How Apple’s iPad Mini compares with rivals

The iPad Mini is just one of several tablets of its size. Here’s a look at how the Mini compares with other tablets with comparable screens.

Apple Inc.’s iPad Mini

_ Price: $329 for base model with Wi-Fi only and 16 gigabytes of storage, $429 with 32 GB, $529 with 64 GB. Add $130 for versions with cellular capability.

_ Screen size: 7.9 inches diagonally

_ Screen resolution: 1024 by 768 pixels

_ Weight: 0.68 pound (0.69 pound for cellular versions)

_ Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing

_ Battery life: 10 hours

_ Operating system: Apple’s iOS

Pros: Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. High-resolution screen. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $459. Larger-screen version available.

Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.

Barnes & Noble Inc.’s Nook HD

_ Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of storage, $229 with 16 GB

_ Screen size: 7 inches diagonally

_ Screen resolution: 1440 by 900 pixels

_ Weight: 0.69 pound

_ Cameras: None

_ Battery life: Up to 10.5 hours of reading and up to 9 hours of video

_ Operating system: Modified version of Google’s Android

Pros: Expandable with microSD card. High-definition screen. Larger-screen version available.

Cons: Selection of third-party applications is small. Lacks cameras and option for cellular broadband.

Amazon.com Inc.’s Kindle Fire HD.

_ Price: $199 with 16 gigabytes of storage, $249 with 32 GB

_ Screen size: 7 inches diagonally

_ Screen resolution: 1280 by 800 pixels

_ Weight: 0.87 pound.

_ Cameras: Front-facing camera.

_ Battery life: 11 hours.

_ Operating system: Modified version of Google’s Android

Pros: Cheap and portable. Convenient access to Amazon store. High-definition screen. Dolby audio. Larger-screen version coming Nov. 20, including option for cellular broadband.

Cons: Small selection of third-party applications available from Amazon. No rear camera for taking video and photos. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.

Amazon.com Inc.’s regular Kindle Fire:

_ Price: $159 with 8 gigabytes of storage

_ Screen size: 7 inches diagonally

_ Screen resolution: 1024 by 600 pixels

_ Weight: 0.88 pounds

_ Cameras: none

_ Battery life: 8.5 hours.

_ Operating system: Modified version of Google’s Android

Pros: Cheap and portable. Convenient access to Amazon store.

Cons: No-frills tablet lacks camera and microphone. Small selection of third-party applications available from Amazon. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. No option for cellular wireless broadband.

Google Inc.’s Nexus 7

_ Price: $199 with 16 gigabytes of storage, $249 with 32 GB. Add $50 for 32 GB model with cellular capability (available Nov. 13).

_ Screen size: 7 inches diagonally

_ Screen resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels

_ Weight: 0.75 pounds

_ Cameras: Front-facing, 1.2 megapixel camera

_ Battery life: 8 hours

_ Operating system: Google’s Android

Pros: Access to a variety of games, utilities and other software for Android devices, though not as extensive as apps available for iPad. Option for cellular wireless broadband.

Cons: Integrates with Google Play store, which is still new and isn’t as robust as Apple or Amazon’s stores. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards.