The 7" iPad would address a different market demographic to the 10" iPad. I know lots of people who have a 6" Kindle simply because it's more comfortable to hold with one hand whilst reading an eBook and fits into your coat pocket or handbag. I'm sure kids would find the lighter, smaller, cheaper device easier to use and more parent friendly.
If Apple ignores the 7" sector Amazon will clean up, then once you have a Kindle you'll probably stick with it coz your content is on there once Amazon launch a 10" Kindle Fire later this year.
Good point. The play here is really content. People are missing the point. A smaller iPad isn't about reacting to the competition it's about reaching into more homes and getting people to grab content from iTunes.
Letting your competition improve their smaller tablets to the point where it becomes dangerous is tantamount to leaving your flanks unguarded.
A writer made a great point recently about Microsoft and Office. They said that every month that goes by where Office isn't on the iPad doesn't hurt Apple it hurts the perception that Office is an essential product.
Apple has the same risk. The iPad is "the" tablet to have but you don't want go let your competition make ownership of an iPad carry less weight. The key is to deliver the right product at the right price.
So we have runours of a smaller iPad, larger iPod Touch and larger iPhone covering at least 4 new sizes and several new resolutions and all to be released in 2012. We got the iPad (3) and I still haven't seen the majority of my apps update to the Retina Display.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaun, UK
If Apple ignores the 7" sector Amazon will clean up, then once you have a Kindle you'll probably stick with it coz your content is on there once Amazon launch a 10" Kindle Fire later this year.
In my opinion the smaller size doesn't really mean the price will drop all that much compared to the existing iPad. If it were up to me I would rather but the larger iPad and see it as more of an investment and replacement to a MB Pro.
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.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jragosta
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.
Apple is said to be "noodling with" ideas and prototypes for a 7.85-inch iPad, though it's not clear if the device will ever see the light of day, according to one well-connected insider.
...
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.
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.
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".
I. Won't buy it but for iPad to become the iPod of tablets it needs a 7" version, only way they will maintain a 80% market share.
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.
I'm always amazed and the commentary on this proposed mini iPad. The hate <. . .>
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Comments
The 7" iPad would address a different market demographic to the 10" iPad. I know lots of people who have a 6" Kindle simply because it's more comfortable to hold with one hand whilst reading an eBook and fits into your coat pocket or handbag. I'm sure kids would find the lighter, smaller, cheaper device easier to use and more parent friendly.
If Apple ignores the 7" sector Amazon will clean up, then once you have a Kindle you'll probably stick with it coz your content is on there once Amazon launch a 10" Kindle Fire later this year.
Good point. The play here is really content. People are missing the point. A smaller iPad isn't about reacting to the competition it's about reaching into more homes and getting people to grab content from iTunes.
Letting your competition improve their smaller tablets to the point where it becomes dangerous is tantamount to leaving your flanks unguarded.
A writer made a great point recently about Microsoft and Office. They said that every month that goes by where Office isn't on the iPad doesn't hurt Apple it hurts the perception that Office is an essential product.
Apple has the same risk. The iPad is "the" tablet to have but you don't want go let your competition make ownership of an iPad carry less weight. The key is to deliver the right product at the right price.
So we have runours of a smaller iPad, larger iPod Touch and larger iPhone covering at least 4 new sizes and several new resolutions and all to be released in 2012. We got the iPad (3) and I still haven't seen the majority of my apps update to the Retina Display.
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.
If Apple ignores the 7" sector Amazon will clean up, then once you have a Kindle you'll probably stick with it coz your content is on there once Amazon launch a 10" Kindle Fire later this year.
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.
In my opinion the smaller size doesn't really mean the price will drop all that much compared to the existing iPad. If it were up to me I would rather but the larger iPad and see it as more of an investment and replacement to a MB Pro.
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.
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.
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.
Apple is said to be "noodling with" ideas and prototypes for a 7.85-inch iPad, though it's not clear if the device will ever see the light of day, according to one well-connected insider.
...
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.
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.
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.
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".
I. Won't buy it but for iPad to become the iPod of tablets it needs a 7" version, only way they will maintain a 80% market share.
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.
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.
I'm always amazed and the commentary on this proposed mini iPad. The hate <. . .>
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.
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.
- What if the new iPad mini is more like a steno pad? And it has a built in pen digitiser?
The 9.7" baby is pretty good as a steno pad, no?
- What if there is an iPad "maxi" that's 17" diagonally and is used as an art board?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?