The current Mini uses the A5 processor, but the A6 probably wouldn't create a power drain problem anyway. That's the great thing about the A6 - it's not only very fast, it's also very efficient compared with what else is out there. That's one of the reasons they were able to keep a small battery in the iPhone 5 and still deliver good battery life. Apple outdid itself with that silicon.
The Mini is also the lower resolution (i.e. the same as the original and 2nd generation iPads). So even though its battery is something like 40% of the size of the one in the big iPad, the battery life is pretty good. It shouldn't run down 15% in 45 minutes under normal circumstances / usage. Mine doesn't.
Tigerlily - Are you having better luck with battery life with the replacement Mini?
Yes, I sure am. I was able to exchange it and got a black one which is what I really wanted. A bit surprised the back in not aluminum like my Ipad 1 though. The replacement works just fine and takes about two days for me to go through the battery and that is with pretty heavy use around 4-5 hours per day. I disable most of the aps like Netflix, ABC player, Photobucket, Location services & the Bluetooth when I am not using them. I have found that this greatly cuts the battery usage as my Ipad is not searching and updating during the day. At this point as with my Ipad I primarily use it for internet surfing and maybe an occasional YouTube video.
I receive the Zagg keyboard case and was able to find an adapter for a regular usb to a mini. This was one thought I had for a mouse. I have also looked at Bluetooth Mouse as well. In my research though I have found that you cannot have two Bluetooth devices running at the same time. Also the Ipad and Mini do not have a pointer function that allows mouse use unless you jailbreak your ipad and then you can download a mouse program. I looked at this for a while but I don't want to jailbreak my Ipad as my luck I would end up bricking it. Also I am not very technical so it is definitely not something I would attempt myself.
Overall I like the keyboard and think it will be usefull to take notes with when my classes start. The only thing I am not quite fond of is that you have to use the kickstand to have it operate like a mini netbook. I was kind of hoping that it would stay upright just by opening it. I guess I can live with this though. I am most interested in a Clamshell keyboard case for the mini but they are still in production and won't be on the market for a month or two. I will probably get one of those and if I like it better than the Zagg I will put the Zagg on Ebay. I paid half price for mine so I am confident I could make my money back on it.