Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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'iPad Mini' Rumors Revived with Claims of 7.85-Inch Screen
Taiwan's United Daily News reports [Google translation] that Apple has received samples of 7.85-inch screens carrying the same 1024x768 resolution of the current iPad. The report (via Unwired View) claims that AU Optronics and LG Display have sent samples of the display to Apple, which is reportedly targeting a launch for the "iPad mini" early next year.
Previous mockup of a 7-inch "iPad mini"
It is unclear how Apple and its developers would handle a considerably smaller screen for this iPad mini at the same resolution as the current iPad. While maintaining the current resolution would mean that iPad apps would display natively on the iPad mini, the interface elements would be somewhat smaller than on the iPad, a reduction that could introduce usability issues in some cases.
Steve Jobs had also famously panned 7-inch tablets from competitors, claiming that roughly 10 inches was the minimum screen size needed for a useful tablet.
Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet, which is launching next month at a $199 price point. Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White had noted just last week that his research among Asian suppliers is indeed pointing toward Apple releasing an "iPad mini" early next year to take on the Kindle Fire. White cautioned, however, that the "mini" moniker was in reference to the device's price rather than necessarily meaning a smaller device.
Previous mockup of a 7-inch "iPad mini"
It is unclear how Apple and its developers would handle a considerably smaller screen for this iPad mini at the same resolution as the current iPad. While maintaining the current resolution would mean that iPad apps would display natively on the iPad mini, the interface elements would be somewhat smaller than on the iPad, a reduction that could introduce usability issues in some cases.
Steve Jobs had also famously panned 7-inch tablets from competitors, claiming that roughly 10 inches was the minimum screen size needed for a useful tablet.
Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet, which is launching next month at a $199 price point. Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White had noted just last week that his research among Asian suppliers is indeed pointing toward Apple releasing an "iPad mini" early next year to take on the Kindle Fire. White cautioned, however, that the "mini" moniker was in reference to the device's price rather than necessarily meaning a smaller device.
Regarding Apple, our research is pointing to the unveiling of a lower priced iPad in the first few months of 2012 that is aimed at expanding the company’s market potential by tapping into a more price sensitive consumer segment. Essentially, this “iPad mini” will also fend off the recently announced Amazon Kindle Fire that addresses the low-end tablet market with a $199 price tag but could lead to bigger tablet ambitions from the online retailer in the future. The "mini" refers to a reduced price point of this iPad and not necessarily the size of the device. We believe this lower priced iPad could be priced in the mid-to-high-$200 range.Apple is widely rumored to be preparing to introduce the iPad 3 early next year, a device which is said to carry a Retina display with 2048x1536 resolution. A smaller iPad at the lower resolution of the current iPad could enable Apple to lower entry-level price points for its tablet products if it does indeed view Amazon as a significant threat.
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Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)
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103 months ago
This. Will. Not. Happen.
There's not even any evidence here except some analyst talking out of his butt.
There's not even any evidence here except some analyst talking out of his butt.
103 months ago
I know english isn't my native language, but...
"Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet".
Shouldn't that be "Apple has been said to be interested in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet"?
"Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet".
Shouldn't that be "Apple has been said to be interested in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet"?
103 months ago
This will be announced at the same Apple Event where they announce the iPhone Mini and the Apple television.
Right before they announce the Apple Flying Pig.
Right before they announce the Apple Flying Pig.
103 months ago
This is obviously a photoshopped image. It's an image of 1 iPad, with a scaled, duplicate image laid over the original. Notice that the border and home button are scaled to about 70%, which suggest that it's fake. What PROVES that it's fake is the reflection in the top corner. That is also scaled to about 70%. The reflection would not be smaller, just because the screen is smaller. It would be the SAME SIZE as on the larger iPAD. This is as FAKE as it gets.
It says it's a 'previous mockup'. Does nobody actually read any more?
103 months ago
Not if it costs $500.
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They could give them away. They are raking in far more on their App Store 30%.
I don't think that's the case. Apple has generally seen most of its profits come from hardware, not software or content.
103 months ago
To fight Kindle Fire: iPad 3 starts at $499. iPad 2 low-end model drops to $349.
103 months ago
They could give them away. They are raking in far more on their App Store 30%.
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