I'll buy one when they drop the price down to a level that us average folk can afford.

I've just gotten too used to a smaller tablet.  I can't go back to the bigger size.  I don't know if the lighter frame would help.  It's more about size the weight for me.  

Glad to hear you're liking it though.

Life doesn't get any better than this.  Apple products are not for "average folk".

I'm curious what you mean by this?

Edit:  Nevermind.  I'm dumb.  I just reread Kona's comment.

Sure, Apple products are for average folks who are willing to max out their credit cards for image and style.   

Don't forget the less functionality.  It's expensive to  get less functionality then you're average cheaper, high end Android tablet. 

I ordered one from Apple's site yesterday. I don't know if it'll be my primary tablet instead of my Surface Pro but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it. I've grown used to my WP8 phone and Surface so using an Apple product again may cause a shock to my system.

Mine arrives in 3 days.  I'm still using my first gen iPad so I'm ready.

I really like the form factor of the iPad Mini, but I'd like to give the new ones a try and see how they are.

The iPad Minis start at $299.  I'm not really sure what you are expecting.  

Obviously you don't know what's it's like to be poor. $299 represents one average paycheck around here. Wrap you mind around that.

kona..........sometimes it's hard to gauge what you in particular may or may not find a reasonable expense since sometimes your posts imply certain technology is too rich for you (smatphones etc.) and then at other times you appear to be in possession (and have access to several ) of that same type of technology being discussed (again smartphones).

On topic:

Personally, I'm waiting for the Nokia W8 tablet!   My devices of Apple persuasion have been largely relegated to being PVR/DVR's and not much more. 

I enjoy my android tablet. That said, I am purchasing an iPad 4 from Wiz's mom for a good price. Her husband bought it, hardly used it, then passed away.

I look forward to getting it, I'm making payments.

I used to have an iPhone, I assume the iPad will be similar, only bigger. And not a phone, of course.

I do not expect it to replace my android.

The smartphones we have now were free with a 2 year contract. Does that clear that up? Thought so.

I have nothing against Apple and I like the humorous one liners folks are so fond of, some of them are downright hilarious. The only thing I don't like is the expense. A friend of mine bought an Apple laptop, payed 2500.00 USD for it. I thought that a bit much as I can build me a high end desktop for that kind of money or put it down on an Alienware gaming machine. Also Apple is so proprietary whereas with PC's you can almost mix and match. 

On a side note, not to go off OP: Poor is relative. Its all about perspective.

"Not for average folk"

He means "cost conscious", "who like the freedom to modify their software and devices" and "who prefer to extend the life of their investment through incremental hardware and software updates rather than throw an old device away in short time and be forced to buy a new one".

Something like that I think.