Is There A Point For An iPad Mini?

[WilliamLondon]

Mini is an ereader with benefits.

I tend to think of it as an iPod Touch with better eReader functionality.

I'm not undermining an individual's preference, I'm just looking at it in a real life perspective

First part of the sentence is great, but then you completely contradict yourself after the comma and tell us that according to your preference, any other person's opinion is invalid and then you go on to explain why. How offensive.

I have a question for you: Given that clothes only come in one size, do yours fit? And if they don't, wouldn't it be arrogant of us to rail against *your* desire to have your clothes fit your body? This is what you're arguing and that is your position, a bit silly, eh?

 

[takeshi74]

whats the point of it?

Subjective -- just as "the point" is on any topic.

i mean honestly, i have an iphone and an ipad, why would i need a mini?

No one can tell you why. If you don't see the point then why are you worried about it? Move on. Use what works for you.

imo, if they go through with it, its going to be a flop. im not going to say its gonna be horrible, but i doubt its going to meet expectations.

Keep your day job and leave market research to the pros.

 

[CrAkD]

Yes

 

[sneaky butcher]

hi loon3y, the fact is the 7" tablets are selling like hotcakes for samsung & google. They are massively popular with students who want something more portable but with the same capability as an ipad.

If you go onto the forums for these devices you can see how much people like them

the bundle with free keyboard has been a really big hit too http://www.phonedog.com/2012/08/19/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-0-student-edition-official-available-today-for-249-99/

Its not just students either you see people comment on how a full size tablet is too awkward to use one handed standing on a train etc. This is where the portability of the 7inch really wins.

 

[jmgregory1]

I agree with many who have commented here, but also believe that if you were Apple thinking about building out your iPad brand, one natural extension to the original is going to be size expansion - or in the case of the mini, size reduction.

The iPod Touch / iPhone is clearly the smallest of the iOS devices, the iPad as we know it today, the biggest. Gee, do you think creating a device that fits in the middle makes sense?

I wouldn't put it past Apple (or some other tech company) to go even bigger than 10" as the next frontier. It will take reductions in weight of the case, battery and screen as well as increased power to run it, but I can see lots of times, especially in business, when a larger screened iPad would be really nice. In fact, as I write this on my 13" Air, the size could be almost perfect, although the wider aspect ratio is a little weird when the screen is held vertically.

And another thing, which I've ventured to guess on other threads, is that as we move away from using phones for voice calls, we're likely to see form factors change or rather we're probably going to see iPads (even computers), take on that ability to make calls, blurring the line between phone, tablet and computer. This may be future thinking, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be the future.

 

[Bokes]

I agree with many who have commented here, but also believe that if you were Apple thinking about building out your iPad brand, one natural extension to the original is going to be size expansion - or in the case of the mini, size reduction.

The iPod Touch / iPhone is clearly the smallest of the iOS devices, the iPad as we know it today, the biggest. Gee, do you think creating a device that fits in the middle makes sense?

I wouldn't put it past Apple (or some other tech company) to go even bigger than 10" as the next frontier. It will take reductions in weight of the case, battery and screen as well as increased power to run it, but I can see lots of times, especially in business, when a larger screened iPad would be really nice. In fact, as I write this on my 13" Air, the size could be almost perfect, although the wider aspect ratio is a little weird when the screen is held vertically.

And another thing, which I've ventured to guess on other threads, is that as we move away from using phones for voice calls, we're likely to see form factors change or rather we're probably going to see iPads (even computers), take on that ability to make calls, blurring the line between phone, tablet and computer. This may be future thinking, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be the future.

I agree completely with the smaller tablet being able to make phone calls.
I brought this up in a separate thread and I was kind of scoffed at- many claimed a 7-8inch device against your ear would look foolish- we'll of course it would- but that's what headsets are for.
How many people actually read, watch media (and enjoy it) on an iPhone?

Give the ipad mini the ability to make phone calls and it becomes the perfect all in one device of the future. If Apple doesn't someone will.

Samsung already comes close with the note.

 

[sneaky butcher]

I agree completely with the smaller tablet being able to make phone calls.
I brought this up in a separate thread and I was kind of scoffed at- many claimed a 7-8inch device against your ear would look foolish- we'll of course it would- but that's what headsets are for.
How many people actually read, watch media (and enjoy it) on an iPhone?

Give the ipad mini the ability to make phone calls and it becomes the perfect all in one device of the future. If Apple doesn't someone will.

Samsung already comes close with the note.

Hi Samsung has the Galaxy tab 2 7inch 3G version that you can use to make phone calls. More important it gives you mobile internet on a portable device which really makes it nice. I'm going to buy one soon

 

[Zach Vega]

While I would buy a large screen iPad, the lower price, weight, and space usage may appeal to others.

 

[WilliamLondon]

I agree completely with the smaller tablet being able to make phone calls.
I brought this up in a separate thread and I was kind of scoffed at- many claimed a 7-8inch device against your ear would look foolish- we'll of course it would- but that's what headsets are for.

Dom Joly is the best I've seen "scoff" at the notion, here is the one featuring an iPad.

The silliness of that aside, will you help me understand the user scenarios for this? Would you consider that functionality in this device a replacement for any other mobile/cell phone of yours? If not, what benefit does putting more chips (and all the additional government approvals I would assume accompany cellular devices vs. ones without such functionality) into a device like this provide to you, and then to the average user?

Seems if this thing has WiFi, you can Skype or FaceTime, is that complementary functionality not good enough? My assumption is that this device is (as is the iPad) a complementary device, in that you'll have a mobile/cell phone and another computer, which then in my view replicates functionality in a device that isn't really well suited to handle such functionality (due to form factor - requiring headphones and a dangling microphone is something I as a product manager wouldn't touch, it's a workaround for a flawed form factor). The user scenarios don't make sense to me, I'd just love to understand what I'm missing. Thanks.

 

[dchao]

There is a point. What if someone wanted something smaller? Lighter? Easier to carry around all day?

Now, there is the stretched iPhone 5. If someone wanted something smaller? Lighter? Go and buy the new iPhone 5. IPad mini is just a compromise. Apple have never compromised on their design.

 

[PDFierro]

Now, there is the stretched iPhone 5. If someone wanted something smaller? Lighter? Go and buy the new iPhone 5. IPad mini is just a compromise. Apple have never compromised on their design.

No. What about the iPad-exclusive apps? What about the things someone would want to do on an iPad that you can't do on the iPhone? There is a huge difference between a 4-inch phone and a 7.85-inch tablet.

 

[flyguy206]

hi loon3y, the fact is the 7" tablets are selling like hotcakes for samsung & google. They are massively popular with students who want something more portable but with the same capability as an ipad.

If you go onto the forums for these devices you can see how much people like them

the bundle with free keyboard has been a really big hit too http://www.phonedog.com/2012/08/19/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-0-student-edition-official-available-today-for-249-99/

Its not just students either you see people comment on how a full size tablet is too awkward to use one handed standing on a train etc. This is where the portability of the 7inch really wins.

How is a 7 inch tablet anymore portble then a 9 inch tablet?

 

[zephyrnoid]

Ipad or other 7". I have some cool plans for them that the bigger tablets cannot manage. Just keep in mind that some of us were begging for an Apple tablet 5 years before Apple released the ipad.

Why?

I want to .....
1) Replace running back and forth to my laptop to read recipes, to reading them off a Kitchen proof tablet
2) have a RAM mounted tablet in my cruiser to replace my toughbook
3) Replace books and mags
well you get the idea. Now my list has shifted a tad...

Now I want to perform EPSS off a light tablet, use it as a giant 'connected' PDA
And I have switched form still to video full time so I desperately want a nice 7" wireless video feed from my camcorder with potential to feed multiple 7" tablets from one camera ( A DREAM )

So to those that ask ... why a 7" screen iPad Mini?

I answer.. "because it a HUGE gap in the Apple line and If apple doesn't step up, Google will "

 

[Bokes]

How is a 7 inch tablet anymore portble then a 9 inch tablet?

You would think not, but have you tried a 7?
Both the fire and Nook tablet are smaller and lighter and much better IMO for one handed, long term use while reading in bed.

Both also felt lighter in my messenger bag.

Also I felt more comfortable using a 7inch tablet at the bar. I would never pull an iPad out in a dim bar to read- but for some reason the smaller 7inch form factor was less conspicuous and obnoxious.

 

[sneaky butcher]

How is a 7 inch tablet anymore portble then a 9 inch tablet?

becasue its smaller, lighter and easier to hold with one hand.

 

[dchao]

becasue its smaller, lighter and easier to hold with one hand.

You can't just look at 7" and 9" tablet markets alone.

You see, some iPhone 4 users who are going to upgrade to the iPhone 5 might be put off by buying a "cheaper" iPad mini (after factoring in the operate kick back) .

That means- less iPhone 5 sales for Apple, and less profit. Why would Apple release an 7" tablet immediately after the iPhone 5 release??

 

[sneaky butcher]

You can't just look at 7" and 9" tablet markets alone.

You see, some iPhone 4 users who are going to upgrade to the iPhone 5 might be put off by buying a "cheaper" iPad mini (after factoring in the operate kick back) .

That means- less iPhone 5 sales for Apple, and less profit. Why would Apple release an 7" tablet immediately after the iPhone 5 release??

dont know anything about ipad mini. If there's a 3g version will you be able to make phone calls from it? you can on the galaxy tab 2 7inch but i beleive you cannot on the full size ipad 3g? so it might not function as a phone.

The 7inch tablets i dont think are designed to be a mobile phone replacement. too big. But they are better for reading , surfing web & watching movies than a 4inch screen. The wi-fi only ones are selling really well you can get them in the UK for 150, it seems people are buying them for the tablet functions more than 3g/phone functions. (100 more for 3g version)

p.s the new nexus 7inch tablet is wi-fi only and is selling very well. Rumours are a 3g version will be released in a month or so.

 

[zephyrnoid]

...but can it be phone ?

I hear this question lurking in tablet discussions. Here's my response.
The PHONE is dead! Long Live the Phone!
1) I can skype. It's better than voice telephony
2) I can use Google voice. It's free
3) Billions of hrs are wasted because people 'blather' on phones
I use an anonymous 'Burn Phone' for emergencies. Private, cheap & disposable

Like I said.....

Long Live the DEad Phone

 

[mzjin]

whats the point of it? i mean honestly, i have an iphone and an ipad, why would i need a mini? why would anyone else want a mini? i mean because of financial reasons? i cant see the mini being that much cheaper than the original, and why they would want a device with less real estate.




i mean does apple want a variety of products? than why did they discontinue the 17inch MBP?


imo, if they go through with it, its going to be a flop. im not going to say its gonna be horrible, but i doubt its going to meet expectations.


just a waste of resources, why not invest on something else and bring something unique to the table.

is that it apple? your just going to milk the iphone/ipad till u get sucked dry?

What if you prefer an iPHone, and iPad Mini, and a Macbook Air?

Oh wait, that just made your 10" iPad pointless didn't it?

 

[Todisco]

Price...Price...and it's the Price

I have some friends that their main objective was a sub $250 tablet that they could browse the web check email and let the kids play some games - they went with the Kindle Fire.

 

[sneaky butcher]

I have some friends that their main objective was a sub $250 tablet that they could browse the web check email and let the kids play some games - they went with the Kindle Fire.

i wouldnt recommend anyone buy a kindle fire or even the new kindle fire hd

 

[loon3y]

What if you prefer an iPHone, and iPad Mini, and a Macbook Air?

Oh wait, that just made your 10" iPad pointless didn't it?

uhm? what does that have to do anything with businesses using iPads? the reason business whether for retail, trade shows, showroom, etc etc is because of the real estate on here.


the ipad mini is too small and too large for there to be any value to businesses. its not too portable, and its bulky, heck the samsung note is bulky as hell.

relatively inconvenient for traveling salesmen, unless their techies that prefer it.

and too small for retails stores and companies doing tradeshows to use as a catalog.


all im saying that i dont believe its going to sell as well as the iphone/itouch or ipad. considering businesses dont really need it.

think about apple stores having the iPad mini instead of the regular ipad next to their items, its going to be less detail and smaller font, which makes an extra step for the user to either zoom pinch, or go to the next viewcontroller.

just doesnt make sense, especially for business wise, the itouch + the linea pro scanner and credit card swiper is already expensive enough.

it doesnt make sense for businesses to spend another 100-150 dollars to get an ipad mini. might as well get a regular ipad and get some more real estate.


20 years from now all businesses is going to be basically paperless. transactions are going to be done on mobile devices. itouches and ipads are going to sell alot to businesses, i just dont see an iPad mini market in business.

Most of you guys are talking in the consumer perspective, yea of course its going to have sales with individuals because simply of the brand name, but every company from retail to manufacturers want itouches and ipads, and what they get like 5-20 at a time, and thats going to effect sales.


unless it sells religiously to individual consumers, i just dont see it hanging around. Yes, i see where the weight problem comes in for e-book readers, but your going to spend what 350 on a smaller ipad version that prob doesnt meet processing speeds, ram, and possibly graphics, and real estate, when the full version is only 150 more?

if it comes out withe the price tag of 250 i guess so, but im pretty sure its going to be in the 300-350 range.

 

[AT101ET]

Definitely. If the price is right, I'd most probably buy it. The smaller screen makes the whole device smaller and easier to hold. I find the current iPad good for using at home or at work, but its not the most portable device. I also find it a bit too big and would prefer it with a smaller screen, so for me I think there is a point.

 

[loon3y]

Definitely. If the price is right, I'd most probably buy it. The smaller screen makes the whole device smaller and easier to hold. I find the current iPad good for using at home or at work, but its not the most portable device. I also find it a bit too big and would prefer it with a smaller screen, so for me I think there is a point.

definitely, the iPad isnt a "take everywhere, everyday device", more for business/holiday trips, home, and work.


i just dont see a huge selling point, because it doesnt seem majority of consumers aren't going to buy it. business are basically out, since they rather just go itouch/iphone or iPad.

and the average consumer isnt gonna want lug that 7" screen everywhere they go. more likely if your posting on this forum, your not the average consumer.

 

[AT101ET]

But if the iPad Mini is meant to be a competitor with the Nexus 7 and Kindle fire HD, the price would be considerably lower and therefore there would be a big potential market for it. I'd expect Apple would want to try and grab some sales back that the Nexus is taking away from them with their cheap 7'' tablet.