Apple has already asserted its dominance over the worldwide tablet market, where, according to analyst firm IHS iSuppli, its iPad currently accounts for a whopping 70 percent of all sales.

But, the Cupertino giant vowed Tuesday that it's not taking its foot off the gas, this time targeting the up- and-coming 7-inch tablet market with its new iPad mini.

Taking direct aim Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon's 7-inch Kindle Fire HD, the iPad mini will become globally available on Nov. 2. Here are five things you need to know before waiting in the wings.