Possibility of Apple’s 7-in iPad Stirs Debate
DigiTimes, an IT publication based in Taiwan, reported last week that a new smaller version of the iPad was scheduled to be released in 2011 based upon reports of component manufacturing companies ramping up for the smaller parts. DigiTimes reported that the new iPad would be between 5 and 7 inches and be priced under $400.
A similar story reported on by the Taiwanese Economic Daily News (EDN) on August 10, 2010, corroborates DigiTimes. According to EDN, Apple is trying to stage the release of the smaller iPad in time for the 2010 holiday season.
But some are doubtful that Apple would make this move. According to the doubters, the logic of such an addition to Apple’s already stout line-up doesn’t seem to fit. With the discounted price of the iPhone 3GS (around $99), the iPod Touch and iPhone 4 ranging in price from $199 to $399, and the current 9.7 inch iPad, which depending upon apps and accessories costs from $499 to more than $800, Apple seems to have all the bases covered. According to this camp, there is no need for a smaller iPad.
Conversely, others state that it makes total sense for Apple to produce a smaller version of the iPad. Apple can’t seem to keep up with the demand for the current iPad, with online sales continuously backordered and shipping delays on nearly every iPad, another iPad choice might help offset the current delays and carve out a larger niche of the market for Apple. Also, by reducing the size of the iPad and its components, Apple might be able to place the smaller iPad at a price point more accessible for holiday shoppers. An iPad of this size would be a direct competitor of Amazon’s about to be released Kindle. The new generation Kindle is much less expensive (around $140), but the versatility of the iPad for only $200 more will entice many new buyers.
