The Apple iPad mini is the first generation 7.9-inch tablet from Apple while the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the official next generation tablet after the first Samsung Galaxy Tab (despite there being several other tablets that came directly after the first Galaxy Tab). Both fit the 7-inch touchscreen tablet class but each device has it's own tech specs, features and pricing. The main question that we're looking to answer this time is which device is better in this comparison between the Apple iPad mini and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. Check out the full comparison in this article.

This time around Maxis is also the first to offer the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display from RM1159. Going for a retail price of RM1699, Maxis is of course offering the 4G LTE Cellular version of the iPad mini with Retina Display. This includes the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage versions but you have to sign up for 24 months under either the SurfMore50 plan or the SurfMore75 plan. Like some other telcos, you will have to make an advance payment which is then rebated back into your account. For more details check out the table and links in this article.

Celcom recently opened plans for the Apple iPad Air starting from RM1248. Quite obviously, the plans are for the Apple iPad Air 4G LTE Cellular version covering the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. Celcom are currently offering the deal on their Celcom First iPad plans for both 12 month and 24 month contracts. Of note is the fact that the monthly commitment is quite low, from just RM50 up to RM100. For more details check out the table and links in this article.

Completing the major Malaysian Telco Apple iPad Air offers is DiGi who are offering the tablet on a zero contract package from RM1453. Unfortunately, the catch is that it is only for the 16GB Apple iPad Air 4G LTE Cellular version and there is only one plan for it. You also have to pay an upfront payment and advance payment as well. The good news is that the early payment will be rebated back to you over the course of 24 months, but if you decide to terminate or shift plans, you lose this early payment. For more details, check out the table and links in the article.

While some rumour sites have said that the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display could be launching in Malaysia on 12 December 2013, Apple have already made the 2nd generation Apple iPad mini 2 or Apple iPad mini with Retina Display available for Malaysia from RM1279 on the Apple Store. The Apple iPad mini with Retina Display brings a number of major improvements to the table which include Apple's new 64-bit A7 chipset and processor, 1GB of RAM and the aforementioned Retina Display. Check out the full pricing for the iPad mini with Retina Display below but if you still want the 1st generation Apple iPad mini, it is available from RM949:

• 16GB WiFi – RM1279
• 32GB WiFi – RM1599
• 64GB WiFi – RM1929
• 128GB WiFi – RM2249
• 16GB WiFi + 4G Cellular – RM1699
• 32GB WiFi + 4G Cellular – RM2029
• 64GB WiFi + 4G Cellular – RM2349
• 128GB WiFi + 4G Cellular – RM2679

If you're still wondering whether to get the Apple iPad mini or the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display, check out our previous comparison article about it. 

Maxis has recently revealed the Malaysia pricing for the Apple iPad Air 4G Cellular version beginning from RM2049 for the 16GB version, RM2299 for the 32GB version and RM2649 for the 64GB version. While these are the retail prices, the Apple iPad Air Cellular version is available on Maxis SurfMore data plans from RM1449 on a 24 month contract. Check out the table and links in the article for more information.

The next new Apple iPad could very well have a 12.9-inch display, but that isn't all. Apparently, Apple are testing 2K and 4K displays for the 12.9-inch display form factor. According to rumours the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro could be launched in April 2014 and while Apple are testing 2K displays, the finished product is expected to be packing a 4K display. While it could just be the performance model in the latest Apple iPad tablet series, many are speculating that it would be more of a convertible that would replace or sell alongside the MacBook Air. No news on other tech specs, features, pricing or Malaysia release dates but stay tuned and we'll keep you posted.

The rumoured 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro has been making the rounds for quite some time now, with initial rumours saying that we might see it in early 2014. However, some new rumours indicate that we may only see the actual device in Q2 or Q3 of 2014. This is because some sources are saying that Apple has appointed Quanta Computer as the main manufacturer for the iPad Pro with mass production to begin in Q3 of 2014. This would mean we'd only see an announcement and launch in or after late Q3 of 2014. These sources go on to say that since the larger iPad Pro is only expected to target educational and enterprise markets, it will be produced in limited amounts. In related news, Foxconn, Inventec and Quanta are all looking to produce the Apple iWatch with no clear winner in the production bidding just yet. Initial production yields of the Apple iWatch has not been good, further delaying the iWatch until Q2 of 2014 with an expected launch in late 2014. Most industry watchers are expecting the Apple iWatch to come after August 2014, but it could just as well make it's first appearance at IFA 2014, which is where the previous bunch of smartwatches made their debut as well.

The Apple iPad Air is the 5th generation tablet in Apple's leading 9.7-inch display tablet range. As the latest in the bunch it packs in the latest and probably most powerful mobile chipset and processor in the Apple stable along with a much improved, thinner and lighter profile. Does it deserve the Air name? Yes. Yes it does. Is it worth your time and money? Well, that depends a lot on your preference for screen size. Read on for all that you need to know about the Apple iPad Air.

DiGi and Celcom have both opened up registration of interest (ROI) pages for the Apple iPad Air and Apple iPad mini with Retina Display. Both show teaser images and are likely for the 4G LTE Cellular versions of the two tablets. Unfortunately, the most important question of price isn't answered on either the DiGi ROI page or the Celcom ROI page. We expect the Malaysian pricing and release dates to reach us sometime before Christmas 2013 in December as this would be the most likely time for people to buy the tablet for a gift or present. In line with the previous Apple iPhone releases and pricing, we also expect the new Apple iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display pricing to be higher than before. For now, Celcom has announced that it would launch the Apple iPad Air bundles on 9 December 2013 but there are no details about the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display or from DiGi. Do head on over to either theDiGi ROI page or the Celcom Apple iPad Air ROI page and Celcom Apple iPad mini with Retina Display ROI page to register your interest with the telco of your choice.