I think what people fail to consider is that when the first iPad was launched technology was far different, even though it was only a few years ago. The new size may be nicer, but it may not have been possible to create a smaller sized tablet and have it work back then.
I’ll probably get an iPad mini, but I still love my first gen iPad.
Apple Bloggers Love The iPad Mini So Much They’re Calling It ‘The Real iPad’ – Business Insider.