Is it possible for the 7" iPad to become Apple new Flagship Tablet?

[darngooddesign]

There is no right size, only what is right for each user.

 

[zephyrnoid]

As far as usability is concerned, the 7″ tablets feel more like big phones to me, whereas the larger tablets are more like small notebooks.

Since Usability is my forte, I can respond to this.

Rule 1- All products are usable. Their usability 'quotient' is variable
Rule 2- Almost all product sizes 'find their niche'.
Rule 3- Unless you have bone afide usability data in hand, it's best not to use the term at all. It's largely misused by the lay communities anyway.

In the late 90's I was thrilled to plug my Palm Pilot V into a folding keyboard. For those too new to remember this was compact PDA usability in the DotCom era. So for me, a 7" is a divinely HUGE surface to work on and a terrific screen size for a makeshift hybrid PDA/Tablet/Netbook.

ALL because it will fit in all my Jacket pockets, while the full sized iPads... will not!😀

I have zero interest in anything smaller or larger than the Google Nexus 7 form factor. But that's just about the usability of 7" in MY world.

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FYI on a related note. I created a foamcore mockup of the Nexus7 for prototyping purposes. It just barely meets my criteria for smallest readable text in a vertically oriented page with graphics interspersed. I'm psyched. If the Ipad Mini doesn't fit in coat pockets, some of us will have to wait for an iPad Mini Micro at 7" 😉

 

[Nunyabinez]

I would argue that everything that Apple makes is a niche product. No one product can fulfill all of the computing needs of most users. An iMac is awesome in terms of power and large amounts of screen real estate. But, obviously not very portable. MacBooks are not quite as powerful, but they are portable when you need moderate power, but need it on the go. The iPad is better for portability than the MBP, but if you need to do serious word processing or editing it won't do the trick. And... you can figure the rest from here.

Each form factor, and OS for that matter, is designed to excel in certain areas and as a result end up weak in other areas. I have questioned the need for a 8" iPad because I'm not sure that there is that much of a space between what I use my iPhone for and what I use my iPad for.

For example, listening to music is much better on the iPhone because I can put it in my pocket. Same for the app I use for tracking my weight-lifting sessions. If I want to watch Netflix, the screen is too small on the iPhone, but the iPad is just right for that. So, I struggle to think of a scenario where it would be worth it to me to have a bigger screen than the iPhone, but not be able to put it in my pocket after I'm done. That's what I am using the iPad for.

I'm not saying that people won't find those special uses for an in-between form factor, but at some point the differences between other forms becomes so small that they would make no sense. Should Apple make an 8" a 9" a 10" and an 11" iPad? Again, only speaking for myself, I can't imagine the usefulness of something that I can't put in my pocket, but has a smaller screen than my iPad. I know that Apple will sell a boatload of these, but I won't be one those buying.

 

[blackhand1001]

My mistake, didn’t realise they were also 16:10.

While you might prefer the Android OS (I certainly do not) I still find the 7″ form factor to be too small to be productive. It’s less than half the size of an iPad, and could never replace a notebook for me. Larger tablets like the iPad and potentially the Surface could. (actually, I switched from a MacBook Pro to an iPad + PC combo over a year ago now, and haven’t looked back)

If all you need to do is type up a quick response to an email or something, yeah, I guess you can do that on the Nexus tablet. But I would have no problem doing that on a phone either.

As far as usability is concerned, the 7″ tablets feel more like big phones to me, whereas the larger tablets are more like small notebooks.

Please buy one and use it. I have had a 10.1 inch android device (asus transformer with dock - sold to my friend) an ipad 2 (still have it) from my job, and a nexus 7. I have had all the form factors. I was skeptical of the 7 inch form factor as well, but it really is the best imo. I have a galaxy nexus too so my phone isn't small by any means. There is really a huge difference when you actually have it in your hands rather than playing with a bolted down in a store or even holding it in the store. Being able to sit down or stand in your own home using it is completely different than being in a store.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I can't imagine the usefulness of something that I can't put in my pocket, but has a smaller screen than my iPad. I know that Apple will sell a boatload of these, but I won't be one those buying.

I agree. Ultramobility = iPhone, everything else = iPad. No reason to have something in between.

I think they well sell a bunch based on price, though.

 

[mantan]

Depends on what you mean by 'right'.

I think the 'mini' has a very good chance of outselling the larger model based on price alone. The issue will come down to profit per unit.

From that perspective Apple has maximized revenue/profit from the larger version. If they'd released the 'mini' first, a lot of people who've bought 9.7 inch iPads would have never given them a look.

Ultimately I think time will tell the 'mini' is the sweet spot of size/pricepoint for the largest overall market.

 

[mwulf67]

Should Apple make an 8" a 9" a 10" and an 11" iPad? Again, only speaking for myself, I can't imagine the usefulness of something that I can't put in my pocket, but has a smaller screen than my iPad.

yes, yes, yes and yes...

TVs, PC monitors, and laptops come in all kinds of sizes...nobody bats an eye at a TV manufacturer making a 40" TV and 47" TV and 52" TV and 60" TV...yet, for some reason some people struggle with the idea that tablets could and should come in different sizes...

If I/my family had those 4 models to choose from, we would probably have 2 8's (kids), a 9" (wife) and an 11" for me....and they would all make perfect sense...

I know that Apple will sell a boatload of these, but I won't be one those buying.

Nunyabinez, given your sig, I am not sure I completely believe you...🙂