iPad Mini is coming, says New York Times

iPad Mini is coming, says New York Times:
The Nexus 7 launch and various iPad Mini rumors means it’s hard not to wonder if Apple is poised to enter the small tablet market, and now a new report from The New York Times indicates that may be the case. The publication corroborates an earlier report by The Wall Street Journal, saying that Cupertino is indeed working on a 7.85-inch iPad that will sell for “significantly less” than the current $499 iPad. The New York Times goes on to say that a smaller iPad would allow Apple to cater to consumers demands for different screen sizes.

Comparisons are drawn between Apple’s various iPods, with analysts saying that a smaller device would be a “sweet spot”, allowing for better portability. It would also be a response to tablets such as the Nexus 7, which offer good specs and comparable features for a much lower price. The New York Times does note that Steve Jobs famously dismissed the idea of a smaller tablet, although he was known to have sudden changes in opinion.
Current rumors suggest that the iPad Mini would feature a 7.85-inch screen. The design is said to take cues from the current iPod Touch, and the device will feature WiFi and LTE connectivity like the current iPad. It’s not clear what resolution the screen will have, however, with some reports suggesting a Retina display while others indicate the tablet may stick with 1024×768. The iPad Mini is expected to debut before the end of the year, and is said to cost around $299.

Story Timeline

• Apple orders 7.85" iPad Mini test displays tip suppliers
• 7.85-inch iPad mini on Apple testbench tips insider
• Apple testing Nexus Tablet competitor in iPad mini
• iPad mini in Q3 for $249-300 claim sources
• iPad Mini orders received in China
• iPad mini rumors reignite over Nexus 7
• iPad mini to take on Nexus 7 at $100 premium this fall claim sources
• iPad Mini claimed by Bloomberg
• iPad mini mass-production in September insist insiders
• Does an iPad Mini add up, Retina style?
• iPad Mini still missing the killer context
• iPad Mini at $199 set to decimate pricing ecosystem
• iPad Mini to borrow iPod touch style tip prototype insiders
• iPad Mini and iPhone 5 pre-production models appear in China

iPad Mini is coming, says New York Times is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
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