Ok just read the mini tech specs, and I have to paraphrase Tony Stark from the first Iron Man: "Need it, want it." :-)

Until now I haven't wanted to complicate life by adding having to deal with iOS devices to my other stew of Windows, Android, e-ink, etc. But the hardware in that mini, the A12 chip, the retina screen, the light weight (10.5 oz for wifi), and best of all, the 8" form factor which is perfect for me...it's too good to pass up. The only thing that could better this IMHO is if Samsung were to come out with a Galaxy Tab S4 8", but I suspect they won't at this point, it seems they've abandoned the high res small tablet segment. But maybe they will in response to the mini; will wait another month or two to see if they respond. If not, I'll be a mini owner.

But man oh man, it's a big leap in price from the 64 to the 256GB version. $549 for 256. And no SD card. Ouch.