The moment that many Apple fans have been waiting for is finally on the horizon. News out of Taipei, Taiwan, suggests that “Apple-based” factories have begun production on a tablet computer that is smaller and strikingly similar to the iPad HD. And it’s looking more and more like it’s finally time for consumers to get their hands on the much anticipated device.
According to the Wall Street Journal, workshops have started mass producing the rumored device, which is reported to have a 7.85 Inch Liquid Crystal Display. Unfortunately though, that’s about all we know as of now when it comes to the technical specifications of the device.
The Wall Street Journal did reaffirm the rumor that the miniature tablet will cost a considerable amount less than its USD $499 relative. Sadly, we still have no solid price point, but analysts have been speculating for months that the device will come packaged between USD $250 and USD $350 to help combat the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire.
So that begs the question. Why are we looking at a liquid crystal display for the iPad Mini and not a full-fledged Retina Display? Probably, although it hasn’t been confirmed, the decision was due to the pricing battle. The Retina Display was probably a very costly addition to the iPad HD, and adding it to the Mini would only drive the cost of the smaller tablet up, which is definitely something Apple doesn’t want to do.
This holiday season is gearing up to be a battleground between the USD $199 Nexus 7 and the USD $199 Kindle Fire, and Apple definitely wants to get in on the fight. But they know that they’ll have to keep their price point low enough to be a true competitor, especially in a downed economy where individuals are cutting costs more frequently.
Sources also suggest that (due to past releases) the iPad Mini could be released as early as the end of this month (October). That prediction is probably a safe bet considering that Apple is planning on having a “special event” sometime this month. And we all know what kind of relationship Apple has between their events and the subsequent releases to follow. I think we can expect the iPad Mini to follow suit and hit store shelves a couple weeks after its big reveal.
Stay tuned for any other info we receive about the iPad Mini prior to the big event!
Photo Credit: ABC News
