There’s been much speculation as to what the advantages might be with a smaller version of the iPad. As Apple unveiled the iPad Mini today, they made it clear that its purpose is merely to offer a lower price.

At 7.9” it’s not that much smaller than the current iPad. It can run the exact same apps at the same resolution, and even offers a 5MP iSight camera with support for LTE wireless access. Quite proudly, Apple declares that it offers the exact same experience, but with a starting price of $329 CND, they feel they can finally meet the price drop many have been waiting for.

The size difference can best be described as “more comfortable”. Yes you can hold it in one hand, but it’s still big enough that using it with two hands is preferable. This is not the same approach as we’ve seen from other companies who have experimented with “pocket-sized” tablets as possible GPS systems, pocket notebooks, or textbooks. Apple wants people to use both the iPad Mini and iPad in the same way.

The iPad Mini is set to launch in Canada on November 2nd in black or white. Wi-Fi models will start at $329 CND for 16 GB, $429 CND for 32 GB, and $529 GB for 64 GB. Cellular models will start at $629 CND for 16 GB, $729 CND for 32 GB, and $829 CND, for $829.

Apple delivered quite a surprise today by also unveiling a fourth generation iPad. The previous model was released just seven months ago, but already the new model will deliver twice the CPU performance, twice the Wi-Fi performance, up to twice the graphics, and a FaceTime HD camera. Battery life will remain the same, they promise. It will also launch on Nov. 2nd for a starting price of $459 CND for 16 GB.

Another update that might seem quick, Apple has a new MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Earlier this year the company launched a 15” model, now they are ready with a 13” version that packages that retina screen technology with a build that’s one pound lighter and 20% thinner.

It’s battery is rated for 7 hours of “wireless productivity” and goes on sale today starting at $1,699 CND for a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor and 128 GB flash storage.

The most drastic design change today came with a new iMac that is, impressively, just 5mm thin. Apple fans have been waiting a long time for a new desktop from Apple and this one should make them pretty happy. The new display screen promises to reduce reflection by 75%.

For those not looking to replace their monitor, there’s also a new Mac Mini that, along with the iMac, will meet new Energy Star 5.2 Requirements and deliver the unique option of “Fusion Drives” that mix flash and hard drive memory together for storage sizes up to 3TB.

The Mac Mini is available today, starting at $599 while the 21.5” iMac won’t arrive until November with a starting price of $1,799 CND and a 27” iMac is set to arrive in December with prices to be announced at that time.