Okay, so you won't be able to rush out today and get the new iPad mini (or its larger 4th generation sibiling) because pre-orders start at the end of the week. You will have time to reconsider and even think about whether Microsoft's Surface which launches at the same time is a better option. Leave it to Apple to try to take the final bit of wind out of Microsoft.

In the US at least, you might consider the refurbished 16 GB Wi-Fi 3rd Gen iPad (weren't these marketed a few months ago as the "New iPad?") for just $50 more than the iPad mini's Wi-Fi launch price. It seems like a good option unless you are really looking formore portability (or a Windows machine).

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad