The iPad Mini: A handy device with a hefty price tag

Up to now, all Apple seemed to be able to do was slag off its rivals like Google and Amazon when it came to mini touch-screen online devices.

But even the rulers of the hi-tech universe had to acknowledge that small competitors were becoming a big concern.

After clocking up over 100m iPad sales last month, the only way to go was down — in size, that is — and the seven inch tablet was where the market was.