Even though the New iPad has barely been released in the market, there are already rumours doing the rounds about Apple’s iPad Mini, which would be a miniature version of Apple’s popular iPad. Analysts say that with the release of the iPad Mini, Apple is expected to take its rivals in the budget tablet market head on especially Amazon’s tablet, Amazon Kindle Fire that was released last year and Google’s Nexus 7. Reports comment that iPad mini will be priced to move.
Specifications:
Sources have indicated that the iPad Mini will sport a 7.85 i nch screen, which will have the same razor sharp resolution and retina display as the new iPad. The retina display will be made possible by the IGZO display panel. Apple has been testing devices with screens ranging from as large as 12 inches to as small as 4 inches and has zeroed in on the 7.85 inch format for their new iPad Mini device. Analysts have predicted that the screen resolution of this new device would still remain 1024 x 768p and this is indeed good news for developers.
Developers will not be required to modify their apps for this new device. Other specifications update indicates that the internal storage capacity of the iPad mini would be 8GB just like its rival, Amazon Kindle Fire. The thickness of this device is rumoured to be 7.2mm and it has also been touted that the iPad Mini would have 3G functionality. Rumours also say that the electronics and design manufacturing company, Pegatron and motherboard manufacturer Foxconn are already on board and if rumours are to be believed they are actively involved in the production of this new device.
Cost of New iPad Mini:
According to the Chinese sources, iPad Mini would be cost around $250 to $300. As we all know, Apple products are particularly expensive. Currently the iPad 2 is being sold at $399 and the new iPad is priced at $499, so the real question is would Apple venture to go below the $399? Since Apple is seriously considering fending off rivals such as the Google Nexus, which is currently being sold at $199, Apple would definitely need to rework their pricing and release products with aggressive prices. This will also help the company foray into the price conscious segment. Reports also say that the launch of iPad Mini will help fend off rivals such as Microsoft and Samsung.
Samsung’s Success:
Samsung has already found success with their Samsung Galaxy Note, which is a tablet and mobile phone that has 5.3 inch screen. Just like the Amazon Kindle Fire, the Samsung Galaxy Note is a compact gadget that is feature rich and has become very popular.
Microsoft’s Surface:
Microsoft has also announced its new batch of Windows 8 tablets that are scheduled to hit the markets this year. This is not something anyone in the industry had foreseen. This brand new device would sport a Gorilla Glass 2 10.6 inch display and a USB 3.0 as well as Full HD Clear Type 1920 x 1080p screen.
iPad Mini Release date:
The rumours doing the rounds are that iPad Mini would be rolled out after an extraordinary launch event. There are some sources that indicate that the production of the iPad Mini would start in the 3rd quarter of 2012 however an exact release date is difficult to predict at this point of time. Reports have indicated that the main apple manufactures Pegatron and Foxconn have already received orders for production and they would have at least 6 million units ready to be shipped and sold.
Comparison Chart:
|
Specifications |
New iPad |
iPad Mini |
| Display | 9.7 inchesRetina display2048 x 1536p resolution
|
7.85 inchesRetina display1024 x 768p resolution |
| Size | 9.50 inches height7.31 inches width0.37 inch depth | 0.29 inches |
| Weight | 1.44 pounds | NA |
| Storage | Variants are available with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options | 8GB |
| Chip | Dual core, Apple A5X high performance, low power system with quad core graphics | Samsung Exynos 4 quad core processorOrA5x processor that is available in the previous versions of Apple tablets |
| Camera | 5 megapixel iSight camerra | NA |
| Price | Starting at $499 | $250 to $299 |
Final Verdict:
While the analysts and the markets are abuzz with iPad Mini rumours, many are still not sure if Apple will indeed be focusing on developing such a product. If one were to take Apple’s popular and late boss Steve Jobs stance on mini tablets strongly, then it would indeed be a bold move made by this firm. However keeping in mind the fact that the growth in the budget tablet market has been tremendous and Apple has been losing out on its share of revenues from this market as it currently does not have any products that cater to this growing category of customers. So it would not come as a surprise if Apple decides to come up with this revolutionary new gadget.
