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iPad Mini: 7.8-in. Apple BYOD-Fodder Rumors Run Riot

NetApp

So here comes the Apple iPad Mini, say persistent rumors. Will this be the 7-inch Bring-Your-Own-Device tablet to beat?

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is said to be readying a shrunken version of the iPad 2, with Chinese companies leaking images of the thing, or at least very convincing mockups.

On the one hand, all this competition for low-priced, high-value devices has to be good for users, right?

On The Other Hand, perhaps Apple can be accused of aping other 7-in fare, such as the Galaxy Nexus 7 or—ironically—Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2.

source: taobao.com

A curious Marco Arment: prognosticates:

I saw two curious [log] entries...today: one iPad2,5 and one iPad2,6. ... [I think] iPad2,5 and iPad2,6 are the new “iPad Mini” in Wi-Fi and GSM...[which] suggests that the iPad Mini is, effectively, a [smaller] iPad 2.
...
It’s a textbook Tim Cook supply-chain move: selling the last generation’s hardware at a lower price point. ... I bet they could sell that for $249, and that would be a steal. The iPad 2 is still great...and in some ways, it’s actually better than the iPad 3. ... It’s thinner, lighter, cooler-running, faster at some graphics operations...much faster to recharge. And...has a noticeably longer battery life.

Forbes' Karsten Strauss thinks it's a win-win:

Now that we are receiving reports that the iPad Mini is in production...what will we find inside it and how will it do? ... [It's been] suggested that the [Google Nexus 7] has replaced the Amazon [Kindle Fire] as the 7-inch tablet to have...so iPad Mini will be going head to head with Google in that space. ...this holiday shopping season could make for an exciting showdown.
...
[So] no matter who gets the upper hand in the mini tablet wars...consumers are likely to win.

And Jonny Evans agrees:

News from giant tech show, IFA, in Berlin, Germany...is that Samsung has introduced a bundle of smartphones and tablets. ...consumers will benefit from even more choice within device categories in future.

Speaking of IFA 2012, Ben Miller spots an iPad Mini mockup at a show backwater: [my translation]

Corroborating current rumors, this prototype has a screen size of 7.85 inches and is even thinner than an iPhone 4S. ... [The] machined aluminum design prototype...was probably used for developing iPad mini cases. ... [It's a] surprisingly accurately crafted prototype.
...
Unfortunately, the case manufacturer was very nervous and did not allow video recording.

But Cam Bunton isn't convinced:

The lump of metal contains a lot of what we’ve been hearing about. ... Below the display is the iconic home button, and...the new dock connector flanked by some machined grille holes.
...
I’m not convinced that Apple will release a smaller iPad this year. But, all “evidence” shows that the company is at least working on it.

Regardless, Mark Gurman adds another possible leak to the mix:

...it is sourced from online commerce website Taobao. The [images] show the skinnier side bezels...in addition to a very-thin design, a smaller dock connector...cutouts for a SIM-card slot and an antenna cutout at the top.

Meanwhile, Jon Partridge can't wait:

Rumour has it, the fabled iPad Mini will be making its way to our grubby mitts [in] October...according to Bloomberg [which] cited four different sources.
...
[The iPhone 5] press conference is due September 12th. ... Maybe Apple might pull a “One more thing” trick and reveal this little darling to the world.

More from NetAppVoice:


This is OTOH by Richi Jennings, an independent analyst, writer and editor. You can reach him on Google+ at +richij, on Twitter as @richi on Twitter, on Facebook at Facebook.com/richij or via email: fs@richij.com.  For more information, please see his  full profile and disclosure of industry affiliations.