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

[BJMRamage]

No. not necessary...but neither is an iPad.

I don't see a need for a smaller iPad (especially with everyone also wanting a larger phone) and doubt I would buy a smaller iPad. My son does fine with the current size (he's 2.5) and a smaller might be better, he knows what he can and cannot do (walking, climbing stairs) with it that a smaller one he might think he could and it would drop.

So, while I do not see a "need" desire for a smaller iPad and think it is ridiculous, others on here seem to see a need/want/desire and so...whatever. if Apple makes it I just won't buy it. Though I could see them cutting the costs slightly for it, and then raising the cost of the regular iPad.

I would really like a Larger iPad. throw it on a stand and call it an iMac with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. done!

 

[ZBoater]

I can see owning both. My wife collects shoes. I collect tablets...

 

[ATaleOfFiction]

I would love a smaller iPad. Actually, I find the "New" iPad a little cumbersome, as it doesn't get nearly as much use as my MBP at home, or iPhone on the go. Granted, it is only a wifi version, but still.

Reading websites on an iPhone is horrendous, IMO, even with adjusting text width and everything. A 7" pad would be great and, more importantly, be able to fit into some of my pockets (back, or cargo) if I'm just out and about. Something like that may even get me to consider getting a 4G LTE enabled version. Actually, I'd probably get one without a second thought.

 

[BENI]

i think it would be great!
i'm actually waiting for it before i upgrade my old ipod. for me it's the perfect compromise between portability and functionality.

the ipad is so much more powerful/useful than the ipod touch or iphone + the iphone is way too expensive. but i would like something smaller and more pocketable than the ipad (9.7"). i realise that the 7.85" ipad would not be pocketable per se but it's close enough to tip the balance.

i also realise that i'm in a pretty rare position so it may never turn up cos i'd be the only person to want it.

 

[Arid]

Yes, it's call the iPhone 5.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

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

Yeah....the screen size is the problem with the Playbook.

Right.

 

[Ugg]

I just got my iPad yesterday and I love it but it is big after using an iPod Touch for a year and a half. I think a 7 or 7.85" would be much easier to hold for long periods and most importantly, the retina screen makes a 7" er totally usable.

 

[ewo1992]

I think if the iPhone was just a little bigger, there would be no need for a smaller tablet. The only reason I see if for the cheaper market. For me, a pilot, I would hate to have a smaller iPad, as charts and approach plates would be a pain to look at.

 

[Ladybug]

Even the iPad in its 10 inch form factor isn't a necessity. As for being pointless, its only pointless if you yourself do not desire one in a smaller form factor. We could argue all day long but its really a matter of what you want or don't want when it comes to these devices. iPod Shuffle doesn't score big hits with me either, but I would not say they are pointless. Many people love their shuffles.

I would buy a smaller iPad if that was an option. I have a Kindle Fire and when I'm going out of the house its just easier to pick up and take along. I'd rather my iPad when it comes to the two devices, but the KF fits in my purse. To say its pointless overlooks many other peoples needs or wants. JMHO!

 

[Jackintosh]

Yeah....the screen size is the problem with the Playbook.

Right.

I never said the 7" screen size was the only problem with PB. Wow, this is a tough, cynical crowd here.

 

[Apple Key]

It is for Apple to completely dominate the tablet market.

 

[chakraj]

I think they should make a 3.5 inch version of the ipad. That would be sweet!

 

[Eddie Bombay]

Apple is all about options baby! IPad mini for the women, regular iPads for the men.

 

[whtrbt7]

Supposedly some brain from Xerox said 5 inches by 8 inches is the perfect size way back in the 80s. This has yet to be proven. I could really use a 15 inch iPad with better and more apps as well as a active digitizer with pressure sensitive input but I think that's going to be impossible for Apple to create since it doesn't fit into their product line.

 

[EarlZ]

Id welcome a smaller version with a retina like resolution!

 

[aleni]

i would sell my kidney to have that 7" iPad mini prototype that johny ive keeps it at his home..

 

[riveting]

The only reason for a 7'' ipad would be probably a cheaper product line. I would get a Samsung Galaxy Note over a 7'' ipad.

 

[WhySoSerious]

smaller...? i think the current ipad is small enough; i want a LARGER ipad (13")

 

[poloponies]

The only reason for a 7'' ipad would be probably a cheaper product line. I would get a Samsung Galaxy Note over a 7'' ipad.

Smaller doesn't always equal cheaper. In any case, it definitely doesn't mean "much cheaper." The iPhone 4S display/touchscreen runs about $40 and the iPad's is about $130. If we can assume that the 7" is about $75-85 then it's only a savings of about $60. Shave some bucks off the battery and back shell and you're still at only $100 in reduced parts costs, so the people expecting a $250-$299 iPad Mini are in fantasyland.

Hell, Toshiba's new Excite tablet line is a 7.7 inch, 10 inch and 13 inch. Their 10" is priced at $449 versus $499 for the 7.7". The smaller one has an AMOLED display, but you can see that they're not bothering with a competition at the lower-end of the pricing spectrum.

Apple steered clear of the sub-$500 netbook wars and they'll let others fight the sub-$300 tablet war.