Apple reportedly 'noodling with' 7.85-inch iPad prototype - Page 2

The noise about that specific size, a 7.85" display iPad, has been getting pretty loud Solip. Is this 4th article just at AI reporting on that particular format? Personally I believe it's going to happen, and guessing I'd say Sept/October timeframe.

But isn't 10 inches better than 7? You don't have too many ads on size reduction.

The smaller screen is to address the need for a more afforable version for the Education market. Note they've recently launched a Textbook initiative.

This would make sense if Apple has cracked the e-ink/LCD hybrid. 7.85 seem too close to 9.7.

That's an important point. Look at the costs that go into an iPad. The following would be unchanged by going to a smaller iPad:
- Assembly costs
- CPU
- RAM
- Circuit board
- Support chips
- Operating system and support costs
- Quality control

The following would only be reduced slightly:
- shipping costs
- case costs

The following might have a significant decrease in cost, although probably not proportionate to the area reduction (roughly 40% reduction in area):
- Screen cost
- Battery
- GPU (possibly - if they choose not to use as many cores for the smaller device)

Overall, it's not going to be a $200-250 device. Even $300 is unlikely if they use a retina display. It MIGHT be just barely possible (at lower margin) if they use a non-retina display.

Also needed is a smaller MacBook Air, 400 to 600 g weight. Not for heavy work, but great for Keynote and PowerPoint presentations. The Mac in your pocket, bag or purse. Always.

This.

It would make more sense for Apple to milk the iPad 2 for a while. There is also no preventing Apple to offer discount to education, along with $349-399 individual student purchase.

That said, Apple can make a 7.85 tablet if they want to.

The ideal tablet in my view has a 8-9'' full HD screen, pen input (like the Galaxy Note), and weighs no more than 1 pound. I can think of at least one company that can make this happen.

I'd be surprised. I believe an 'iPad Pro' is more likely - that is, a netbook using the iPad with a keyboard in a netbook format.

I'm always amazed and the commentary on this proposed mini iPad. The hate and then the need vs. no need to compete with Kindle etc.

How about the fact that many people love the Apple environment, but would get better use out of a smaller form factor. The iPad is great, but a little too big for the things I would use it for. A 7.85" one would make much more sense for many people, myself included. What's wrong with Apple providing a product for those people? It's not even about the price. Look at it like the Mac Book Pro's. Apple caters to those who need 17", but also those who need 13".

This is an excellent reason for them to do it.

There does seem to be a market for "mini" tablets in this range even if only for eReaders. To dominate the market (assuming that's a goal), they need to have alternative products at all price/size points that are selling.

What I really think people are missing here though is the thought that the iPad is really a whole platform and not just a device. It doesn't make any sense to me that we will move forward into the future on this platform with only one model that's always identical every year. There has to be some differentiation at some point, possibly even some specialised devices for special use cases.

In fact, if this *doesn't* happen, then that's probably your biggest clue that the iPad is actually just a passing fad as it's just not realistic to expect that every person in the world is going to be satisfied with the exact same hardware for all the myriad of tasks they are going to be using the iPad for.

Many are arguing against this iPad mini here by pointing out that it doesn't do this or that or isn't "perfect" in this or that way like the iPad is, but no one thing is going to be perfect for all tasks for all people. Apple could easily be making a smaller product (or a larger one) for some specific niche of users that want more than the standard iPad can offer.

- What if the new iPad mini is more like a steno pad? And it has a built in pen digitiser?
- What if there is an iPad "maxi" that's 17" diagonally and is used as an art board?

One desktop computer design cannot service everyone on the planet. One laptop design can't either.

At some point there have to be other, different iPad models. Maybe that time is now.

Apple tests hundreds if not a thousand designs every year and only a handful make it to market as a shipping product.

There are probably two dozen (if not more) fifth-generation iPhone prototypes sitting in a lab in Cupertino and yet only one will be announced this year.

This rumor is meaningless.

It is amazing how resistance to a possible new thing so overwhelms acceptance in these forums. There's a long build-up of "I can't see them doing this, what is it for?" kind of commentary, like with the iPad, before and even after it came out.

You'd think people would learn to wait and see, open-mindedly, and take the curious position. Like "What does Apple see in a possible market that I don't?"

A kid-sized iPad could be a huge, generous product for Apple to make, and a way to get smaller customers into the joy of competent mobile computing, where they will stay once they see the difference.

Not that I think they will do this, they might, or not, but why automatically be negative and paint yourself into another corner?

Edit: I see Prof. Peabody anticipates this approach above.

Easy solution. If you prefer the bigger ipad, stick with it. If you like a smaller one, hope they produce one and buy that. Done. Personally, I hope they make a bigger iphone so I don't have to carry 2 devices around.

7" iPad vs. 10" iPad...

a mini-pad, as opposed to a maxi-pad. Rumor has it they also prototyped one with wings. All three are excellent at absorbing blue liquid and preventing unwanted embarrassing leakage.

The 9.7" baby is pretty good as a steno pad, no?


Good point. That would address the market segment of people with ample posteriors (as in rather large back pockets )

In all seriousness, many artists would love it. But recent indications are that Apple does not want to go vertical.

Not seeing how a new size would fit into the curren lineup doesn't mean one is against th idea or implying hat it won't happen, the query is exactly wha it is. I certainly don't see how a 7.85" iPad could be a $200 competitor to h Kinke Fire. Just look at iPod Touch to see what $200 gets you. Now not that I uses a TN display.

I do see a business opportunity to lessen the demand on a single, hard to source component like the 2048x1536 display and to get ahead of growth stagnation long before it occurs. That said, we are talking an entirely new display size for developers to build for which will complicate the App Store do everyone. And of course Apple needs expansion to help grow the company.

On top of that are we suppose to consider every rumour simply because we want it? I certainly don't think so. I also Heston why an iPad mini would co,e so close on th heals of the new iPad. I'd expect a larger iPhone and Touch, first. Not the iPod Touch hasnt been updated since 2010. I'd also think a larger Touch could go after the portable gaming market more directly while propping up the iPod arm and still offering a phealthy profit. It's hard to see how even Apple can make a profit on an 8" tablet that thy want to append the iPad name but make $200. Something doesn't add up.

Apple needs to act swiftly as the Fire Extreme will surely be out this September.

you can't move forward if your display seize, resolution and aspect ratio are changing every year. There is no trial and error with a non-windowed OS. You have to choose wisely when making the display because your ecosystem can't have a new display size, resuuon and aspect ratio just to make it exciting each year. why do you think the iPhone didn't get a resolution update until its 4th generation?

Because the technology didn't exist at the time as 1st gen and/or battery efficiency weren't up to the satisfaction of Apple's standard of excellence.
The same as the lack of text messaging until 3rd gen, video 3rd gen, camera flash 4th gen, etc, etc, etc.

So in 2009 Android-based phones had a higher than 480x320 resolution but Apple couldn't increase it all? Then all of a sudden in 2010 it was possible to quadruple the number of pixels?

Probably but not for everyone. Why do Apple make the MBP in 3 sizes? Most people would say that 15" is the ideal size, but then others would argue that 13" is better and some would argue that 17" is better. You see my point? Not everyone has the same requirements.

Apple likes to do things in 3's. If we have a 4" iPhone/iPod, 7" iPad Mini and 10" iPad then Apple has all the bases covered.

As hmurchison says it's about keeping as many customers inside the Apple eco system as possible because once you're in there and hooked into iOS apps, iTunes, etc you're more likely to say within that eco system simply because it's easier.

The 7" Kindle Fire is a trojan horse. It gets people into the Amazon eco system. Then they start buying Android apps, Kindle books, music, etc. Once youre in why would you then switch to an iPad if Amazon launch a 10" Kindle Fire.

You asked the ridiculous question why did it take so long for the iPhone to get high resolution until gen 4? and I gave you the obvious answer- it wasn't invented/ready for implentation yet.

I'm appalled at such questioning!

Try understanding the context of what is being written. You'll go farther in life. It's be difficult at first but it will get easier.

You would be the last person to ever take advice from on how to live a life based upon all your personal attacks here on AI.

Find one ad hominen personal attack I've made. You, Relic, and DaHarder are the one who constantly attack others. If you can't take someone pointing out the failure of your comments then don't use the Internet or try to write intelligent moments.

Excuse me - but look in the mirror dude. I just proved the failure of your post. You're the one who can't take criticism and can never be proven wrong in your (fill in the blank) mind. You reputation speaks for itself.
You are now on my ignore list.

It actually makes sense. The primary use is tablet and secondary - phone - you would use speakerphone or bluetooth headset to make calls. Device like that is for people who don't use cell phone much and don't want to carry a second device.

7" Android tablets with GSM sim card already exist. Expmle: http://www.ebay.com/itm/4GB-7-Inch-A...t_12175wt_1165

This is probably piece of junk but sure sounds tempting: 7" Inch Android Tablet/GSMphone 3G for $93! There are other options and only for couple hundred bux you can get a decent (for the money) tablet/phone.

You reiterated my point which means you didn't comprehend what was written.


Good luck with that.

I think you make a great argument for a larger, still pocketable device, but it's hard to see people with 7.85" iPad the same way they carry an iPhone.

Are you typing on your iPhone this morning with spell-check turned off? I don't think I've ever seen so many of your posts with spelling errors all in a single day.

Again this is not for everyone. But a lot of people carry both a phone and a tablet. I see a lot of 6-7" Kindles and some iPads - people use on go (bus,train or office).

I would buy a hybrid 7" iPad/phone in a heartbeat. I make only 1-2 phone calls a day but I do a lot of web browsing/emailing/e-reading, so having a second device-phone for me is a bit overkill. 5.3" Samsung Note may be a solution but it's a bit too small.

LOL That is more than my usual share of typos I was at the gym and responding between sets.



I certainly don't make a lot of calls but I still want the device to be pocketable. Of course, my wishes certainly don't match everyone's, and perhaps not even most, but I think it's easier to argue for a pocketable phone than one that isn't.

DingdingdingdingDing!

We have a winner!

Not sure about the mini-iPad, but it makes more sense (to me) to release this year's iPhone a few months after WWDC. It's likely that iOS 6.0 will have some major changes (including a hugely improved mapping API, obviously). And major changes mean that developers will need time to update their apps to use the new and/or updated features.

Concur.

The many, many people I see daily on the subway happily using 6" screen tablets would agree with you.

So do I. This is 6" Kindle and 7" Playbook (sorry for the large size pictures):

I think tablets around 8" are fine to work with. The issue I'd have with Apple making one is that I believe it would drive people towards the 8" size because it will have to be cheaper. If they sell a 7.85" 16GB iPad Mini for $299, I think that would take the majority of the sales, not because it's better but because it's cheaper.