Mobilenapps.com discussed the positives of a potential iPad Mini, a 7-inch version of Apple's popular tablet that is consistently rumored, and is conjecture to launch in October. While a market is available for a smaller iPad, some consumers may see its purported presence unnecessary.
Here is a look at the not so positive alleged features of the iPad Mini.
Smaller Screen
The current iPad's 10-inch screen is ideal for displaying content, whether browsing a Web site or reading a magazine. Steve Jobs publicly opposed a smaller iPad. Reducing the display size and resolution implies that content is going to be packed into a smaller 7-inch screen. It also means that content will have less clarity, especially when zooming in on the content.
Reduced Performance
Depending on a user's needs and requirements, a tablet may be the main content creation device. If the iPad Mini brings weaker hardware, perhaps an A5 chip and not the new iPad's A5X, plenty of content and apps, could bog down the speed of the device.
Mobilenapps.com has previously suggested that the cheaper price of a 7-inch iPad may attract consumers, but power uses may want the 'best' devices.
However, using a non-Retina resolution on the iPad Mini could increase the tablet's performance. The high demands of the display would seemingly not be compatible with reduced hardware. The same resolution may blur the line between the iPad Mini and the new iPad in terms of why consumers should buy the former.
Compensating On Design
As Sony did with its PlayStation 3 Slim recently, offering cheaper hardware means compromises are made. Sony's new design feels and looks inexpensive and a cheaper iPad Mini could well be on the same path.
Currently, Apple is managing to pitch iPhone 4 as a budget phone. It remains to be seen whether it will do the same with the iPad Mini, assuming the device is real.
The likely launch date for the device seems to be October, though rumors of Apple releasing media invites Oct. 10 for an event did not bear fruition.
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