Like so many others today, we received a visit from the Apple fairy. She left us a shiny new iPad Mini in our mailbox. But unlike many others, we are writing up our first impressions for you, our readers.
But even before we even get to the arrival of the iPad Mini, we thought this was very interesting – the shipping manifest and tracking notice of the iPad Mini having shipped. Our iPad Mini was shipped to us direct from China:
Ok. When it arrived, from China, today, this is what awaited us:
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The larger (and we use the term loosely, as this is, after all, an iPad Mini) of the two boxes is the iPad Mini, the smaller is the magic cover for it.
This is what the iPad Mini comes with – pretty basic – a cable and a plug adapter (into which you can plug the USB end of the cable). This is, of course, the new Apple Lightening adaptor for iOS devices.
And the cover – the one that automatically turns the iPad on when you open it and off when you close it, just like the big boys:
Ok, this is very important! Don’t try to wrestle the iPad Mini cover out of the packaging! There is an adhesive tab, as strong as any duct tape, holding the front of the package to the back! Flip the package over, and peel the tab off the back, and thread it out to the front. Then the package will open easily.
Now, on to the iPad – we were pleased that it powered up immediately:
In fact, it had more than 90% battery life when we powered it up!
After selecting your language and region, you will be prompted to finish setting up your iPad Mini either as a brand new device, or by restoring apps, music, etc. to it from a backup of another iOS device- either from a cloud backup or a backup from iTunes. We will be doing the latter.
[NOTE: At this point if you have not already upgraded iTunes to version 10.7, you will be prompted to do so before you can go any further. It’s a free upgrade, directly through iTunes.]
When you first connect your iPad Mini to iTunes, you will see this screen:
Then you will, of course, have to agree to the license. Apple didn’t do too badly this time, the license is only 5,642 words long.
Next, you will need to register your iPad Mini, using your Apple I.D. (or creating one if you don’t already have one).
When you fill out your address information and other personal details, be sure to uncheck “Would you like to receive the following via email? News, special offers, and information about related products and services from Apple.”
Then you must complete the following invasive questions about your personal life:
Now, at last, you can set up your iPad Mini, either anew, or from a backup of a similar iOS device, be it an iPhone or other iPad:
Next: Our first impressions.
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Um, yeah, my iPads and iPods ordered direct from Apple have always shipped direct from China. Usually Shenzhen rather than Shanghai, though.