Apple expected to introduce redesigned Smart Cover alongside slimmer 5th-gen iPad
Apple's upcoming iPad hardware refresh is widely believed to bring a thinner overall form factor with narrower bezels and an iPad mini-like cross-section for the fifth-generation tablet, leading Cupertino to introduce a new version of the popular iPad Smart Cover, according to one analyst.
A Monday research note from Cantor Fitzgerald's Brian J. White says that based on conversations with Chinese and Taiwanese suppliers, the firm expects Apple's next full-sized iPad to be between one-half and three-quarters of an inch narrower than its predecessors, figures that line up with schematics provided to AppleInsider last month. White noted that several vendors at trade shows the firm attended over the weekend were selling iPad cases and covers matching the new dimensions.
"Given this change in size, we believe this will provide Apple with an excuse to unveil a new Smart Cover and drive an upgrade cycle for this line of cases (also an upgrade cycle for non-Apple branded iPad cases), which we believe is an attractive margin product for Apple," White said. "Essentially, if you own a case for prior versions of the iPad, you will need to buy a new case for the iPad 5."
Very little is known about the new iPad's matching Smart Covers, but given that Apple's next tablet is rumored to feature the same edge geometry as the company's iPad mini, it is possible that the covers will mimic the all-fabric design of their smaller counterparts. Previous rumors have pointed to a narrower variant of the existing full-size iPad design, but the rumored change to the body shape of the iPad 5 --?combined with the current generation Smart Cover's propensity to scratch the side of the iPad where it is attached --?make that an unlikely choice.
White's research also suggests that the iPad 5 will be available in the same three colors as the iPhone 5s --?silver, gold, and space gray --?and the firm expects the new form factor to entice customers holding on to older iPads to upgrade.
"Given that Apple did little in the way of changing the look and feel of the past couple of iPad iterations, we believe Apple's sizable installed base is ready to purchase a new full-sized iPad," White writes.
That hypothesis is borne out by data from popular trade-in service Gazelle, who said last week that iPad trade-in activity spiked 86 percent week-over-week and 269 percent year-over-year after a report that Apple would hold an iPad-focused special event on Oct. 22. Gazelle reported similar increases for older iPhones leading up to the launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c, which went on to sell a record nine million units on launch weekend.
A Monday research note from Cantor Fitzgerald's Brian J. White says that based on conversations with Chinese and Taiwanese suppliers, the firm expects Apple's next full-sized iPad to be between one-half and three-quarters of an inch narrower than its predecessors, figures that line up with schematics provided to AppleInsider last month. White noted that several vendors at trade shows the firm attended over the weekend were selling iPad cases and covers matching the new dimensions.
"Given this change in size, we believe this will provide Apple with an excuse to unveil a new Smart Cover and drive an upgrade cycle for this line of cases (also an upgrade cycle for non-Apple branded iPad cases), which we believe is an attractive margin product for Apple," White said. "Essentially, if you own a case for prior versions of the iPad, you will need to buy a new case for the iPad 5."
Very little is known about the new iPad's matching Smart Covers, but given that Apple's next tablet is rumored to feature the same edge geometry as the company's iPad mini, it is possible that the covers will mimic the all-fabric design of their smaller counterparts. Previous rumors have pointed to a narrower variant of the existing full-size iPad design, but the rumored change to the body shape of the iPad 5 --?combined with the current generation Smart Cover's propensity to scratch the side of the iPad where it is attached --?make that an unlikely choice.
White's research also suggests that the iPad 5 will be available in the same three colors as the iPhone 5s --?silver, gold, and space gray --?and the firm expects the new form factor to entice customers holding on to older iPads to upgrade.
"Given that Apple did little in the way of changing the look and feel of the past couple of iPad iterations, we believe Apple's sizable installed base is ready to purchase a new full-sized iPad," White writes.
That hypothesis is borne out by data from popular trade-in service Gazelle, who said last week that iPad trade-in activity spiked 86 percent week-over-week and 269 percent year-over-year after a report that Apple would hold an iPad-focused special event on Oct. 22. Gazelle reported similar increases for older iPhones leading up to the launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c, which went on to sell a record nine million units on launch weekend.
Comments
STOP USING THE WORD FORM FACTOR WHEN YOU MEAN DESIGN. IT HAS A THINNER DESIGN. Form factor is a made up garbage description that doesn't mean anything. At all. Design. Say what you mean instead of trying to "sound smart". Trust me, everyone will know what you mean by thinner "design". I promise.
STOP USING THE WORD FORM FACTOR WHEN YOU MEAN DESIGN. IT HAS A THINNER DESIGN. Form factor is a made up garbage description that doesn't mean anything. At all. Design. Say what you mean instead of trying to "sound smart". Trust me, everyone will know what you mean by thinner "design". I promise.
'Form factor' is completely fine in this context. It's incorrect to say it doesn't mean anything at all. Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_form_factor
STOP USING THE WORD FORM FACTOR WHEN YOU MEAN DESIGN. IT HAS A THINNER DESIGN. Form factor is a made up garbage description that doesn't mean anything. At all. Design. Say what you mean instead of trying to "sound smart". Trust me, everyone will know what you mean by thinner "design". I promise.
I for one have my credit card ready for the new FORM FACTOR ipad.'Form factor' is completely fine in this context. It's incorrect to say it doesn't mean anything at all. Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_form_factor
Or here-http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/form-factor
noun
a mathematical factor that compensates for irregularity in the shape of an object, usually the ratio between its volume and that of a regular object of the same breadth and height. •the physical size and shape of a piece of computer hardware.
Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't think they'd be referring to a pizza box:
Form factor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Look up form factor or form factor in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
The term form factor may refer to:
In physical sciences:
In scattering theory:
Form factor (quantum field theory), a semi-empirical formula used in effective quantum field theories;
Electric form factor, the Fourier transform of electric charge distribution in space;
Magnetic form factor, the Fourier transform of an electric current distribution in space;
Atomic form factor, or atomic scattering factor, a measure of the amplitude of a wave scattered from an isolated atom.
Form factor (radiative transfer) or emissivity, the proportion of energy transmitted by that object which can be transferred to another object;
Form factor (electronics), characterizing the functional form of oscillating signals.
In evaluating shapes of objects
In forest inventory, a factor in timber metrics referring to the tree shape.
The design and geometry of a product, especially in industrial and engineering design, including:
Computer form factor, the industry-standard physical dimensions of the major components of computers
Hard disk drive form factor, the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive
Hard disk enclosure form factor, the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive enclosure
Mobile phone form factor, the fundamental design of a mobile phone
Small form factor, a system smaller than a traditional mini-tower, such as a book-sized PC or a miniature Home Theater PC (HTPC)
Pizza box form factor, a style of case, usually wide and flat, for computers or network switches
It will be a shame if space grey only has a black front as I like a white front but don't like the silver and find the gold ostentatious.
this is shocking. i thought they were going to use the same smart cover.
/s
Yes, I miss real IT news ...
STOP USING THE WORD FORM FACTOR WHEN YOU MEAN DESIGN. IT HAS A THINNER DESIGN. Form factor is a made up garbage description that doesn't mean anything. At all. Design. Say what you mean instead of trying to "sound smart". Trust me, everyone will know what you mean by thinner "design". I promise.
Sucks to be wrong and shot down in flames
Blah blah blah. It means design. I don't give two craps what wikipedia says. Why don't you write a white paper about it. Or purple paper. Check the calculus and make sure the optics are right. Buzzwords are killing the english language. But you're right, if you read it on the internet (wikipedia) it must be so.
Put that in your form factor!
Yeah, I'll be up all night crying.
Actually, the crying will be from how badly you all missed the point. OHHHHHH BURN. FLAME ON. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.
LULZ.
The iPad stands on its own. But the Surface needs all the support it can get.
"Blah blah blah. It means design."
It means nothing...no wait...it means design.
We'll give you one more go
All you guys are actually responding to a poster with dingbat in his user name.
You'll give me one more? Ha! What a joke. The author meant design, you moron. Jesus - this is worse than I thought. I didn't think I'd have to spell it out for you. The little laughing happy faces really take this discourse to a whole new level, though. I feel like I'm in the presence of Socrates himself. Shut up and move on. I'm right, you're wrong. OK, dumdums?
ZOMGZ BURN. ROTFL. LMNOP.
Double LULZ.
1) For a term you claim "is made up garbage" it's in every worthwhile dictionary entry that has existed long before you were born and is quite common in computing. Here is one single relevant definiton for a term you claim 'is made up garbage": physical size and shape of a piece of computer hardware.
2) Do you really not realize that there are multiple words and terms have have the same or similar definitions just as the same word or term can have multiple definitions? Personally, I think design is way too simplistic a term to use as it's physical, man-made object so even if it kept the exact same dimensions the design could still be wildly different yet your usage doesn't allow for that. If you don't realize that for them to choose a different form is part of design then there really isn't anyone can say to you about basic English or logic that will likely help you work out your lack of comprehension with the most rudimentary of things.
PS: You might want to try to "sound smart" every once in a while. Give a try sometime. I beg you! We all beg you.