Can today’s new iPad be a serious selling tool? That’s the question many agents should be asking after today’s announcement of the cheapest iPad to hit the market to date.

As soon as November 2, you can join the iPad family of followers. But, like all technological innovation “can” doesn’t mean should.

Here are a few facts on the newest addition to the iPad line up and tips to help you decide whether an iPad would be a business power tool or just an expensive distraction.

The iPad Mini Rundown

If you’re an Apple fanatic, you were likely perched in front of some streaming computer screen and have heard all about the new iPad.  If not, the headline is Apple’s top brass put the tech speculation to rest with the introduction of the iPad Mini. Here are 4 fast facts that make the mini one of the most competitive tablets on the market:

1)   Weight – The mini is .68 pounds or about as heavy as a pad of paper (no pun intended, I’m sure)

2)   Thin-ness – Today’s released mini is as thin as a number two pencil

3)   More Web Surfing Real Estate – Apple ‘s Senior VP of Marketing, Phillip Schiller, was sure to point out that the mini gives users 50 – 67% more visual real estate than its competition when searching the web.

4)   Price – While not as cheap as some of the most popular Droids (the latest Google Nexus goes for $199), you can join the Apple tablet family for the lowest price ever at $329.

Along with these, there are a ton of super-techy facts on the iPad that will wow you if you can understand them. For the full skinny, check out Mashable’s iPad feed on today’s apple event.

Before you jump online to pre-order the thinner, cheaper, newer apple idol, here are a few questions you should consider:

Am I ready for the early adopter risks?

While new gadgets can be exciting, remember to look before you leap.

Taking in a few good reviews and waiting even a few weeks can help ensure you make good technology decisions. That, of course, means you won’t get the new iPad first. But, waiting a few weeks can save you time and frustration by avoiding the (sometimes buggy) first edition of a device.

Will it plug into your process?

The best business tools do one of two things: One, make something you’re already doing better or easier. Or two, help you accomplish a business goal you’ve been dreaming about.

Before you purchase the iPad, or anything else, take some time to figure out how it fits into your day-to-day business and how it helps you meet big business goals.

For example: If you’ve been looking for a flashy way to impress seller-prospects, a listing presentation from a tablet could be a great way to accomplish your goal.

There are plenty of ways you could use a new iPad, but before you purchase it make sure its uses make sense for your business.

What are the real costs?

Very few technology upgrades leave your wallet alone at the point of purchase. When it comes to tablets, there are data plans, protection plans, cases, and a variety of other add-ons that can add up.

Before you make a purchase, check out our list of tablet add-ons you should factor into your tablet bottom line.

With all that said, are you out or in? Comment below and let us know if you plan to purchase Apple’s latest release and why or why not.