Production of 7.85-Inch iPad Reportedly Moving Closer as More Suppliers Named

[charlituna]

yes but apple is missing the huge market that isnt willing the shell out $600 for a tablet. As verified by many posts on this thread, those who buy the more expensive 10in iPad are not necessarily those who would buy the 7.5in iPad, therefore, apple wouldn't be stealing its own customers.

Correct but how big really is that market. I would hazard not as big as folks think. And then there's the folks that buy something like the Fire, hate it and return it within a week to more often than not, get an iPad. I've seen tons of comments all over various boards to that same effect. yes some of them are buying refurbs to spend a little less money but it's not that much less.

And given that the iPad sells millions hand over fist, I don't think that Apple is really worried about those smaller products etc. Or the "lost" market at this point. Not in the sense of trying to make a product for them. It's better for them to keep their production lines all the same and find ways to encourage those folks to spend the money on what is offered. With things like electronic textbooks for their kiddies. If a school says you must have an iPad, you must have an iPad.

 

[nickgri]

smaller ipad

Make the bezel smaller-we don't need all that much edge for a thumb. That way we get a bigger screen on a smaller tablet. How about one that folds with a barely visible line opened-we can put up with that for the convenience. A thin flexible keyboard flap cover? Pico projection. Iphone built in? Capture ads on the tv and go directly to the website-advertisers will pay millions for that-send me one of those Apple when you use this!

 

[JGowan]

If this DOES materialize, you can bet Steve Jobs knew and approved of it before his passing. I read somewhere that he Apple had about 5 years worth of stuff in their plans before he was too sick to be looking at such.

Also -- on that earnings call where Jobs famously said,...

Well, one could increase the resolution of the display to make up for some of the difference. It is meaningless, unless your tablet also includes sandpaper, so that the user can sand down their fingers to around one quarter of the present size.​

... that seems quite the thing that Steve WOULD say to divert Apple customers from even considering something smaller. I think it's right up there with Steve dismissing Movie rentals for iPod because it was too hard to watch movies on the iPod — or — the no tablet statements ("no one reads anymore") —— Only to later offer a video iPod and sell movies for them and of course, the iPad with its eReading capability. Genius!

And he (Jobs) said it would never happen.

Some folks want to believe that Tim Cook is just tossing all things Steve because he can now that Steve is dead. They forget that tech takes at least 3 years from idea to product...

I love Steve Jobs (even his memory), but we all know that Steve said a lot of negative stuff as I mentioned just above to keep people focused on his current product and not be concerned with future stuff. Otherwise people will just wait until they can get the one with X. Also, I think, in this case especially, you don't need "at least 3 years from idea to product" at all. Jobs says "at some point next year, do a smaller 7" iPad" -- boom -- it gets done. You already have the tech, the hardware nailed down for the big one, the software -- why do you need 3 years? Don't agree at all. The original iPod took a year or less.

 

[robeddie]

Unlikely.

Full size magazines are just about readable on iPad.

Anything smaller and you either have to see everything at 1/2 size or scroll ALOT.

How on earth could 7" be too small? Your friggin phone is half that size and uses the same OS!!!

 

[gadget123]

The people saying "I'm not buying a smaller tablet" well nobody is asking you to.

Apple will be doing this to stop people going with cheaper, smaller Android tablets. If they can get a better device from Apple for a little bit extra cash they will go with a smaller Ipad.

For real tech fans is it needed? No definitely not but it's a low end device. Clearly Apple need a strategy of getting cheaper devices to stop competition. It's not been the Apple way but I think we will see a mini Iphone too.

Personally I'd like to see an Iphone Nano, the Ipod touch go 3G and Ipad mini but under a much cooler name. Maybe Ipad "light". I'd buy none of these but they will stop all competition.

 

[markm929]

Could this not be just a spin-up of more "display" pads (placed near the items to showcase their specs, etc.) that are used in the ever increasing numbers of Apple stores? And with the forthcoming addition of "stores within stores" (i.e. Target, etc.), could they not also be thinking of placing the "display" pads in them as well? Those "display" pads are a bit smaller than an iPad, no?


Just a thought...

 

[robeddie]

Well, one could increase the resolution of the display to make up for some of the difference. It is meaningless, unless your tablet also includes sandpaper, so that the user can sand down their fingers to around one quarter of the present size.[/INDENT]

And he said that when they already had the iphone out! which is already smaller! I've heard that quote and still just don't get what Jobs was smoking that day.

 

[PracticalMac]

I WILL buy one.

-1 or +1 me, it's simply what I want, and I do not understand why some of you simply cannot believe I will buy one.

As it is, I have a co-worker who also wants a smaller model.


Parting note: How well would Kindle Fire sell if their was a smaller, less expensive, version of iPad?

 

[Glideslope]

And he said it would never happen.

Some folks want to believe that Tim Cook is just tossing all things Steve because he can now that STeve is dead. They forget that tech takes at least 3 years from idea to product, often as much as 10 years. Everything we are seeing now was being worked on before Steve went on leave in Jan 2011. Including the no 7 inch or smaller iPad. The reports are that Apple needs it to compete with the Tab, Note and Kindle Fire but the current iPad is killing all of them in sales so the reports are wrong. Apple doesn't need to build to compete.

Apple can and will be successful with a 7.8". Simply gives consumers another choice in the same category. Nothing wrong with Apple controlling 80% of the 7" & 10" market in 2014. Don't be surprised if the iPhone 5 is still under 4".

Don't look at it as Apple Competing. Look at it as Apple providing more choices. This is always a good thing.

 

[Ciclismo]

What's the difference between Digitimes and a broken clock?

At least a broken clock is right twice a day.

 

[GenesisST]

And somewhere Steve Jobs is spinning in his grave.

Plug in a power generator!

 

[57004]

If this device existed as stated, it would have a smaller ppi than the original iPhone. It appears to me that Apple is done with low pixel density displays.

Rumored Small iPad: 1024*768 @ 7.85 = 163.06 ppi

[...]

It makes more sense and seems more likely to me to double the iPhone 4's resolution in both directions, thus:

More Likely Small iPad: 1920x1280 @ 7.85 = 293.96 ppi

I don't think so. It would introduce yet another form factor for developers.. Resulting in many to leave their apps unsupported (same as with Android apps for devices with 'weird' resolutions). Also, 1920x1280 is still not at a 4:3 aspect ratio so it would introduce a new widescreen form factor as well.

I think it will be either 1024x768 or 2048x1536. But I'd bet on 1024x768 for the first revision. It's still a higher DPI than the iPad 1/2 because of the smaller size and less than the retina 9.7", which will remain the 'premium' model. If the 7" is going to cost less, the lower specs would be easily justified.

Edit: Huh, why does my post appear before the one I replied to???

 

[douglaswilliams]

Are the rumors still saying that a mini iPad device would have the same resolution as the current iPads?

If this device had the same resolution as the current iPad, it would have a smaller ppi than the original iPhone. It appears to me that Apple is done with low pixel density displays.

Rumored Small iPad: 1024*768 @ 7.85 = 163.06 ppi

iPad 1 & 2: 1024*768 @ 9.7 = 131.96 ppi
iPad 3: 2048*1536 @ 9.7 = 263.92 ppi

iPhone: 480x320 @ 3.5 = 164.83 ppi
iPhone 4: 960*640 @ 3.5 = 329.65 ppi


It makes more sense and seems more likely to me to double the iPhone 4's resolution in both directions, thus:

More Likely Small iPad: 1920x1280 @ 7.85 = 293.96 ppi

This would make it slightly higher than the iPad 3, but slightly less than the iPhone 4. Right where it should be based on it's size, and viewing distance from your eyes. Plus developers still get the whole benefit of being able to easily remake apps by doubling the pixels on their iPhone 4 apps.

 

[Blakjack]

They arent making a smaller device.

If the smaller one lacks certain features, I could kind of believe it, but if its just a smaller one that does everything the 9.7 does, this rumor is unbelievable.

A 9.7 inch device is wonderful, but if buying a smaller ipad with the same features will afford me the opportunity to pay less, then Im going smaller. And this is why I dont believe they are working on a smaller ipad. Millions of people will go for the smaller iPad because its cheaper.

And there are what, 16-18 different iPad models already!! Why add to an already rediculous number, especially when they are already breaking records selling this thing.

if it aint broke, dont fix it. I mean there is absolutely NO REASON to create another kind of iPad. No reason whatsoever. Just because there are people who are enjoying the size of that cheap ars, crappy Kindle tablet doesnt mean Apple has to build a smaller tablet. Amazon hasnt shown any interest in battleing the iPad feature for feature. iPads are selling by the boatloads and there is no sign that that will change anytime soon.

Im sure they may have a smaller tablet in their lab and they may continue to study and pnder the idea. Thats what they are supposed to do, but to actually release one now just doesnt make any sense. And what also doesnt make any sense is the idea that it would be released around christmas time. Im sure that would disrupt the 9.7 sales around the biggest time of the year. This rumor urks me on so many levels.

 

[Viziony]

Personally. I really hope this rumor is true. I would love a smaller form iPad to compliment the bigger one. Just last week I went to the Verizon store to review the Samsung Galaxy 7.7 tablet. It was OK, I was never a big fan of the droid o/s. But for a price tag of 699$ w/o the contract for a 16gb tablet is OUTRAGEOUS.

the iPad is a great tool for around the house but not really for use on the train or on the go. It's just too big.

Come on 7" iPad! I would get it in a heart beat.

 

[BruiserB]

It's just logical. Can I get some props for that at least?

Props to you on the logic.

The only reason I don't think they'd do that is if they are truly trying to make this a low cost entry level machine, they wouldn't invest in a super great display. And this is a resolution that already has established apps. Then if people really want a retina iPad as well, they have to buy the second one.

 

[Bear]

To toss another thought out there...

What if this is the remote for the rumored Apple TV? At that point selling it separately makes sense since it's already in production.

I doubt it.

Doubt all you want. It will or won't happen regardless of your doubts.

iNote. It will sell Millions. DO NOT underestimate the power of "purse compliant".

This.

The 10" iPad is great for home use, but I think a 8" iPad is better for on the go.

Also this.

...
When you get a smaller iPad you get less battery, probably less hardware, and most likely less function. Why? A travel-sized iPad? Whu?
...

I would expect a 7" iPod released later this year to have at least as much functionality as the iPad2 and between the smaller display and battery advances, could have a similar battery run time.

And a 7" iPad with the same functionality and screen resolution as the iPad2 will be minimal impact on application developers.

 

[appahappa]

yes but apple is missing the huge market that isnt willing the shell out $600 for a tablet. As verified by many posts on this thread, those who buy the more expensive 10in iPad are not necessarily those who would buy the 7.5in iPad, therefore, apple wouldn't be stealing its own customers.

I think it looks great, i love my Kindle Fire, but would gladly jump to a smaller, less expensive iPad if given the opportunity.

Huge market doesn't matter. Even market share actually doesn't matter. I think that's why apple is so successful. They target premium markets where you get the biggest profit margin per sold product. Let the other manufacturers fight the "cheap war". I don't think Kindle Fire is very profitable for Amazon.

 

[ri0ku]

what's the difference between digitimes and a broken clock?

At least a broken clock is right twice a day.

zing!

 

[PracticalMac]

What is peoples obsession with having bigger phones and smaller tablets? I don't get it.

Since you don't get it, why bother posting about it?
Announcing to the world you don't get it?

 

[akbarali.ch]

Remote for Apple TV

I guess it would double as remote for Apple TV. I dont think something like Siri will work with TV directly, voice of the TV will interfere with Users voice commands. I think they'll combine this small tablet to browse the content by gesture/Voice and play it on the apple TV. Similar to like many remotes currently available on the appstore.

 

[milo]

What is peoples obsession with having bigger phones and smaller tablets? I don't get it.

It doesn't matter if you get it. If millions of people want to buy a smaller, cheaper tablet, Apple's options are to sell to that market or to sit on their hands and let Amazon sell millions of those.

Different consumers like different things, it's not "obsession" it's just personal preference.

 

[Bear]

Huge market doesn't matter. Even market share actually doesn't matter. I think that's why apple is so successful. They target premium markets where you get the biggest profit margin per sold product. Let the other manufacturers fight the "cheap war". I don't think Kindle Fire is very profitable for Amazon.

A Kindle Fire is what $199*(US)? A 7" iPad will probably come in around $299(US). Apple will make a profit on it.

What is peoples obsession with having bigger phones and smaller tablets? I don't get it.

I don't want a bigger phone. I just want an iPad at a size that is more portable and easier to use in odd locations.

 

[Chevelle]

Seems like a great idea for Apple and I don't know why people are so agitated by this idea. A smaller Ipad is perfect for on the go, kids, people who don't want to spend what a full size Ipad cost, etc. It's the same reason they made Ipod minis and look how well those did. They make different sized laptops, and the 13" MBP sells very well even though there's a 15" on the market. Ipads and tablets are the consumer computing future. They are already replacing laptops for many, and more options from Apple in the tablet market will open themselves to a greater market. Some of you may not want an Ipad mini personally, but as a business strategy to enter new markets it seems like it makes perfect sense.

 

[BowTheMan89]

I don't think so. It would introduce yet another form factor for developers.. Resulting in many to leave their apps unsupported (same as with Android apps for devices with 'weird' resolutions). Also, 1920x1280 is still not at a 4:3 aspect ratio so it would introduce a new widescreen form factor as well.

I think it will be either 1024x768 or 2048x1536. But I'd bet on 1024x768 for the first revision. It's still a higher DPI than the iPad 1/2 because of the smaller size and less than the retina 9.7", which will remain the 'premium' model. If the 7" is going to cost less, the lower specs would be easily justified.

Edit: Huh, why does my post appear before the one I replied to???

The developers make money off selling their apps on APPLE'S app store. Apple shouldn't care whether they have to spend some extra time tweaking resolutions. These devices sell to millions of people, developers would be stupid to say, "nah, im not messing with it again, later apple".

If the devs did refuse to create another form factor (which they wont), apple could just threaten to drop the app from the store, and they would scramble like mice to fix it. 25billion app downloads, no developer would say no to those kind of numbers.