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'iPad Mini' Rumors Revived with Claims of 7.85-Inch Screen
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Being an ipad2 owner, i have to say, some apps would be okay on the smaller size, but most would just be awkward. Ipad is amazing as it is, and i dont ever see appler doing this because its a bad idea!
That's... not going to happen.
At the worst, we'll see a "non-retina" base model (possibly the would-be old iPad 2) at $499 and then a $599 or $649 32GB model with a retina display, and then a $699 or $799 64GB model.
At the worst, we'll see a "non-retina" base model (possibly the would-be old iPad 2) at $499 and then a $599 or $649 32GB model with a retina display, and then a $699 or $799 64GB model.
Umm yeah, that's where I go back to Steve's saying "no one wants to watch video on a screen that small".
Except I actually mean it!
i do honestly wish all you multi-size hopefuls the best of luck, but it might be instructive to look back at the hype roller coaster for the iPhone 4s/5.
i was really convinced that a 4" screen was a just modest enough upgrade amongst some of the android beasts to fit apple's m.o. likewise there's good industry precedent for apple to consider a slightly smaller tablet size...
but apple has a way of defying what everyone thinks needs to happen, and still sell 4 million units in 4 days. i'm not saying its right or wrong, but they do appear to be exceptionally good at making us lust after less than we expected.
i was really convinced that a 4" screen was a just modest enough upgrade amongst some of the android beasts to fit apple's m.o. likewise there's good industry precedent for apple to consider a slightly smaller tablet size...
but apple has a way of defying what everyone thinks needs to happen, and still sell 4 million units in 4 days. i'm not saying its right or wrong, but they do appear to be exceptionally good at making us lust after less than we expected.
I agree 100%, paperback size would be excellent.
Mind you I already own both an iPad and an iPhone. The thing is iPad is just too big for some uses and iPhone too small. Put a GPS in the base model without the need for 3G also. Such a device would be a knock out product.
Mind you I already own both an iPad and an iPhone. The thing is iPad is just too big for some uses and iPhone too small. Put a GPS in the base model without the need for 3G also. Such a device would be a knock out product.
The business need is to make more money and flesh out the line up.
Why would they make more money? In simple terms the current iPad is just to big for some use cases. Here are some examples:
Use in industry and the medical fields. Size does matter here, especially if you have to carry the device all day in a lab coat or tool satchel.
If the unit had GPS in the base unit that would be excellent as a smaller device would be great for people looking for a GPS system for enjoying the great outdoors. Even in a car the smaller screen would make for a nice guidance system. In both of these cases I suspect people will be more willing to pay for the extra functionality.
A greater focus on use as a book reader. Paperback size means it is just as portable.
There is no doubt Apple has lots of prototypes on hand. For them to move forward they need to know there is a market and the size of that market.
The biggest problem I have with this rumor though is the size. 7.85 inches isn't a significantly different size than the current iPad. In fact I really think they need to get under 7" but that is me.
Why would they make more money? In simple terms the current iPad is just to big for some use cases. Here are some examples:
Use in industry and the medical fields. Size does matter here, especially if you have to carry the device all day in a lab coat or tool satchel.
If the unit had GPS in the base unit that would be excellent as a smaller device would be great for people looking for a GPS system for enjoying the great outdoors. Even in a car the smaller screen would make for a nice guidance system. In both of these cases I suspect people will be more willing to pay for the extra functionality.
A greater focus on use as a book reader. Paperback size means it is just as portable.
Well obviously not this year as I would have expected it at the iPod event.
There is no doubt Apple has lots of prototypes on hand. For them to move forward they need to know there is a market and the size of that market.
The biggest problem I have with this rumor though is the size. 7.85 inches isn't a significantly different size than the current iPad. In fact I really think they need to get under 7" but that is me.
Not really, iOS is largely resolution independent.
Don't be to sure about that.
Right now having only one iPad size is like selling only 15" MBPs. Different people have different needs, that is the biggest issue here.
It isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Apple has put a lot of effort into iOS to ake it resolution independent. Further APIs have been upgraded to help with controls layout. So while some software will have issues many apps would transition very smoothly to the device.
What Google got wrong has more to do with ethics than anything.
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Don't be to sure about that.
Right now having only one iPad size is like selling only 15" MBPs. Different people have different needs, that is the biggest issue here.
Well not exactly. Software is certainly important but so is physical size and hardware performance. Look at iPhone 4s and all the negativity surrounding that hardware, in the end it is selling like hotcakes because rational people realize it is a significant hardware update.
It isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Apple has put a lot of effort into iOS to ake it resolution independent. Further APIs have been upgraded to help with controls layout. So while some software will have issues many apps would transition very smoothly to the device.
What Google got wrong has more to do with ethics than anything.
I don't think you understand iOS and Apples goals.
Right now I would have to say iOS is the largest resolution independent operating systems in wide distribution. Many apps would run on such a device just fine.
100% is a huge over commitment. I see no reason for Apple not to offer something in a smaller size. All they need is the will to do so.
Right now I would have to say iOS is the largest resolution independent operating systems in wide distribution. Many apps would run on such a device just fine.
The impact on the app market would be minimal. Remember this would have a screen with the same pixel counts as the current iPad. Many apps would only require minor tweaking.
I disagree, I would have to say that the vast majority of the apps out there, written to the newer APIs will work very well. Some tweaking may be required but I dont see a big deal.
IOS doesn't work that way! Elements drawn on screen do not use pixels but rather real dimensions. Beyond that Apple is continually updating its APIs to make differences in screen size less of an issue.
100% is a huge over commitment. I see no reason for Apple not to offer something in a smaller size. All they need is the will to do so.
I might buy one if its any cheaper than the current iPad. It would complement my 13" MBP and 21.5" iMac nicely 
Agreed^^
If they dont do the iphone legacy/old model permanent price drop thing, I could see this. Maybe they'll leave out 3g on the 7'' and keep it on the 10'' (kinda like ipod touch vs. iphone)
I kind of see the ipad becoming a product line like the macbook line and less like the iphone or ipod line. Cheaper smaller entry level with less features (macbook or mb air), more expensive more features (mb pro)
Heres a wild guess. 2 models:
1. A 7.85'' iPad, with a Matte Black or White plastic case, no 3g, no siri. 16 gb 299, 32gb 399. Call it the iPad. Targeted towards competing with ebooks readers, fire, etc. Perfect for schools, college students who dont want to lug around a macbook and just want to follow slides in class, people who wouldnt /dont need the current etc.
2. A current (9.7'') sized iPad 3, aluminum case, 3G STANDARD, siri, etc. 16gb 449, 32 gb 549, 64gb 649... Call it the iPad PRO
Same market as they have now.Here is my thoughts
I personally do not care for smaller iPad - however - if Apple could do it at significant cost reduction - I think it would help. People often claim that that Apples are too expensive - especially iPads and this will help that
I would actually like a bigger version of iPad - but this is probably aim at specific market - it would be useful for graphic artists. Even better an iMacPad which would have the full power of say the MacBook AIR but in size of slightly larger than iPad - this would be able to run Photoshop CS. With up and coming Intel IvyBridge processors - this could be possible.
Going to smaller screen and especially higher resolution is bad idea, even now with iPad 2 - I have to used to zoom feature when reading - but that might be just I am getting older.
I personally do not care for smaller iPad - however - if Apple could do it at significant cost reduction - I think it would help. People often claim that that Apples are too expensive - especially iPads and this will help that
I would actually like a bigger version of iPad - but this is probably aim at specific market - it would be useful for graphic artists. Even better an iMacPad which would have the full power of say the MacBook AIR but in size of slightly larger than iPad - this would be able to run Photoshop CS. With up and coming Intel IvyBridge processors - this could be possible.
Going to smaller screen and especially higher resolution is bad idea, even now with iPad 2 - I have to used to zoom feature when reading - but that might be just I am getting older.
Looking at the mockup, and comparing it to the iPad on my desk . . . I'd have to say that 7.85" would be a bit too tiny. Kind of like those really large phone/really small tablet devices.
1. A 7.85'' iPad, with a Matte Black or White plastic case, no 3g, no siri. 16 gb 299, 32gb 399. Call it the iPad. Targeted towards competing with ebooks readers, fire, etc. Perfect for schools, college students who dont want to lug around a macbook and just want to follow slides in class, people who wouldnt /dont need the current etc.
2. A current (9.7'') sized iPad 3, aluminum case, 3G STANDARD, siri, etc. 16gb 449, 32 gb 549, 64gb 649... Call it the iPad PRO
7.85 iPad Mini
9.7 iPad 3
14 iPad PRO
14 IvyBridge iMacPad run OS X
I would buy a 6-8" iPad in a heartbeat. Hell, I'd even pay more for it.
I've used the original a fair bit, and it's unwieldy size and weight has kept me from buying one. If Apple doesn't have a smaller one out in the next 18 months I'll be jumping ship to an android tablet even though I love my iMac, iPod, and iPhone.
I've used the original a fair bit, and it's unwieldy size and weight has kept me from buying one. If Apple doesn't have a smaller one out in the next 18 months I'll be jumping ship to an android tablet even though I love my iMac, iPod, and iPhone.
You might, but nor for Apple.
They came out with a video playing iPod on a miniscule 2.5" screen a few months later.
Im actually waiting for the iPad to get bigger. I think the size of an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper is ideal.No shrinking of documents and many people already carry around folios. If they go smaller they will call it an iPod touch and I could see them get to 5" maybe. I still think it needs to fit in pockets and purses (obviously that would be a large pocket, but I think people that would jump at that are children for games and women for purses so pocket matters less).
Quite a possible new iPad version
Apple is not one to sit back and lose a market they created.
Of course we'll have to wait and see, particularly the price point. It may be a bit more $s than suggested, but I'm sure the Apple quality will justify it.
The other day I looked at another low priced eBook reader, unfortunately the first demo unit I tried was frozen, as was the case when I tried an earlier version of same make reader. It was $150, but I felt $50 would be plenty for that small B&W reader; if it worked !
Apple is not one to sit back and lose a market they created.
Of course we'll have to wait and see, particularly the price point. It may be a bit more $s than suggested, but I'm sure the Apple quality will justify it.
The other day I looked at another low priced eBook reader, unfortunately the first demo unit I tried was frozen, as was the case when I tried an earlier version of same make reader. It was $150, but I felt $50 would be plenty for that small B&W reader; if it worked !
Drenched in fear, the fanbois are sweating now. Months ago there were endless threads trashing the "useless 7" size"...
Already there's some people carefully backing away from that stance, knowing they may have to eat their words.
As I see it the 7" is an excellent size, although another choice will cripple many fanbois decision making mechanism, it's a good move.
Whenever Apple even breathes "change" it really gets hilarious in here.
Already there's some people carefully backing away from that stance, knowing they may have to eat their words.
As I see it the 7" is an excellent size, although another choice will cripple many fanbois decision making mechanism, it's a good move.
Whenever Apple even breathes "change" it really gets hilarious in here.
An 8" tablet just doesn't make sense
I couldn't agree more.
An 8" tablet just doesn't make sense.
Apple has been known to throw up diversions, to keep the competition off track.
I couldn't agree more.
An 8" tablet just doesn't make sense.
Apple has been known to throw up diversions, to keep the competition off track.