Apple rumored to use 'slim bezel display' for 7.85-inch iPad
To maximize screen space on its rumored 7.85-inch iPad, Apple will adopt a "slim bezel display," according to a new report.
The detail comes from sources in Apple's upstream supply chain who spoke with DigiTimes. They indicated that the 7.85-inch iPad will take on comparable smaller tablet models like the Amazon Kindle Fire or Samsung Galaxy Tab.
"Although the 7.85-inch iPads may not adopt Retina displays as in the recently released new iPads, the 7.85-inch model is likely to use IPS/FFS panels from LG Display and probably AU Optronics (AUO)," the report said.
It was suggested that the 7.85-inch iPad model will be targeted toward the sub-$300 market, with Apple pricing the device at either $249 or $299. Apple's current low-end model is the 16GB iPad 2, which starts at $399 for the Wi-Fi-only model.
Reports claiming Apple is at work on a smaller iPad model have picked up considerable steam in recent weeks. This month alone it was said that Apple has inked a deal with AU Optronics for displays for the device, while production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2012.
The source for many of the rumors related to a 7.85-inch iPad has been DigiTimes, a technology industry publication based out of Taiwan that has a hit-or-miss track record with respect to Apple-related rumors. But last month The Wall Street Journal chimed in and indicated that Apple was working with suppliers to test a new iPad model with an 7-inch screen size.
Though reports of a smaller iPad continue, many have dismissed the rumored device as a product that Apple will never actually sell. In October of 2010, late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs slammed rivals who were building 7-inch tablets, saying the screen size was too small for users. He said that manufacturers of those devices would need to ship sandpaper with their 7-inch tablets so users could file down their fingers to the point where they could hit smaller targets on the screen.
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Comments
I don't believe these 7-8 inch iPad rumors.
Unless it's meant for toddlers only.
Don't expect this in 2012, that's for sure.
lol, Rabbit_Coach, we used the same word.
It was suggested that the $7.85-inch iPad model......
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It remains the question of how many inches iPad will you get for $7.85.
Other than that, if it is true, then it would mark the end of iPod touch or iPod classics.
The toddlers iPad, with optional sandpaper for those pesky full-grown fingers.
lol, Rabbit_Coach, we used the same word.
lol
+/- 3min
Main problem with a 9.7" tablet is, you're always walking around with your tablet, whereas the 7" tablet can be put in a pocket (jacket preferably
The 7" tablet already has a much slimmer bezel than the iPad, and because you can hold in on one hand (between thumb and finger even), the bezel can easily be slimmed down more.
I don't believe these 7-8 inch iPad rumors.
Me neither. The iPad has to be better than other devices for its key functions, one of which is browsing the web. The size of the iPad was clearly designed so that the majority of webpages are readable without zooming; a smaller iPad wouldn't achieve this. There would have to be a third set of apps designed for a smaller iPad too, or we'd have scaled up iPhone apps (what's the point?) or scaled down iPad apps that in some cases may be unusable.
Of course Apple will be playing with the idea of a smaller iPad just in case the market moves that way, but at the moment with iPad dominating I just can't see Apple changing their minds any time soon.
iPad is THE ORIGINAL PAD and they should not copy others like evil
The toddlers iPad, with optional sandpaper for those pesky full-grown fingers.
Just use the one that came with your even smaller iPhone or iPod touch.
On the other hand, many complain that the iPad is too heavy. If they fall asleep while reading in bed, the iPad falls on their noses and wakes them up!
Me neither. The iPad has to be better than other devices for its key functions, one of which is browsing the web. The size of the iPad was clearly designed so that the majority of webpages are readable without zooming; a smaller iPad wouldn't achieve this. There would have to be a third set of apps designed for a smaller iPad too, or we'd have scaled up iPhone apps (what's the point?) or scaled down iPad apps that in some cases may be unusable.
Of course Apple will be playing with the idea of a smaller iPad just in case the market moves that way, but at the moment with iPad dominating I just can't see Apple changing their minds any time soon.
Zooming is still required on a 9.7 Tablet. News sites in particular are link heavy. If people can manage on an iPhone 3.5 then it really strains credulity to attempt to tell them that web surfing on a device that is over twice as large would be difficult.
Your second point is likely wrong from a technical standpoint. The reason why 7.85 is the size chosen is because it's in a 4:3 ratio which means the same 1024x768 resolution as the iPad 2 would likely be used meaning apps designed for the iPad first and second generations would work.
That is all.
When you can have a $399 tablet as capable as the iPad 2, It's rather a no-brainier to opt for that option over the many inferior options available.
The publication serving up these rumors can't do rumors about the next iPad 9.7-inch model right now because that's a year away. There have been attempts in the past to suggest Apple would update the iPad on a six-month cycle but it's obvious that is not how Apple is doing it.
There will be a new tablet in the fall in that the Touch hasn't had a major update in a long time. Maybe the Touch will grow a little but not all the way up to around 8 inches.
Even if Apple were to bunk Steve Job's wishes against a 7" device, I can't see it having a thin/no bezel design. It just wouldn't work from a design perspective. On an iPhone it's fine it fits in your hand but a table that would not be the case. You need to bezel to grip the device and if the device is all screen? Won't work and I can't see Jony Ive making that big a mistake.