Apple's refreshed iPad mini arrives in Australia on November 6, 2026, starting at AUD$1,099 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. It gains an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip shared with the foldable iPhone Duo, and IP67 water and dust resistance in a 5.4mm chassis. Reviewers note the lack of ProMotion, so the panel remains at 60Hz. The 256GB iPad mini paired with a 256GB iPhone 18 Pro costs AUD$3,398, which is AUD$101 less than the AUD$3,499 iPhone Duo. The reviewer's verdict is that the iPad mini is a strong buy for commuters and creatives.
A buying guide recommends the 2024 Surface Laptop 7th Edition as the best Microsoft Surface device for most people. The laptop is priced at $1,500 but has often been discounted. The reviewer says the new 2026 Surface Laptop 8th Edition, which uses Snapdragon X2 chips, is too expensive for the upgrades it offers. The guide also recommends the 2024 Surface Pro 13 as the best Windows 2-in-1 tablet. Microsoft is not sending review units of the new 2026 models to media.
Amazon has launched a new range of Alexa Tablets, replacing its Fire branding. The devices are now Google-certified Android tablets, a shift from the company's previous Fire OS. The lineup includes three models, with the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro featuring a 120Hz display and a more powerful processor. Prices start at $230 for the base model and go up to $500 for the Pro version, with optional accessories available.
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Amazon has rebranded its tablet line, replacing the Fire Tablets with premium Alexa Tablets running Android and featuring the Alexa+ AI assistant. The new tablets include On-Screen Intelligence, allowing Alexa to read and interact with content on the screen. Amazon's vice president of devices, Kevin Keith, hinted at the possibility of an Amazon phone, though the company has no official announcements. The Alexa Tablets are part of Amazon's push towards more premium hardware, following the appointment of Panos Panay as head of Devices & Services.
Amazon has replaced its Fire tablets with the new Alexa Tablet series, featuring three models: the 12 Pro, 11, and 8. The tablets run official Android, access the Google Play Store, and offer full app support. Prices range from $230 to $500, with kids' editions available. Preorders are open, and shipping begins on October 14. Amazon will support the Fire tablets for four years after their last shipment.
