Apple Inc. has slipped one over on its public this time. After a waiting period of more than three weeks with no announcement of a definite launch date for the iPad Mini with Retina display, the company released it early this morning in online sales. While the much hyped device is not yet available for in-store pickup, it can be ordered online.

Supplies Already Limited

The iPad Mini with Retina display has been on the minds of consumers ever since its announcement earlier this year. Now, it is finally here, or at least it can be ordered and shipped, but will the stock last? Apple is already experience constraints in regards to supplies of the small, high definition tablet. According to the U.S. website, the company is showing a one to two day estimate on shipping for the tiny iPad in the 16GB and 32GB configurations with just the WiFi capabilities. However, the WiFi + Cellular versions will take approximately five to ten days to ship. As of right now, in-store purchasing is not an option and there has been no indication of when the they will become available.

Pricing

The 16GB model with WiFi is priced at $399, while the 32GB and 64GB models are priced at $499 and $599 respectively. Apple also introduced a brand new model with 128GB of internal memory that is priced at just $699.
The cellular versions of the tablets start at $529 and increase in $100 increments with each change in size up to the top line price of $829 for the 128GB model.

Silent Launch

Apple did not push this iPad with a public event as it has all other models of the tablet. Instead, at midnight Pacific time on Monday night, the company silently kick-started its online sales. This could be a marketing ploy to help generate more consumer interest, but more than likely it is an indication that the supply of the tablet is limited.
Tim Cook made mention of the possibility of a limited supply in October when he said, “It’s unclear whether we will have enough for the quarter or not.”
Apple removed its online store from the web for a while last night to perform maintenance operations. When the store re-opened the iPad Mini with Retina Display was up for sale, and the online feeding frenzy began.

Tell us what you think. Is the iPad Mini with Retina display a must have for you and your family? If so, drop us a line in the comments section.