of full-size iPad sales clearly demonstrates the demand for smaller, lighter devices. The iPad Mini hit

When you shell out several hundred bucks for an iPad, you'll think twice before setting your coffee mug on the screen or leaving it on the floor. Unfortunately, accidents happen no matter how careful you are. Your best bet to protect your iPad from damage is to take steps to protect it before anything bad happens. Here are 4 ways you can keep your iPad looking and working like new.
 

1. Use a screen protector.

 
Scratches on your iPad screen are unsightly and annoying when you're trying to read or view photos or videos. An iPad screen protector can prevent scratches and keep your screen from getting damaged. It also protects against dust, dirt, and premature wear.
 
The screen protector by Zagg is designed with the same material used to protect military helicopter blades from dust, dirt,

It used to be that you only had a few choices when it came to choosing an e-reader. With media technology crossing platforms, however, more consumers are using their e-readers for browsing the Internet and using their tablets for reading digital books.
 
If you're trying to choose between the Kindle Fire HD and the iPad Mini for reading, here are some of the pros and cons of each tablet.
 

Screen Size

 
Let's take a look at screen size first. The Kindle Fire HD is available in two screen sizes: 7 inch and 8.9 inch, which gives you a choice depending on how compact you want the device to be or how large you want the reading area to be.
 
The iPad Mini is available with a 7.9 inch screen size—a happy medium between the two Kindle Fire models.
 
The choice here depends mostly on your preferences. Would you rather have a smaller device with less room on the screen or a larger device with more screen