New photos of the alleged iPad Mini emerged online and revealed that the device will have a thinner bezel around the screen.
Update: Apple stands to walk away with just $100 profit per iPad Mini sold, according to guesswork figures (below)
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
According to reports, the world's most valuable technology company is looking to release the iPad Mini in a bid to fend off stiff competition from rivals Amazon, who successfully entered the tablet fray last year with the Amazon Kindle Fire.
But how much truth is there behind the headlines and what exactly can we expect to see from the compact device when it finally lands? We’ve rummaged through all the rumours and ‘trusted source’ quotes to find out…
iPad Mini: When is it out?
Analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets has added further fuel to the iPad Mini rumour fire with claims that the device could arrive alongside the rumoured iPhone 5 in September.
He said: "Looking forward to an exciting September from Apple. Regarding the widely anticipated iPhone 5, we believe a September launch is more likely than October."
Other rumours have also confirmed that Apple might release a new slate later this year.
Chinese website NetEase quoted two sources who claim that Cupertino-based Apple plans to release the reported 7.85-inch tablet to compete with a batch of newly-released Windows 8 tablets, believed to be landing around at the same time.
The site, which claims to have inside contacts at several factories that manufacture Apple products, also claimed that Apple will ship 6m units of the iPad Mini in the third quarter – between July and September.
Although many remain unconvinced, another analyst, Shaw Wu from brokerage firm Sterne Agee, believes the release of a mini iPad should be viewed as a “question of when, not if.”
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
iPad Mini: How much will it cost?
Chinese sources claim that the miniature iPad will be priced at around $250-$300 (£156-£187 respectively).
Apple devices are notoriously expensive, so the launch of a cheap(er) tablet is a clear indication that the San Francisco firm is pulling out all the stops to ensure Amazon doesn’t steal its tablet crown.
Some analysts also believe the launch of a mid-sized tablet will fend off competition from the likes of Samsung and Microsoft, both of which have been very active in their pursuits to overtake the world’s biggest company.
Update: Based on the figures above, analysts claim Apple stands to gain about $100 in profit for each tablet sold. That figure is based on a calculation of its potential innards, with the screen costing the most at $49.54.
Despite an Amazon Kindle Fire UK release datenot being set yet, the tablet is creating a buzz on British shores.
It was released in the US in November last year and, according to reports, 3.9m units were sold in the run up to Christmas.
Samsung has also seen miniature success in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet and mobile phone all-in-one sporting a colour-rich 5.3-inch screen.
The device has sold over 5m units despite only being released a few months ago, and its follow-up, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is expected to be unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin in August.
Although going miniature seems to be the new fad in tablet design, critics believe that Apple will buck the trend, according to MacWorld.
The late Apple boss Steve Jobs once famously dissed mid-sized slates during an Apple earnings call in October 2010, saying:
“The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.”
““These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA -- dead on arrival,” he said.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear ore.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear ore.
Update: Apple stands to walk away with just $100 profit per iPad Mini sold, according to guesswork figures (below)
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
According to reports, the world's most valuable technology company is looking to release the iPad Mini in a bid to fend off stiff competition from rivals Amazon, who successfully entered the tablet fray last year with the Amazon Kindle Fire.
But how much truth is there behind the headlines and what exactly can we expect to see from the compact device when it finally lands? We’ve rummaged through all the rumours and ‘trusted source’ quotes to find out…
iPad Mini: When is it out?
Analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets has added further fuel to the iPad Mini rumour fire with claims that the device could arrive alongside the rumoured iPhone 5 in September.
He said: "Looking forward to an exciting September from Apple. Regarding the widely anticipated iPhone 5, we believe a September launch is more likely than October."
Other rumours have also confirmed that Apple might release a new slate later this year.
Chinese website NetEase quoted two sources who claim that Cupertino-based Apple plans to release the reported 7.85-inch tablet to compete with a batch of newly-released Windows 8 tablets, believed to be landing around at the same time.
The site, which claims to have inside contacts at several factories that manufacture Apple products, also claimed that Apple will ship 6m units of the iPad Mini in the third quarter – between July and September.
Although many remain unconvinced, another analyst, Shaw Wu from brokerage firm Sterne Agee, believes the release of a mini iPad should be viewed as a “question of when, not if.”
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
iPad Mini: How much will it cost?
Chinese sources claim that the miniature iPad will be priced at around $250-$300 (£156-£187 respectively).
Apple devices are notoriously expensive, so the launch of a cheap(er) tablet is a clear indication that the San Francisco firm is pulling out all the stops to ensure Amazon doesn’t steal its tablet crown.
Some analysts also believe the launch of a mid-sized tablet will fend off competition from the likes of Samsung and Microsoft, both of which have been very active in their pursuits to overtake the world’s biggest company.
Update: Based on the figures above, analysts claim Apple stands to gain about $100 in profit for each tablet sold. That figure is based on a calculation of its potential innards, with the screen costing the most at $49.54.
Despite an Amazon Kindle Fire UK release datenot being set yet, the tablet is creating a buzz on British shores.
It was released in the US in November last year and, according to reports, 3.9m units were sold in the run up to Christmas.
Samsung has also seen miniature success in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet and mobile phone all-in-one sporting a colour-rich 5.3-inch screen.
The device has sold over 5m units despite only being released a few months ago, and its follow-up, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is expected to be unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin in August.
Although going miniature seems to be the new fad in tablet design, critics believe that Apple will buck the trend, according to MacWorld.
The late Apple boss Steve Jobs once famously dissed mid-sized slates during an Apple earnings call in October 2010, saying:
“The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.”
““These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA -- dead on arrival,” he said.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
Update: Apple stands to walk away with just $100 profit per iPad Mini sold, according to guesswork figures (below)
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
According to reports, the world's most valuable technology company is looking to release the iPad Mini in a bid to fend off stiff competition from rivals Amazon, who successfully entered the tablet fray last year with the Amazon Kindle Fire.
But how much truth is there behind the headlines and what exactly can we expect to see from the compact device when it finally lands? We’ve rummaged through all the rumours and ‘trusted source’ quotes to find out…
iPad Mini: When is it out?
Analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets has added further fuel to the iPad Mini rumour fire with claims that the device could arrive alongside the rumoured iPhone 5 in September.
He said: "Looking forward to an exciting September from Apple. Regarding the widely anticipated iPhone 5, we believe a September launch is more likely than October."
Other rumours have also confirmed that Apple might release a new slate later this year.
Chinese website NetEase quoted two sources who claim that Cupertino-based Apple plans to release the reported 7.85-inch tablet to compete with a batch of newly-released Windows 8 tablets, believed to be landing around at the same time.
The site, which claims to have inside contacts at several factories that manufacture Apple products, also claimed that Apple will ship 6m units of the iPad Mini in the third quarter – between July and September.
Although many remain unconvinced, another analyst, Shaw Wu from brokerage firm Sterne Agee, believes the release of a mini iPad should be viewed as a “question of when, not if.”
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
iPad Mini: How much will it cost?
Chinese sources claim that the miniature iPad will be priced at around $250-$300 (£156-£187 respectively).
Apple devices are notoriously expensive, so the launch of a cheap(er) tablet is a clear indication that the San Francisco firm is pulling out all the stops to ensure Amazon doesn’t steal its tablet crown.
Some analysts also believe the launch of a mid-sized tablet will fend off competition from the likes of Samsung and Microsoft, both of which have been very active in their pursuits to overtake the world’s biggest company.
Update: Based on the figures above, analysts claim Apple stands to gain about $100 in profit for each tablet sold. That figure is based on a calculation of its potential innards, with the screen costing the most at $49.54.
Despite an Amazon Kindle Fire UK release datenot being set yet, the tablet is creating a buzz on British shores.
It was released in the US in November last year and, according to reports, 3.9m units were sold in the run up to Christmas.
Samsung has also seen miniature success in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet and mobile phone all-in-one sporting a colour-rich 5.3-inch screen.
The device has sold over 5m units despite only being released a few months ago, and its follow-up, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is expected to be unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin in August.
Although going miniature seems to be the new fad in tablet design, critics believe that Apple will buck the trend, according to MacWorld.
The late Apple boss Steve Jobs once famously dissed mid-sized slates during an Apple earnings call in October 2010, saying:
“The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.”
““These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA -- dead on arrival,” he said.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
The new Apple iPad 3 is barely out of its pristinely white box but already a flurry of rumours have hit the web, hinting at the launch of a miniature version of Apple’s current-generation slate, dubbed the iPad Mini.
iPad Mini: When is it out?
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
He claims Apple is currently testing several 4-12-inch screen-sporting devices, according to Apple Insider.
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
However, despite reports that the tablet will be released later this year, Wu believes Apple won’t be announcing the tablet so soon after the launch of the new iPad, saying:
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
"We do not sense that the release of an iPad mini is imminent and quite frankly, exact timing is difficult to predict.
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
However, we do believe it makes both fundamental and strategic sense for AAPL to address at some point."
iPad Mini: How much will it cost?
Despite an Amazon Kindle Fire UK release datenot being set yet, the tablet is creating a buzz on British shores.
It was released in the US in November last year and, according to reports, 3.9m units were sold in the run up to Christmas.
Samsung has also seen miniature success in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet and mobile phone all-in-one sporting a colour-rich 5.3-inch screen.
The device has sold over 5m units despite only being released a few months ago, and its follow-up, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is expected to be unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin in August.
Although going miniature seems to be the new fad in tablet design, critics believe that Apple will buck the trend, according to MacWorld.
The late Apple boss Steve Jobs once famously dissed mid-sized slates during an Apple earnings call in October 2010, saying:
“The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.”
““These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA -- dead on arrival,” he said.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
iPad Mini: What specs will it have?The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
How has Apple reacted to Microsoft Surface?
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The software giant unveiled the Microsoft Surface tablet earlier this month, although a release date and price point is yet to be allocated.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
The Windows 8-toting device measures in at 10-6 inches and sports a rugged Gorilla Glass 2 display. Also in the mix is a stunning 1920x1080p Full HD ClearType screen and a USB 3.0 connector. It will be available in two storage models: 64GB and 128GB.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
What will the surprise release of the Surface mean for Apple? We’re yet to hear how the bods over at Cupertino have reacted to the news but we’ll update this post the minute we hear more.
Chinese website Apple.pro posted the images last weekend was immediately picked up by various tech websites. The significant feature of iPad Mini showed in the photos is the slimmer bezel around the screen display.
Apple is expected to release the rumored 7-inch iPad Mini, which is rumored to have 7.3 mm thick, 134.73mm wide, 200.13mm long, and feature a mini dock connector, redesigned speakers, and add a microphone on the backside.
The iPad Mini will feature a rear camera and a front camera for FaceTime, although the pixels of shooters are not yet revealed.
According to Mashable, iPad mini will also include "cellular data antenna, the mockup seems to be very thin and features a smaller dock connector just like the next-generation iPhone. The unit also seems to have larger speakers near the dock."
"Instapaper developer Marco Arment apparently stumbled into a few clues about the existence of the iPad mini. In the access logs of his app, he found references to two new device models - iPad 2,5 and iPad 2,6. This coincides with speculation that the iPad mini would effectively be an iPad 2 with a smaller 7.85-inch screen," the report said.
Initial rumors claimed that Apple will introduce the new iPad Mini on September 12 along with the latest generation of iPhone. However, new rumors claimed that Apple's smaller tablet will hit the tech market in October.
Update: Apple stands to walk away with just $100 profit per iPad Mini sold, according to guesswork figures (below)
According to reports, the world's most valuable technology company is looking to release the iPad Mini in a bid to fend off stiff competition from rivals Amazon, who successfully entered the tablet fray last year with the Amazon Kindle Fire.
But how much truth is there behind the headlines and what exactly can we expect to see from the compact device when it finally lands? We’ve rummaged through all the rumours and ‘trusted source’ quotes to find out…
Analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets has added further fuel to the iPad Mini rumour fire with claims that the device could arrive alongside the rumoured iPhone 5 in September.
He said: "Looking forward to an exciting September from Apple. Regarding the widely anticipated iPhone 5, we believe a September launch is more likely than October."
Other rumours have also confirmed that Apple might release a new slate later this year.
Chinese website NetEase quoted two sources who claim that Cupertino-based Apple plans to release the reported 7.85-inch tablet to compete with a batch of newly-released Windows 8 tablets, believed to be landing around at the same time.
The site, which claims to have inside contacts at several factories that manufacture Apple products, also claimed that Apple will ship 6m units of the iPad Mini in the third quarter – between July and September.
Although many remain unconvinced, another analyst, Shaw Wu from brokerage firm Sterne Agee, believes the release of a mini iPad should be viewed as a “question of when, not if.”
Chinese sources claim that the miniature iPad will be priced at around $250-$300 (£156-£187 respectively).
Apple devices are notoriously expensive, so the launch of a cheap(er) tablet is a clear indication that the San Francisco firm is pulling out all the stops to ensure Amazon doesn’t steal its tablet crown.
Some analysts also believe the launch of a mid-sized tablet will fend off competition from the likes of Samsung and Microsoft, both of which have been very active in their pursuits to overtake the world’s biggest company.
Update: Based on the figures above, analysts claim Apple stands to gain about $100 in profit for each tablet sold. That figure is based on a calculation of its potential innards, with the screen costing the most at $49.54.
Despite an Amazon Kindle Fire UK release datenot being set yet, the tablet is creating a buzz on British shores.
It was released in the US in November last year and, according to reports, 3.9m units were sold in the run up to Christmas.
Samsung has also seen miniature success in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet and mobile phone all-in-one sporting a colour-rich 5.3-inch screen.
The device has sold over 5m units despite only being released a few months ago, and its follow-up, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is expected to be unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin in August.
Although going miniature seems to be the new fad in tablet design, critics believe that Apple will buck the trend, according to MacWorld.
The late Apple boss Steve Jobs once famously dissed mid-sized slates during an Apple earnings call in October 2010, saying:
“The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.”
““These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA -- dead on arrival,” he said.
The controversial motherboard manufacturer Foxconn and the design and electronics manufacturer Pegatron, two of Apple’s most devoted iKit producers, have apparently already been briefed about the iPad Mini.
They will, according to reports, be actively involved in the production of the device.
Whether the iPad Mini will function as a mobile phone remains to be seen, however, it will reportedly sport a 7-inch screen – it was originally believed to be a 5-inch screen - supposedly with the same pin-sharp resolution as the new iPad.
We don’t have any further details on the iPad Mini's specs yet but will keep you updated as and when we do.
Although we all expected to see a batch of Windows 8 tablets arrive this year, none of us expected a Microsoft-branded slate.
This post sponsored by: Dr Mobiles Limited (Map)
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This post sponsored by: Dr Mobiles Limited (Map)
1 Huron Street, Takapuna, North Shore
0622Tel: (09) 551-5344 andMob: (021) 264-0000
Web - Map - Google+ - Email - Posterous - Tumblr Twitter - Blogger - Flick - Author
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