Apple iPad mini 4G Released by AT&T, Sprint, Verizon

The version of the iPad mini that can connect to 4G LTE networks officially launched today, two weeks after the Wi-Fi only model. This tablet offers a smaller option than Apple's full-size tablet.

All the U.S. telecoms that have LTE networks offer this device: AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. This is something of a milestone for Sprint, as the carrier only recently added the iPad series to its product roster.

There are three configurations with 4G available: a 16GB model is $460, the 32GB one is $560, while the 64GB model is $660.

Limited Availability

Just because this device is now on the market doesn't mean there are enough units to go around, however. Most places that are offering this model have it back-ordered.

AT&T warns buyers that devices ordered today will ship in 7 - 14 days. Verizon is in better shape: it appears to have the white version in stock, but the one on the black casing won't ship until Nov. 19. Sprint is only selling this tablet in its stores, not online.

Apple itself warns that units ordered on its website today won't ship for two weeks.

More about the Apple iPad mini

While all Apple's previous tablets have had 9.7-inch touchscreens, the mini has a 7.9-inch one. This has a 1024 x 768 resolution, the same as the first and second-generation iPad. The tablet runs Apple iOS 6 on an Apple A5 processor -- the same chip used in the iPad 2.

As it is so similar to the iPad released in 2011, it can run software designed for that older model.

The iPad mini has a 5 MP rear-facing camera, and a 1.2MP front camera, too. Apple is promising 10 hours of battery life.

The Wi-Fi only versions are also backordered about two weeks, and cost $130 less than the LTE-enabled ones.

Read our review of the Apple iPad mini for more info.