Ten years ago I would have strongly preferred a 7" version. My vision is not as good now, so I now prefer the current size.

I think, generally speaking, I'd prefer the 9.7 inch version. But there are times when it would be nice to have a 7 inch version. If they make one, I'll probably end up owning both.

Originally Posted by DM51

The only question is what Apple would call it. iMegaphone? iPadlet? They'll probably just be boring and call it the iPadMini.

LOL!

"For those days when a bigger pad is not required."

Wouldn't a 7 inch iPad be hard to type on? I sure hope Apple keeps it at 9.7 inches.

For being more portable? Nope, there's the iphone for that

One of the main ipad's attractive and great characteristic is the big screen

Apple has joined the book selling business. If they want to sell more they need a device in about the same size as other ebook readers.

personally I think the iPad is perfect sized the way it is now. Just my two cents.

- Kross

I would stay with the 9.7" rather than buying the 7". The usability of the 9.7" far outweighs the slight increase in portability gained with the 7". Question: will Apple be making both sizes in the future or go exclusively to the 7" (which I think would be a mistake)?

I am all about having choices or options, so I want both the 9 & 7 inch IPads or I will go for one of the other 7 inch tablets that will hit the market for the holidays this year.

I know this next comment is off topic, but I really am enjoying my iPad, even though I find that the battery life isn't all that hot when using 3G apps heavy on data usage - no better than my non-Apple smart phones.

I tried that Samsung Galaxy Tab Android tablet with 7" display and didn't like at all. It was too big to be a phone and too small to be a tablet.
Personally I think that current iPad is quite optimum size.