While some tech pundits might have written off the idea of an iPad Mini, the rumors going round suggest Apple is not joking; there will be an iPad Mini that fits right into the hidden master plan of Apple after the release of the second-generation iPad. The mini iPad could be released by the end of 2011.
According to dozen sources on the rumors, the apple tablet could be 5 or 7-inches. The consistence of the rumors shows that the iPad company has been designing the mini tablet with alternate sizes. Obviously, in the height of product development and cycle of rumors is that such chatter is normally a pre-cursor to the launch of a product.
Does an iPad Mini make sense to not only Apple but also consumers?
Does the mini tablet conform to the grand plan by Apple? The trend in the last few years and months depict that such a grand plan does make sense. Size matters in such products. For example, Kindle added to their collection a larger reader of about 9.7 inches (the Kindle DX) and Apple are deemed to introduce to their iconic iPad brand a smaller version. The current 10-inch Apple tablet is not one you could pull out when on the move, perhaps on a crowded passenger bus while obviously being heavy for those who have tried to hold it up to read in bed. This is the reason a more compact and lighter 5 or 7-inch mini iPad could address such issues.
The iPod is the best pointer to why Apple could be releasing the iPad mini in the shortest time possible after the second-generation iPad has gone on sale. After introducing the iPod, there were various concerns on having a device with moving parts. After a couple of years, the release of iPod mini and the well received iPod nano followed. Doesn’t an iPad mini fit in the grand scheme of Apple to release a product that keeps at a higher level the interests of consumers?
The price is another pointer to an iPad mini. Since such a product will surely have a small price, Apple could reach a lot of consumers, selling more mini tablets to the huge fan base who will definitely find a reason to own a tablet that meets their comfort needs at home or on the move. A good number of pundits have put the price of such a device at about $200, and with the trendsetting glory that the iPad has set for itself, following the device with small size is certainly a rumor anyone would not just dismiss.
The denial by Steve Jobs on the whole idea of an iPad mini is also another reason you could be purchasing such a tablet soon. Apple has been in the business of denying the devices that they have come to produce, such as Mac Net-books, video playing iPods and much more. Apple has moved to a screen with a high resolution with iPad 2 and highly possible the rumored 7-inch iPad could be of a similar display but in a smaller form.
If you have any questions or would like to get a discussion going, leave a comment below.
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July 24th, 2011 at 5:55 am
If this is true i think it would be very popular. I would even go as far as saying existing ipad users would most likely buy one. one for at home and a mini one for on the go. Blackberry was very close to the perfect size with their Playbook but it was still a little big. I feel like a 5-6 inch tablet would be perfect for the everyday consumer to just stick in their pocket and take with them on the go. Feel free to email me if you wish to talk more about my insight on a new ipad and other future product ideas.