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Is it really necessary for a mini version of the iPad?

Should there be a mini version of the iPad?

  • Yes

    Votes: 70 46.7%

  • No

    Votes: 80 53.3%
  • Total voters
    150
G

gamecube117

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Mar 7, 2012
280
0
With rumours flying about a mini version of the iPad coming out soon, what do you guys think about it?

Is it... pointless? The iPad isn't even that big. If you compare it to a regular laptop, the iPad is a mini version. I don't think it's really necessary for a smaller version of the iPad.
 
I think it is. As a GTab 8.9 and 7 owner, I can definitely appreciate the smaller form factor and hopefully lighter weight.
 
Its not necessary, but desirable.

I would love to have a 7" option. Sometimes slogging a full size tablet on the train during my commute is just too big.
 
Smaller is more desirable for travel and light reading. Look at Amazon's 7" market and ecosystem that they have, they're pretty much all by themselves right now. Other 7" readers and tablets haven't really picked up steam because their ecosystem is not really tailored and targeted at the right audience.
 
Wouldn't a mini iPad just be an iPhone? Or an iPod touch? I think it's kind of excessive. But apple, being a company, will make anything if it can make profit. It'll be insetting to see what they come up with.
 
Yes. Sometimes I find the iPad too big (not heavy), the huge screen.
 
Blackberry (RIM) tried it with their 7" Playbook. It turned out to be an absolute failure. So I voted no.
 
If I want to use a device one-handed on the subway or out on the street, I usemy iPhone. Personally, I think a 7 inch device would also be too big for those situations. If I'm sitting fown, then I might as well use the 9 inch iPad -- a 7 inch screen would likely feel a bit cramped. So no, I don't see myself as ever using a 7 inch tablet.
 
Sure, why not? There are people who need a smaller form factor, but want something bigger than a phone.
 
I think it could be interesting if it included an integrated kickstand. I'd also be interested if it sacrificed some components for significantly improved battery life.
 
If youre not interested in a different sized product then ignore it and if they make one and others buy them well good for them. Do you own AAPL stock? So far a 50 50 response rate means theyd be mad not to offer one.
 
I fly/travel between 14 and 24 hours a week. I like the form factor of my Fire but I don't like the OS. If a smaller iPad won't be available, then I don't see a need for an iPad.
 
Larger would be more useful to me, maybe only a slightly larger form factor with a smaller bezel and more screen area. However any increase in weight would be unwelcome so I'm not sure it's feasible.

----------
Jackintosh said:
Blackberry (RIM) tried it with their 7" Playbook. It turned out to be an absolute failure. So I voted no.
Click to expand...

Poor analogy though because the PlayBook has a lot more issues than just the size.
 
Jackintosh said:
Blackberry (RIM) tried it with their 7" Playbook. It turned out to be an absolute failure. So I voted no.
Click to expand...

Totally clueless. People were instead attracted by the 7 inch screen. The reason behind its failure has nothing to do with its form factor.
 
The Kindle crowd (and by that I mean mostly old ladies and my wife, because those are the only people I ever see using e-readers) will LOVE an iPad Mini. It will be cheaper, smaller, and lighter, but will still be an iPad, much like how the iPod Shuffles and Nanos appealed to a new audience.

And you can't really use the e-ink argument anymore either if you're going to talk about the Kindle Fire as a serious competitor to the iPad. If the Kindle Fire is Amazon's anti-iPad solution, then e-ink becomes a non-factor.
 
Personally, I don't see the attraction of a smaller iPad.

However, I'm sure there is definitely a market for a smaller device so why not release one?
 
dukeblue91 said:
I actually want a bigger iPad.
Click to expand...

Same here.

I need something like a (paper) notebook to take notes with. A (computer) notebook is nowhere that mobile or simple to use; you can't confortably take notes with one when standing, for example. The iPad is considerably better for that kind of thing, but it is still a bit too small. If it were a bit bigger, at the physical size of a (paper) notebook, it would be perfect for me.
 
I dont see the attraction of a smaller iPad either. Granted, I haven't played with a 7" device, but I cant imagine it having enough screen space for much.
 
I've played around with the Kindle Fire and 1st gen Galaxy tab and really liked the small form factor. Personally, I think the current iPad is the perfect size for me. It's not too big and not too small and it's lightweight. I'm sure though, if Apple made a smaller iPad, it'll probably sell like hotcakes just simply due to its smaller size. I think there is enough of a market where an iPad mini would find a nice home along side its big brother.
 
This size will prove to be an even bigger seller and will usurp the regular iPad.

You'll see....mark my words...Weight is a way bigger value-add than folks realize.
 
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