Well done. I can see this happening if the iPad mini does come to fruition. Doubling iPhone apps would be easy enough. BUT, and iPad mini would be expected to run iPad Apps and downsizing those would be rough (if aiming for the 1920x1280). I expect a 7.85" iPod touch instead capable of using iBooks Textbooks.
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Production of 7.85-Inch iPad Reportedly Moving Closer as More Suppliers Named
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Well done. I can see this happening if the iPad mini does come to fruition. Doubling iPhone apps would be easy enough. BUT, and iPad mini would be expected to run iPad Apps and downsizing those would be rough (if aiming for the 1920x1280). I expect a 7.85" iPod touch instead capable of using iBooks Textbooks.
Or, you know, he approved it. Bit silly to think he came up with the idea for every single product Apple makes.
I can accept that others may find this attractive, but I just don't get the "too big to be a phone, too small to be a full time device" form factor. The current iPad size is great for home use, plane use, day trip use where my laptop is overkill. But on the go, I use a phone, something that I can pull out of my front pocket in seconds. If it can't fit in my pocket, it might as well be 10". If you're a big paperback reader or small book form person, maybe this is more appealing. I just can't imaging reading a magazine on that thing.
That is, IF one will use it to read magazines.
It seems a lot of people expect everyone to use the iPad the same way they do.
I read "Digitimes now points[...]" and stopped.
Digitime TS;DR. (To Stupid; Didn't Read)
Digitimes can put out "story" after story after link bait, but doing so won't make it happen.
Digitime TS;DR. (To Stupid; Didn't Read)
Digitimes can put out "story" after story after link bait, but doing so won't make it happen.
I understand the case you are making for the cheaper, entry level device. But is there a history of Apple making "low cost entry level" devices? I'm no Apple historian, but it seems that even their cheapest laptops are still expensive.
It would be great if they would make something so the poorer folks could enjoy Apple's great devices, I just don't think that is their usual way of doing things.
Side note: this past week I sold my iPad 1 for $305 to a lady with five kids who works at a taco stand. That is a lot so spend when you work at a taco stand and have five major responsibilities running around the house. For some reason, poor people still cough up the dough for Apple.
I think some people are looking for a larger all-in-one device. They want the luxury of a larger screen, but the convenience of a phone.
Because, there's probably an unfilled gap.
There's people that find the iPad a bit too large to be highly mobile (conveniently carry around) ... they find a smartphone too small. Like laptops and iPods, I think various size tablets is just a natural evolution to satisfy the market... market timing, of course, is also important (even if you have a hit, and you release it too early, it can/will fail).
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I will repeat what I've always said:
Why I want a smaller iPad
-I want to thumb type.
-I want something I can quickly slip in and out of my jacket pocket or purse.
-I want something less conspicuous than an iPad in public places, subway,etc.
-My simple needs do not justify the price of an iPad
-I easily drop things.
What I want a larger iPhone/iPod Touch:
-My aging eyes can no longer comfortably read and navigate research articles on my iPod Touch
Now my needs does not justify the production of a smaller iPad. But I think there is a large population of people out there who share my thoughts. Therefore, I think there is a viable market for this.
I object to this rumor because it's the same rumor from the same source, over and over!
I do think its a good idea for Apple to expand its iPad line. There's always an advantage to a bigger screen and a disadvantage to a larger and heavier device. I think the important considerations are transportability and usability. So I see some natural levels:
* fits comfortably in your pocket and hand (iPhone, Touch)
* comfortable to hold with one hand, fits in a purse or small bag -- 7.8" iPad mini?
* comfortable to hold with two hands, requires bag to transport (9.8" iPad)
I would need to see a 7.8" iPad in person, but maybe it slots into that middle spot.
I do think its a good idea for Apple to expand its iPad line. There's always an advantage to a bigger screen and a disadvantage to a larger and heavier device. I think the important considerations are transportability and usability. So I see some natural levels:
* fits comfortably in your pocket and hand (iPhone, Touch)
* comfortable to hold with one hand, fits in a purse or small bag -- 7.8" iPad mini?
* comfortable to hold with two hands, requires bag to transport (9.8" iPad)
I would need to see a 7.8" iPad in person, but maybe it slots into that middle spot.
I've just one simple question to ask.
Are we thinking that for the rest of our lives, we are going to have iPad in a single size?
Are we thinking that Apple will never ever release an iPad in a different size/aspect ratio?
Are we thinking that the technology will never innovate so as to make way for smaller/larger iPads?
If that is the case, we are kidding ourselves. Steve Jobs in 2009-10 said that a smaller iPad isn't possible due to software constraints. I believe that the technology will go past the barrier and the software paradigms for mobile computing will mature and we will see a smaller iPad in the near future.
And honestly? I would be interested in one. So will millions of people.
Just my 2 cents.
Are we thinking that for the rest of our lives, we are going to have iPad in a single size?
Are we thinking that Apple will never ever release an iPad in a different size/aspect ratio?
Are we thinking that the technology will never innovate so as to make way for smaller/larger iPads?
If that is the case, we are kidding ourselves. Steve Jobs in 2009-10 said that a smaller iPad isn't possible due to software constraints. I believe that the technology will go past the barrier and the software paradigms for mobile computing will mature and we will see a smaller iPad in the near future.
And honestly? I would be interested in one. So will millions of people.
Just my 2 cents.
I would like to pay about $400 for an 8" iPad assuming the following:
iPad 2 Processor
iPad 2 Screen Resolution
iPad 2 amount of RAM
3MP camera resolution?
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC (contingent on Apple quality software offering)
iPad 2 amount of storage (same bump as current iPads)
Available HSPA+ (same bump as current iPads)
I would probably get the 32GB with 3G for $629. Something that portable, I probably want mobile data.
iPad 2 Processor
iPad 2 Screen Resolution
iPad 2 amount of RAM
3MP camera resolution?
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC (contingent on Apple quality software offering)
iPad 2 amount of storage (same bump as current iPads)
Available HSPA+ (same bump as current iPads)
I would probably get the 32GB with 3G for $629. Something that portable, I probably want mobile data.
I agree, smartphone form factor gets the job done but is too small to use comfortably for longer periods of time.
If Apple ever does release different size tablets (whether it's a small iPad or bigger iPod), I think they would probably want to overwhelming establish a product identity for the iPad first (only one size) like they did with the iPod - Then introduce variants later...
Their priority generally is to make good products first (doing it right) , rather than coming out with a short term response to competitors such as the Fire.
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That's just it..it's not just Digitimes reporting that Apple is at the least testing a smaller iPad. Taiwanese newspaper United Evening and the WSJ have all not mentioned. it.
I think it's clear that a smaller iPad is being looked at. We'll see if it goes into full production. The Q3 timeframe is nice. The iPad with launch usually in March means that by the biggest shopping season of year it's a bit old. A smaller iPad kind of rekindles (pun not intended) the flame and sets Apple up nicely for Black Friday and beyond.
Strategically the iPad mini makes sense from a potential pricing and time of delivery standpoint.
Exactly! And I don't recall the direct quote, BUT Jobs did say anything smaller than the display on the current iPad would be a fail. They tested every screen size possible before the iPad 1 was released for sale. Jobs hated the smaller displays.
Reducing the size will not reduce the price an appreciable amount. Users will expect the same performance, just with less screen space. Smaller competing tablets are significantly cheaper because they are cheaper in every sense of the term.
The 16GB 3G iPad is $630.
The 16GB iPhone (to wit 3G iPad nano) is $650.
A 7" iPad will not be $200.
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