I feel like Apple may cannibalize the iPad's sales by releasing a mini, especially at that price point. Who would spend 600-800 on an iPad if they can get one thats 2 inches smaller for 250-300?
True... but I guarantee Apple will still make money with an iPad Mini. I honestly don't think Apple will even care which iPad you buy... as long as you buy one of them.
Since the screen is the most expensive part... a smaller screen at non-Retina resolution will be cheap to produce. And with Apple's volume... they will make money on it.
So I guess the question is this: is it better to get $300 from someone... or zero?
The new iPad at $500 is still a rather expensive item.
There are people who want "a tablet" but who don't have $500 to spend on such a non-essential item.
I know Apple doesn't reach out to cheapskates... but come on.
And don't forget... Apple's been down this road before. The "old" iPad is now $400. Clearly they've crunched the numbers and figured it was a good idea.
I'd love to know the sales breakdown among iPad models. You'd think the $400 iPad is the top seller.
The $400 iPad might get you in the store... but one look at the new iPad's beautiful Retina screen and you're hooked. Maybe Apple bet on the fact that most people would just go for the better looking model for just a little more money.
Apple is the king of the upsell. 8GB iPod Touch for $199... but only $100 more for FOUR TIMES the storage. Apple makes it difficult to avoid going for the more expensive model.
So maybe that's how it will go. Apple dangles the cheaper iPad Mini in front of you... but you might realize that the bigger iPad is the way to go.
But if you simply cannot afford $400 or more... at least you can get something from Apple.