Details on iPad Mini, Kindle, other small tablets

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, 162 pixels per inch

— 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: Looks great. Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. Large screen. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $459.

Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. Screen is of relatively low resolution.

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, 216 pixels per inch

— 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. Speakers on either side of screen for good stereo effect.

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