Do YOU think Apple should release a 7.85" iPad Mini? POLL

[itsLouieV]

a smaller iPad would be pretty great... it may sound stupid but i would get one to use as a head unit in my car, 9.7" looks ridiculously large, the smaller one would be better.

the one thing that has got me scratching my head is wondering why apple still hasn't revolutionized car radios.... lol

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

There are really only two sizes:
1) fits-in-my-pocket-and-works-one-handed
2) doesn't

The iPod Touch and iPhone fit in my pocket. They're small enough that I can hold them with one hand and work them pretty fully with my thumb (albeit more slowly than with two hands and/or fingers).

The iPad doesn't. A smaller iPad that still doesn't fit in my pocket is no more portable than my existing iPad. A smaller iPad that is still too large to operate one-handed is no more convenient than my current iPad.

I used to think the EXACT same thing when people started talking about iPad minis over a year ago. Like when that 7" Samsung tablet came out. I saw no added benefit of mobility if it didn't fit in my pocket, but you lose some functionality with the smaller screen. I recognized the benefit for a small group of people, but didn't think it was a good idea overall.

I've changed my mind since then. What has happened in that time? I've owned an iPad for nearly a year. Honestly sometimes I find myself wishing my iPad was smaller and lighter. And I have used it 98% of the time in my home. I am sure people that bring their iPad with them everywhere would appreciate a smaller form. From examining the 7.85" I think it would actually be a pretty good size. In my OP I listed some of the places that would benefit from a smaller iPad. Also the smaller iPad would fit in most purses, something Im sure women would appreciate. Honestly the more I think about it the more I like the smaller size.

I like the current form factor
Making different sized iPads will make it less unique, less iconic and more confusing for accessory manufacturers. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid.

Yeah, what is apple thinking making Macs with 11", 13", 15", 17", 21.5", and 27"?! Also macs come in 5 completely different form factors!! Don't even get me started on the number of configurations they can all come in!

9.7" is just the beginning, not the end all.

I thought there should be a smaller version of the iPad... Until I saw it in real life. The iPad is small as it is. If anything there should be a larger iPad, IMO

Wait... U saw a smaller iPad in real life??!! Watch out the Apple Gestapo is after u!!

 

[miamialley]

Your poll doesn't allow for people like me, who wouldn't want a different size iPad, but have no issue with Apple releasing one of different display sizes. I think the 9.7" is perfect.

 

[Stetrain]

Yeah, what is apple thinking making Macs with 11", 13", 15", 17", 21.5", and 27"?!

Last time I checked Mac developers don't have to make different versions of their apps for each of those screen sizes and resolutions. That's a major difference between OSX and iOS.

 

[Macman45]

Voted yes. I think it would be a great entry level device and Apple could drop the 16GB from the main range.

 

[Ladybug]

Yes Please!

I voted yes obviously. I'd love to have an iPad Mini.

 

[Abazigal]

I think the issue is, what exactly does Apple or the consumer have to lose from an additional tablet choice?

The only thing I can think of is if development of the ipad-mini takes away time and resources from further improving features for the ipad3 or something along that line.

 

[TheSuperSteve]

iPad mini? Isn't that the iPod touch?

I've never used a 7" tablet such as the Kindle Fire so I'll admit I don't know how they're like so I won't judge. But I will say that I'm perfectly happy with the size of my iPad. So I wouldn't care either way.

 

[urkel]

I've changed my mind since then. What has happened in that time? I've owned an iPad for nearly a year. Honestly sometimes I find myself wishing my iPad was smaller and lighter. And I have used it 98% of the time in my home. I am sure people that bring their iPad with them everywhere would appreciate a smaller form. From examining the 7.85" I think it would actually be a pretty good size. In my OP I listed some of the places that would benefit from a smaller iPad. Also the smaller iPad would fit in most purses, something Im sure women would appreciate. Honestly the more I think about it the more I like the smaller size.

Tablets are such a new product category that it's shocking how some people can be so adamant that 9.7" should be the one and ONLY size available. Just a few years ago then 15" was the most desirable laptop size, 50" was a huge TV and a 3" phone screen was too big for everyday use. But here we are in 2012 and the most popular sizes are 13" notebooks, 55" HDTV's and 4" screens.

Does that mean that all other sizes should be eliminated or does it only prove that both technology and consumer needs are constantly changing and evolving. 9.7" iPad screens are a good start but it's crazy to think this is also the ending size for the future of tablet computing.

 

[poloponies]

I think the issue is, what exactly does Apple or the consumer have to lose from an additional tablet choice?

The only thing I can think of is if development of the ipad-mini takes away time and resources from further improving features for the ipad3 or something along that line.

It's not a matter of time and resources, it's a matter of sales and profit. There's only $100 between the high-end iPod Touch and low-end iPad, requiring customers to choose one over the other. An in-between tablet size would have to be priced at no more than $399 but materials/manufacturing costs wouldn't be $100 less than the iPad so it would pull sales from both without increasing profitability.

 

[Marli]

I just wish they would spend time on the crippled crapware called iOS..

 

[jojoba]

Your poll doesn't allow for people like me, who wouldn't want a different size iPad, but have no issue with Apple releasing one of different display sizes. I think the 9.7" is perfect.

This.

Personally, I need the current screen size for what I want the iPad to do for me, and it fits me perfectly. I also don't find the size an issue in terms of portability, as it fits fine in the bag I always carry with me anyway. But I have no issues with other sizes.

 

[BJMRamage]

There are really only two sizes:
1) fits-in-my-pocket-and-works-one-handed
2) doesn't

Funny thing is people want a larger phone and a smaller iPad.
I guess in the future we will have much larger pockets!

I too am in this belief. Yes, I have read through this and see the other side's point but still think the phone is great on the go. and the iPad is great at home but I've easily used it on the go too, and a slightly smaller version wouldn't make the iPad any more portable, only do i try shoving it in a pocket, or side of my pants....whereas the iPad "regular" is simply like a notepad to hold.

but to each their own. reminds me of the new Kindle Commercial where the woman is so happy to have 3 kindles she needs to find room to carry rather than a Single iPad.

 

[motoleo]

If you need an iPad mini, then you imply that the current iPad must be too big and therefore you don't need it.

Think about how cheap it would look- Apple would never go there.

 

[The Loafer]

Yes, but not with a lesser configuration, same hardware but a bit smaller and hopefully $100 less than standard price, because of smaller screen and natural development savings considering we are entering year 3 of the ipad.

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If you need an iPad mini, then you imply that the current iPad must be too big and therefore you don't need it.

Think about how cheap it would look- Apple would never go there.

I would say it implies the ipad mini targets those who believe the current ipad is too big... for them. What you describe is 100% true, if Apple were to REPLACE the current ipad size with the mini. That's not going to happen.

What you suggest is like saying Apple shouldn't have put out a 11" MBA since selling it means the 13" is obviously too big for the market. I don't think so.

 

[nepalisherpa]

I would love a smaller iPad. ~8.0" would be perfect. To each their own, I guess!

 

[citivolus]

I think the only thing that would make a smaller ipad more successful would be if they made it about two-thirds lighter, which would obviously seriously compromise on battery life, which in turn would limit its success...therefore I don't think it's going to happen. What about Apple's mantra of "focus on only a few products and make them really, really well"?

 

[aimeeinohio]

There are really only two sizes:
1) fits-in-my-pocket-and-works-one-handed
2) doesn't

The iPod Touch and iPhone fit in my pocket. They're small enough that I can hold them with one hand and work them pretty fully with my thumb (albeit more slowly than with two hands and/or fingers).

The iPad doesn't. A smaller iPad that still doesn't fit in my pocket is no more portable than my existing iPad. A smaller iPad that is still too large to operate one-handed is no more convenient than my current iPad.

My thoughts exactly

I do carry my iPad in my purse, and I don't carry a huge purse. While on the one hand the smaller size is inviting (hubby has a smaller Acer tablet), it really isn't any more convenient- and still would take up purse space.

 

[Phil A.]

Personally, I don't care if they do or don't because I won't be buying one: I don't see the need for a device between the iPad and iPhone size-wise.
I've got my iPhone for complete carry-always portability and my iPad for when I need a bigger screen. A smaller screened iPad isn't going to be significantly more portable than my current iPad and will be a worse experience for media playback, web browsing, etc (which is what my iPad is used most for)

Having said all that, it would be good if Apple started introducing more choice rather than a one size fits all approach and I'm sure some people would prefer a smaller device, so on that basis they should introduce one

 

[Bearxor]

Last time I checked Mac developers don't have to make different versions of their apps for each of those screen sizes and resolutions. That's a major difference between OSX and iOS.

I don't believe developers will need to make different versions for a 7.8" screen.

 

[mwulf67]

Last time I checked Mac developers don't have to make different versions of their apps for each of those screen sizes and resolutions. That's a major difference between OSX and iOS.

Which would seem to suggest a defect with iOS and not with a consumers desire for a 7-in tablet....

I wonder which came first, the realization that the a 7-in tablet is "stupid idea" or the fact that iOS in its current state can't really do that size very well or easily?

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Your poll doesn't allow for people like me, who wouldn't want a different size iPad, but have no issue with Apple releasing one of different display sizes. I think the 9.7" is perfect.

I guess I could have included one for "Don't care", but I was basically wondering who was fully opposed to the rumored 7.85" size, because there seems to be so many people vigorously against the idea. So if you were open to the idea at all (even if you wouldn't get it for yourself), then I would vote yes.

Last time I checked Mac developers don't have to make different versions of their apps for each of those screen sizes and resolutions. That's a major difference between OSX and iOS.

Yes good point. But you must realize I wasn't even mildly suggesting that Apple come out with 6 different iPad sizes, I was just showing that things like computers aren't one size fits all. And adding additional sizes doesn't make it "less unique, less iconic and more confusing for accessory manufacturers."

I think the point that you really draw attention to is that Apple has a lot riding on it to "get it right on the first try" with regards to adding new screen sizes. If Apple jumped on the 7" bandwagon a year ago, reconsidered, and now replaced it with a 7.85" model, devs would flip. Mac screen sizes have come and gone easily, but Apple needs to make sure the choose future iPad screens very carefully. I think this is why they haven't released another size yet.

It's not a matter of time and resources, it's a matter of sales and profit. There's only $100 between the high-end iPod Touch and low-end iPad, requiring customers to choose one over the other. An in-between tablet size would have to be priced at no more than $399 but materials/manufacturing costs wouldn't be $100 less than the iPad so it would pull sales from both without increasing profitability.

Well let's not compare high end to low end here. Let's do apples to apples. So low end iPod Touch is $200 and low end iPad is $500. High end iPod Touch is $400 and high end iPad is $830. I can easily see an iPad nano fitting in nicely with the low end $300-$400 and the high end $600-$700.

As a side note: last night I was looking at the to-scale view of the 7.85" iPad on my iPad 2 (basically the entire iPad is about the size of the 9.7" screen), and I asked my wife sitting next to me (who doesn't like my iPad and doesn't see the point) what she thought and she said "I like it. I think I would like an iPad at that size." I know that is hardly a scientific poll but I think it just gives credence to the idea that a smaller iPad would open up appeal to an entire new group. My wife is 5"3" 107lbs, so she felt that the smaller iPad would be easier for her to use.

 

[BJMRamage]

For those thinking the "iPad Mini" would be lighter or $100 cheaper…

What of they kept the iPad2 at $100 cheaper than now.
And the iPad3 was lighter?

My 2 yr old son has no problems with the size of the current iPad.
A larger screen could mean a better battery/processor and the like to replace an iMac, but smaller just seems awkward.

 

[mwulf67]

For those thinking the "iPad Mini" would be lighter or $100 cheaper…

What of they kept the iPad2 at $100 cheaper than now.
And the iPad3 was lighter?

My 2 yr old son has no problems with the size of the current iPad.
A larger screen could mean a better battery/processor and the like to replace an iMac, but smaller just seems awkward.

Personally I don't think a "$100 cheaper" is what needs to chassed...I think the mark to hit is the below $300 price tag...I think at that price you open a whole new and currently under taped market....I think the only way you hit that price mark is with a smaller form....

 

[SR45]

Women have their purses to carry the iPad. For me, a guy, that does not want to carry a case around but to place a smaller version of the iPad similar to the Galaxy 7 into a jacket vest pocket, I would go for this in a heart beat.

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