Apple Does Have a 7.85″ iPad in their Labs

[Renzatic]

The question should be: Does an ~8" iPad make sense?

I say: No.

I'd say yes. I know quite a few people (mostly older women, admittedly) who think the iPad is a little too large and heavy. Most of them would prefer the Kindle Fire simply for it's size.

So yeah, it'd make sense to release a slightly smaller iPad. Apple could cover the whole range this way. The smaller iPod for music and chat specifics, the iPhone as a communications/3G device, the 7.8 inch iPad for people wanting a lighter iPad specifically for media consumption, and the current 10 inch iPad for...well...what we all use the iPad for now. They'd cover all the bases, and it wouldn't cut into any of their other demographics.

 

[macmacgoose]

*If* Apple made an iPad Mini with the same specs and features as the regular iPad, I would buy it. I have my laptop with me a lot of the time. I have an iPod Touch which I also use a lot too for different purposes. However, the Touch is too small for reading, browsing or typing a lot. Therefore, I want a small portable device which isn't so large as to be basically like a laptop "mini". Mind you, I just bought an iPad, so have been trying to take the MBP/Touch or MBP/iPad to work. The latter seems sort of dumb and redundant. The iPad is a little annoying to take out to use while commuting and hefty if one has the MBP too. However, it does blow the Touch or smartphone out of the water for typing.

Sooo, as it stands, I think I'll keep the iPad mainly at home and take the MBP/Touch combo out usually, unless I don't take the MBP to work so I still have a quick way of checking emails/browsing. But when my Touch finally dies, I'll be stuck with 2 "big" things as I don't plan to get a Touch again. So, an iPad Mini would be fine and dandy, if the tiny size didn't compromise features (which is what I hate most of the time with "mini" versions of electronics).

 

[MythicFrost]

Mmm, I don't think we'll see this released. It's only 1.85 inches smaller than the existing iPad, what market is there for it? Perhaps Apple will introduce it as a budget $299 model, with a standard display and less powerful specs, but I reckon it'll only really hurt sales of the 9.7 inch iPad.

 

[Renzatic]

Mmm, I don't think we'll see this released. It's only 1.85 inches smaller than the existing iPad, what market is there for it?

The weight, the portability, and most likely, the cheaper price would appeal to a demographic that currently isn't interested in the current iPad for any various number of reasons.

...but I reckon it'll only really hurt sales of the 9.7 inch iPad.

Possibly. Ultimately, all the money is going to Apple though. It won't oversaturate their lineup to the point that they'll have multiple products competing against each other. It won't be like, for instance, Dell, with their lineup of 8-9 current Laptops all vying for your dollar. You'll just have the choice between the little iPad, and the big iPad. Much the same way you have a 13" Air, and a 15" Air.

 

[mirko.meschini]

I think Apple will sell a 7,85" iPad, it will be an "iPad mini" and not a maxi iPod touch, because it will run natively all apps designed for 1024x768 iPad. Resolution will be this and it will replace the iPad 2 at same or lower price. I think there will not be a 4,5"-5" iPhone, but a slightly larger iPhone (3,7"-3,85") with the same resolution of 960x640, that's still retina, run all iPhone apps like they are, and probably they will keep a 3,5" lower-end model (like iPhone 3GS or 4 now) without 4G-LTE, for those who prefer this size and lower price.

 

[iClive]

I think a 17" iPad Pro is much more likely than a 7.85" model. 17" is a much more practical size for prosumers.

No way, that would be mad! If there is ever going to be such thing as an iPad Pro, surely it would be no larger than 12", possibly 13" at a push, otherwise it is no longer a tablet?

 

[Techwriter]

I could be wrong, but I believe it comes down to the two "C"s - Cost and Content.

For Apple to really complete against the Amazon Kindle and Nook Tablet, they must sell the iPad Mini at about $299.

The production costs of making an iPad Mini wouldn't be much cheaper than making a full sized iPad, so how can they do this without breaking even or even losing money? Why would they even "noodle" with the idea? Perhaps this is where Content applies.

If buy a Kindle Fire, you are renting and buying content from Amazon, not Apple. If Amazon releases an 8-10 inch tablet and you already own the Fire, along with all your existing content, are you going to buy a new 8-10 inch tablet from Amazon or an Apple iPad?

The "iPhone on training wheels", the iPod Touch has been a big win for Apple because for $199 or less it introduces teenagers and adults to the Apple experience. While the number of iPod Touches they sell has dwindled, how much do you think it costs Apple to make one - a third of the selling price? The rest is profit, and more importantly, gets you into the Apple ecosystem and the App store. An iPod Touch sale is much more likely to result in a future iPhone, iPad, and Macbook sale.

So if Apple does make an "iPad on training wheels" and call it the iPad Mini, they know they have to compete on cost. And they also know they're going to sell a lot of content.

 

[the8thark]

What exactly is the reason that you feel smaller sized tablets won't work at the current point in time?
I missed the lesson part where it was shown that they couldn't work. Could you piont me to it?

The mid sized tablets do work. Pretty well. It's just in my opinion the current iPad sized is best. You want to know why I feel this right? Ok here's a few reasons why I feel like this:

Less screen resolutions for developers to develop for. I know they can do multiple resolutions for the Mac. But for the iPad I think it's easier if things were neat multiples etc etc. And less of these multiples. It's just not about scaling 2x or 4x or whatever. Because as you know more or less screen real estate means you can do more or less. Better UI etc etc.

Product fragmentation. At the moment there already is 12 iPad (3rd generation) models. And that's before ant iPad 2's if still on sale. Sure 12 is not a lot. But best to keep the number small. So people will understand the model that's best foe them and they can purchase it.
ie. Having 12 more models for a smaller screen size would make 24 iPad models. And that's too many in my opinion.

Cost. I think a smaller iPad would have to cost less then a standard iPad. Sure Apple could afford to do that. But at their current profit margins? I just don't know.

General interest. Are the smaller tablets selling well at the moment? Maybe a little. But nothing compared to the millions the iPad is selling. Why rock the apple cart when you have a winning formula? It would be silly for Apple to do so unless they thought the new formula would be even better. And people are not flocking in droves to all the smaller tablets out there. That has to mean something.

3rd party iPad accessories. Much easier to make one size of case then 2 or more. At the moment since there is one size of iPad they know they just have to work out the most popular types of cases they make for the iPad and make more of those. There's no worrying of do I have to make more of the standard or small size. Cause people will get annoyed if their favourite 3rd party iPad cover is sold out in their iPad size but available in the other sizes.

And there are more but this will do for now. if you want more reasons I'll let you know.

 

[thekeyring]

If they can do this, then they can release a bigger iPhone without the need for Apps to be reconfigured on that, either.

 

[knucklehead]

The mid sized tablets do work. Pretty well. It's just in my opinion the current iPad sized is best. You want to know why I feel this right? Ok here's a few reasons why I feel like this:

Less screen resolutions for developers to develop for. I know they can do multiple resolutions for the Mac. But for the iPad I think it's easier if things were neat multiples etc etc. And less of these multiples. It's just not about scaling 2x or 4x or whatever. Because as you know more or less screen real estate means you can do more or less. Better UI etc etc.

Well, there's nothing wrong with opinions, as long as their being presented as opinion .... and that's my opinion

It certainly seems like you haven't read _any_ of the content of the two recent threads on this subject. If you are interested in the subject, please just go back and read through the threads. You'll find all sorts information on resolution, UI scaling and production costs. You seem to have some mistaken assumptions from just reading the title "7.85 iPad"

 

[the8thark]

It certainly seems like you haven't read _any_ of the content of the two recent threads on this subject. If you are interested in the subject, please just go back and read through the threads. You'll find all sorts information on resolution, UI scaling and production costs. You seem to have some mistaken assumptions from just reading the title "7.85 iPad"

I have read it all. And thus I was able to make the comments I have made. There was no mistakes.

And it's ok if in your opinion you believe I made these mistakes. In my own opinion I believe I did not make the mistakes you say I did. So we agree to disagree on this point.

 

[charlituna]

people always say this. but this is different. I'm sure they tested 5" and 12" inch sizes too in their labs, but they aren't exploring mass producing those sizes (like they are for the 7.85")

arn

no one has proven that they are exploring mass producing this size either. it's all speculation.

----------

I agree but what about the iPod touch? I'm thinking Apple would have to kill it off. Maybe thats why they put zero effort into last years model. A $199 8 gig touch makes no sense.

I'm thinking the same thing. the iPod touch has been reduced to an iPhone that doesn't make calls and it just doesn't sell as much as it used to. If they were to increase it to a 5-7" model they might be able to find a new market for it

 

[iClive]

Product range

The reality is that the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad are essentially all derivatives of the same product. Obviously, the closest cousins are the iPod and iPhone where the main difference is the phone bit and the iPad is a bigger iPod but with 3/4G capability.

Yes, I know that the iPad also has some additional features and better functionality, especially for those apps designed for the iPad, due to its size, but the speculation in this thread is really all about whether Apple are going to release yet another derivative of this product range.

Their decision will depend largely on the estimated demand for such a device and its consequent potential profitability. Other factors, such as whether the introduction of a new model would affect sales of other devices in the range (i.e. would it be seen as an alternative?) would also be taken into account.

I've been toying with the idea of ditching my iPhone for a small basic handset (for calls and texting) along with an iPad which does everything the iPhone does but bigger and better. The introduction of the rumoured iPad mini may just sway my decision, but it better have retina display!

 

[Mr Bigs]

Unfortunately the problem is many people need to think for themselves and not be told what the want and need !!!! I never bought Steve's smaller iPad won't work. I have an iPad,HTC Flyer,iPod Touch and an HTC Rezound and each serves a purpose for me !!!! The iPad is my home and long trip away from home device along with my laptop(Macbook). The Flyer is my portable everyday device and the touch I use mostly for work in my garage. My phone is just that my phone,don't like using it for music or looking at any kind of long movies or shows.

 

[appsforkids]

Hmmm

I think I would get one, well I know I would get one, just not sure about the feel of a smaller display, with retina i'm sure it would be great. This does seem like a logical step as long as the same iPad aspect ratio is maintained so developers don't have to create three versions of their apps.

 

[MythicFrost]

The weight, the portability, and most likely, the cheaper price would appeal to a demographic that currently isn't interested in the current iPad for any various number of reasons.

That's true, but how many are there that will purchase a 7.85 inch iPad but not a 9.7 inch iPad?

Possibly. Ultimately, all the money is going to Apple though. It won't oversaturate their lineup to the point that they'll have multiple products competing against each other. It won't be like, for instance, Dell, with their lineup of 8-9 current Laptops all vying for your dollar. You'll just have the choice between the little iPad, and the big iPad. Much the same way you have a 13" Air, and a 15" Air.

That's true as well, but the real question is will it draw enough new customers? I'm not so sure, but it would make a good $299 slate, if they could hit that price point.

 

[MacinDoc]

I think I would get one, well I know I would get one, just not sure about the feel of a smaller display, with retina i'm sure it would be great. This does seem like a logical step as long as the same iPad aspect ratio is maintained so developers don't have to create three versions of their apps.

If it gets to market, it won't be retina, but will have the same resolution (albeit with increased pixel density) and likely the same internals as the iPad 2. But I think Apple will want to sell it for $349, which will possibly put it at a disadvantage compared to the Kindle and Google's coming pad (its hardware and ecosystem will surpass those of its competitors, but price may be king in this market segment).

 

[Medic278]

I would actually buy a smaller iPad. I really like the size of the kindle, but I much prefer iOS and if apple came out with a smaller iPad I would buy it for sure. I think Apple would be smart to move into this market segment, a lighter smaller but yet capable device really is there yet. The kindle fire is nice but its no iPad I think the 7.8" would be a great addition to the line up, and maybe even offer it at an entry level $299 if possible and put the kindle fire right in its crosshairs.

 

[bvlgari]

why not. but release before please atv

 

[GEOcycle]

I would actually buy a smaller iPad. I really like the size of the kindle, but I much prefer iOS and if apple came out with a smaller iPad I would buy it for sure. I think Apple would be smart to move into this market segment, a lighter smaller but yet capable device really is there yet. The kindle fire is nice but its no iPad I think the 7.8" would be a great addition to the line up, and maybe even offer it at an entry level $299 if possible and put the kindle fire right in its crosshairs.

Agreed. Big size is a plus, but a smaller one would be handy at times. Insta-buy if it was lower price, but that's the same with all Apple products.

 

[confucious]

I think they should do a 3 1/2 " iPad.....