Report: Smaller iPad ‘mini’ is a textbook business strategy
Apple will create a smaller iPad in order not to lose ground on its competitors at Microsoft, Amazon and Google.
The New York Times continued adding fuel to the rumor fire about a smaller iPad, possibly being called the iPad Mini, in a feature Sunday evening.
“The company is developing a new tablet with a 7.85-inch screen that is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad, with its 9.7 inch display, according to several people with knowledge of the project who declined to be named discussing confidential plans,” the Times writes. “The product is expected to be announced this year.”
It has been heavily reported that Apple is releasing a smaller iPad to compete head-on with the likes of the newly announced Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus 7 and Amazon’s next-generation Kindle tablet. Apple’s spokeswoman didn’t deny the reports to the Times, but rather declined comment.
Analysts say a smaller iPad would completely solidify Apple’s presence in the tablet market.
Believe it or not, people do complain that the iPad is too big and heavy. A smaller version could fit into a woman’s purse quite nicely, Leslie Grandy, a former Apple manager turned consultant, told the Times. “I really do feel like this is the sweet spot for them,” she added.
Smaller version of products have worked in the past for Apple. The computer company shrunk it’s original iPod into an iPod Nano and made it even smaller with its iPod Shuffle. Consumers quickly found great uses for all three products. The Shuffle made for the perfect workout, while the Nano was constantly found on-the-go. The Classic iPod makes for the perfect music device in the living room, giving you full access to your music library.
Of course, iCloud, the iPhone and iPad have changed all of that since then, but you get the point.
A smaller iPad is on the way. It should be priced around $199-$249, depending on storage size and it’s going to blow the Kindle, Nexus 7 and Surface out of the water. Any objections?
July 17th, 2012
I agree that a smaller iPad would be a smart move. I know a few people who would choose a smaller iPad over the larger one, especially if it was able to fit in their purse.