For Apple enthusiasts who favor the company's compact tablets, the extended wait for a refreshed iPad Mini is nearly over. Just a few days ago, Apple unveiled the first significant update to its lineup of travel-friendly tablets since 2021. The iPad Mini is now available for preorder on Amazon, with prices starting at $500. All configurations and color options—Space Gray, Blue, Purple, and Starlight—are up for grabs ahead of the tablet's official release on October 23. Storage options begin at 128GB for the base model and extend up to 512GB.

The latest iPad Mini boasts a robust A17 Pro chip, promising up to 30% more power. The GPU has also seen a roughly 25% speed boost, and the tablet now supports Apple Pencil Pro, making it ideal for on-the-go sketching. Currently, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for its lowest price ever—just $90—making it a fantastic tool for those looking to explore their creative side.

With its enhanced hardware, the iPad Mini is capable of running your favorite games and intensive creative apps like Procreate and LumaFusion. It also supports Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming AI system, and features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, perfect for immersive Netflix binges and gaming sessions.

In anticipation of the new iPad Mini's launch next week, Amazon has reduced the price of the 2021 model to $380. While this older model offers only 64GB of storage, it originally launched at $500. It's commendable that Apple has doubled the storage and significantly boosted performance in the 2024 model while keeping the entry-level price at $500.

If you prefer a more standard-sized tablet, deals are available on the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models released earlier this year. The iPad Pro, designed to last for years, features Apple's top technology, including a high-resolution display and the powerful M4 chip, capable of running AAA games like Assassin's Creed Mirage. You can save $100 on the 13-inch model with 512GB of storage, while the 11-inch version with 1TB of storage is down to $1,484 (originally $1,599).

For those seeking a balanced option, the new M2 iPad Air tablets offer both power and portability. Amazon is offering a few of these models with M2 chips at a slight discount, featuring a sharp display, smooth user experience, and impressive performance in a sleek design.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a tablet primarily for relaxation, older iPad models are more than capable. One standout deal is the 9th Gen iPad for $224, a considerable discount from its usual $329 price tag.