iPad Mini Rumored for 2011

I have seen several articles stating that a Digitimes Senior analyst believes that Apple is going to release a 5 to 7 inch version of the iPad in early 2011.

The iPad mini should have a price tag of between $300 and $400 and target people who are mainly interested in reading.

Do you think that this signifies that Apple is preparing to directly take on all of the other eReader devices and dominate the eBooks market the same way that it did the MP3 one?

Any thoughts?

I thought they already have an "iPad Mini," it's called the iPhone/iPod Touch? I don't see the benefit to making an even smaller version of the iPad, but then again, there's a reason they're billionaires and I'm not.

I don't believe it either - doesn't sound like Apple

The Touch is an MP3 player. Can anyone really use a 3.5" screen for reading? Just not practical. Apple probably feels that the 7" form factor is better for strictly reading and that the current entry level price tag of $500.00 is too much for people who are debating on just an ereader or a full blown netbook competitor.

While though I can doubt it, I think it might have some merit. Look at the line up of Apple's laptops, there are several size screens. It is possible that Apple wishes to create a range of screen sizes from the touch to the ipad. Again, I still think it's not happening, but who knows?

There might be a maxipad too One a lil thicker with a built in card reader and usb port.

I wouldn't doubt there being one between iPod Touch and iPad size coming out....I could also see a bigger one come out.

7", 10", and maybe 13" models

then the iMacs start coming out.

I agree, a 3.5" screen is a bit small. There has been A LOT of crying and tantrums thrown over the lack of iBooks from iPhone/iPod Touch users. I've talked to friends who have read books on their iPhones and they don't seem to mind. However, I was just looking on Amazon and it appears they have a 9.7" version and a 6" version of the Kindle, so perhaps a smaller version could be in the works for Apple.

The iBook Store is coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch in iPhone OS 4.0

Yeah it was funny, the other day when they announced that my friend said...now I don't have to get an iPad....I was like...yeah, they are still very very different.

I know, I just thought it was funny reading the reviews on iBooks in the app store. People were taking it personal that Apple hadn't released iBooks for the iPhone/Touch and were giving 1 star ratings to the app.

I've actually noticed quite a few apps that people are giving 1 star ratings because there isn't an iPhone version. I thought you had to actually download the app to a device in order to rate it...there should be some kind of moderation for this.

I'll believe it when I see it. We already have an ipad mini IE ipod touch and iphone and yes I've read on my iphone daily for the last year since the kindle for iphone app came out. It's very convenient to read on since it fits in the palm of your hand. I do love reading on my ipad now that we have them.

I can't stand reading on a small surface. I've barely touched my phone for web browsing since i got the iPad. My phone is now just for streaming audio apps which I use enough to justify it's continued use.

Interesting conversation. I was just saying to my husband this morning that it would be nice if they had a smaller iPad - somewhere in between the Touch and the iPad. I find the iPad heavy and hard to hold a lot of the time when playing games and lately when using a sketching app, and definitely when reading. I have no problem reading on my Touch, but I also have a Kindle which is the perfect size and weight for long periods of reading.

I love the iPad and have been having a lot of fun trying new apps, but it's killing my left hand from holding it for long periods of time. I sat here just a little while ago thinking of how I could make something, either knit or crocheted, to help me hold it!!! If I can put the iPad down long enough this week, I'm going to design something!!

Susan

The only reason for the Mini would be to take over the eReader market. The current price points for the iPad are too high compared to other eReader only devices out there. Some people like the iPad but can't justify the extra expense when they will only use it for reading. A smaller iPad in the $300.00 to $400.00 range will have Amazon shaking in their boots.

The 16GB iPad 3G is only $140 more than the Kindle DX and it has a lot more to offer (imho).

Apples and oranges. I have a kindle. It doesn't even compare to the ipad.

You're not going to see any kind of iPad between the 9.7" screen and the phone/touch. Apple has decided on the iPad at its' current size - and that'll be it. They won't try to go to a smaller unit - it would defeat the strategy and water down the success of a single sized unit.

That is 28% more. You are missing the point. I know that they iPad smokes the Kindle and can do 1000 things more than the Kindle can, but everyone doesn't want to do those things. If Apple can make another unit that is an eReader with a bunch of perks at a competitive price to what is out there now, then people who just want an eReader will go for it, now they won't.