Fans of Apple's tablet lineup have probably heard the news about the company's Oct. 16 event in which it is slated to announce the newest lineup for its flagship models, the iPad Air and iPad Mini. Announcement of the release dates for the newest devices benefits users who are thinking about buying an iPad Air or Mini in the normal or retina versions.

With the ease of access to the Internet that exists in the present, a lot of people have switched from carrying around laptops to using tablets instead. Compared to laptops, which weigh quite a bit, tablets are lightweight yet allow you to do a lot of work and play games conveniently since they still pack in adequate specifications. Some of the best tablets are part of the Apple line, specifically the iPad Air and iPad Mini.

According to Apple, the iPad Air is one of the thinnest and lightest tablets in the market, and it packs a lot of power despite its sleekness. It comes with an A7 chip, which gives users bang for their buck in terms of processing power. Users can also enjoy advanced wireless options and newer apps that work very well with the standard iOS 7.

With its aluminum unibody design, it is a very solid and sturdy tablet. But what makes it truly stand out is the retina display. Apple has also reduced the device's width. The 64-bit tablet is faster and more powerful. The iPad Air also comes with a M7 coprocessor that allows your apps to work better. Prices range from $499 to $929, depending on whether you get 16GB or 128GB on Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi plus cellular.

The iPad Mini is for those who wish to carry something slightly smaller. Packing in a lot of power in the same fashion as all Apple products, the 7.9-inch tablet comes with a retina display that makes all images come alive. The new iPad Mini comes with an A7 chip as well. This 64-bit tablet includes the M7 motion coprocessor, which makes it perfect for both work and leisure. It also has a 1.2 MP camera for clearer pictures and starts at $399 for the 16 GB unit.