iPad Mini Becoming a Reality as Suppliers Ramp Up Production
The rumored iPad Mini that many have questioned is quickly becoming a reality as reports of suppliers being certified to supply Apple with LCD panels for the new device.
LG and AU Optonics are the two suppliers certified to supply the panels for the iPad Mini and both are currently preparing to ship those panels for production during the second half of 2012, the Taiwan-based Liberty Times reports. 9to5 Mac carried the aggregated story today.
Apple is rumored to be directly competing against Amazon and its Kindle Fire, which has done relatively well in the tablet market. Even though late Apple CEO Steve Jobs shunned tablets smaller than his prized iPad’s 10-inch screen, Apple could probably do some serious damage offering a smaller tablet.
Many rumors said the iPad Mini won’t have a Retina Display in an effort to cut costs and even sell it at an unbelievable $199 to $250 price point.
What would it be called? The iPad Mini? iPad Nano? The “Newer” (and smaller) iPad?
A smaller iPad would certainly be more comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. Women could even throw it in their purses, but will the iPad Mini take away from the current iPad market? Could Apple outcompete itself? It wouldn’t be the first time — but that’s not a bad thing.
How many people do you see walking around with an iPod Classic these days? Hardly any, because the iPhone (and even iPod Touch) outcompeted the iPod. Consumers will either hop on board with a smaller iPad and current users will eventually want a smaller model too and ditch their 10-inch screen for a 7.85-inch screen.
While you can never trust them, DigiTimes published reports that Apple would release the new device in October. I’ve also read it could release in December or “sometime this summer.”
Would you go smaller? Or is your iPad the perfect size? Let me know below.
