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Rumors Continue to Point to November 2 Launch Date for 'iPad Mini'
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Noting the similarity to the predictions of the iPad's failure from so many quarters just a couple of years ago. It was "just a big iPod" and could not possibly succeed. Remember that one?
I know quite a few people who are anxious for a smaller form-factor iPad. It doesn't have to be ground-breaking, just smaller (and less expensive).
I would answer you point by point if I had more time, since I think you're grossly exaggerating the difference between the two scenarios.
However, I think it may be more efficient and effective to simply repeat your last assertion, just so your (lack of) predictive skills are crystal clear when this product turns out to be an astonishing success (as the iPod mini was before it):
I can't wait to see these revolutionary new products next week. I've just booked the day off work to monitor events and get my orders in.
Crazy... or crazy awesome?
Or nano. It could be either of those, or something else nobody has considered. You know, like... iPad? Anyway, just a reality check, assuming anyone is interested in checking reality.
iPod touch is a completely different product and has no bearing on the iPad Air's price.
I don't mean to be trollish here, so I apologize in advance, but is there really such a high demand for a mini iPad? I mean if you care about size get an iPhone, it's small. If you want to read books well on a beautiful screen, get a full sized iPad.
I just don't see this as being all that useful - with the exception of the business applications as previously mentioned. Are people really clammoring up for this?
I just don't see this as being all that useful - with the exception of the business applications as previously mentioned. Are people really clammoring up for this?
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Did they make a retina iPod Touch and not have to charge $459 or give it a 4-hour battery life? Why does retina for a modestly larger screen have to come with a price almost as much as a full-sized iPad and/or significant battery tradeoffs compared to iPod touch or iPad?
I know we think it won't have retina so we want to start building up our "Apple is always right" rationale points for not including it, but, other than that, if a big focus of this thing is reading iBooks, I'd think retina might matter more here than in iPod Touch and iPhone.
Why do those people deserve our scorn? Do we work for Apple? Is there something in them seeking what they want that hurts us in some way? If next year's mini is the one that Apple "should've, could've" built this year, they should roll it out this year. That whole "holding back" concept is- IMO- dumb (from the "delighting consumers" point of view). There will always be "cool" and "magical" new things to build into a next generation. (note: of course, I understand the monetary rationale of the "holding back" issue, so I won't be negatively surprised when some important thing probably in all of the other iDevices is left out of this one).
I agree and disagree. If you want something small and handheld then you may be willing to pay a premium for the iPod (which I think is a little overpriced actually). But they are essentially the same product. Why pay more for the smaller version that runs phone apps instead of full-sized apps? Unless you want/need something pocketable. Bottom line, this is Apple we're talking about. There's no way they will price the iPad Mini under $300. Not in a million years. They will still slaughter the competition with a starting price of $349.
I disagree, there were a gazillion MP3 players that were 256 / 512 MB in size and significantly smaller than the original iPod. Apple released the mini to cover this market gap; smaller and cheaper.
A 6-8in device is much easier to hold and read on. It's more the size of a paperback to a hardback novel, and will weigh considerably less. Yes, the full-sized iPad can be used for reading, but try reading for an extended period of time in bed with the iPad. I'd rather something smaller and lighter for that. Also think about kids playing games or using the iPad for whatever purpose.. a smaller iPad would be perfect for families. the iPhone is too small to use as an everyday novel reading device (for me, and for many others, although the iPhone 5's screen size increase likely helps a little in that regard.. I have an iPhone 4), iPad is great for reading pdf work docs but it is still heavy and unwieldy for novel reading, or even picking up really quick to do small tasks (again, for me. scoff if you like!).
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Why? Because the iPod Touch is priced at $299?
Again please note the prices of the even larger screen, 32GB and 64GB iPad with cellular vs. an unlocked 32GB and 64GB iPhone. The bigger screen with retina and cellular hardware costs less than the similarly-speced iPhone.
Don't use the iPod Touch pricing as the absolute floor. For some, iPod Touch's smaller size is a valuable plus. Some people want an iDevice that fits in a pocket but doesn't come with a couple of thousand dollars in additional costs via cellular tolls... just like some choose the iPhone over an iPad with cellular (even though the former costs more unlocked and much more with a plan factored in).
It's easy for me to imagine Apple aiming for a price under $300. Especially if the push is Apple's answer to book readers, there's a lot of interesting competition under $300... even well below $300. If I was betting, I'd bet at least one model at $249 and I might take a long-shot bet on one at $199. We'll see soon enough.
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C'mon! It can't be cheaper than the new Touch 4".
The Touch is 299 (32Gb) and 399 (64Gb). Whereas the old Touch is 199 (16 Gb)-249 (32 Gb).
My guesses for iPad Mini is that there will be 16-32-64 Gig versions, wifi only.
Priced at 399-499-599.
I can't wait for the iPad Mini or whatever it shall be named.
I haven't had an iPad since the first one, selling it right before iPad 2 was released. Having a MacBook Air 11" and traveling either working or on my motorbike more than I'm home I just couldn't rationalize carrying both after having both.
For me the added portability is what makes it most attractive, I could care less about the price. Even a maxed out iPMini should cost less than an entry level iPad.
64GB, 4G/LTE, retina display in white please, charge me what you need Apple.
I haven't had an iPad since the first one, selling it right before iPad 2 was released. Having a MacBook Air 11" and traveling either working or on my motorbike more than I'm home I just couldn't rationalize carrying both after having both.
For me the added portability is what makes it most attractive, I could care less about the price. Even a maxed out iPMini should cost less than an entry level iPad.
64GB, 4G/LTE, retina display in white please, charge me what you need Apple.
I expect you're probably right, on all counts. That means I'll wait to the next revision before buying, if at all. If I am not their demographic, then so be it.
By your same argument why would they sell a "smaller" iPad for the same price as an iPad 2???
As many have said, I don't think you can base the price of the iPad mini based on other products that Apple sells. I think the price will be based on the Market they're attempting to gain !
I sure hope those prices are right... I think if they can roll with those prices this thing is going to fly off shelves!
There isn't going to be a retina display on this model, because of cost to build vs retail pricing. They can do anything they want, but retina isn't going to happen, though with the smaller screen and specs it will be very close to retina.
They can price these iPad's a bit lower than the iPod Touch because of the retina display.. which cost them more.
I have a Nexus 7 and I have it up for sale, been there and done that... It feels like its a void because everything else I own is connected to Apple's ecosystem and the Nexus 7 is the red headed step child of all my toys. I want an iPad Mini that will be part of the ecosystem.
LOL if the starting price is $399 and what you get is basically a smaller iPad 2 you can write FAIL all over it. This has nothing to do with the iPod touch so why are people comparing the two? Just because its bigger doesn't mean it has to be more expensive.
Wow, you can't be serious.
Everybody that wants an eReader will probably buy an iPad Mini.
My father, a pilot, said the iPhone is too small for his apps and the iPad is too big for the cockpit. The Mini would be the perfect tool.
That's only 2 examples. It's going to be successful. You guys fail to see the amplitude of users.