Has Apple already begun the production of its much awaited iPad Mini? Well at least that's what the Wall Street Journal says. According the WJS article, accessible only through subscription, Apple has already started manufacturing the mini-tablet, which is rumored to be released later this month or early next month.
According to Computerandvideogames.com, "Apple Inc.'s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, people with knowledge of the situation said, as the Silicon Valley company tries to stay competitive against rivals such as Google Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.that are offering smaller, less-expensive alternatives to the iPad."
A report from CNN Money on Tuesday suggested that Apple is likely to send event-invitation to its highly anticipated iPad Mini by October 10. The report suggests the launch is likely to take place on October 17; the assessment is based on a major Apple investor who told CNN that his information comes from "multiple sources."
Philip Elmer-DeWitt for CNN Money doesn't stop at giving the launch a specific date, but also puts a specific date when the iPad Mini hits the shelves, which according to the article is on November 2.
It comes as no surprise that Apple refused to comment. The Cupertino company is characteristic for remaining adamantly quite about any of its new products, until the last minute. But that just helps the company by building excitement and enthusiasm about the products.
Over the weekend, a Japanese based website, Mac Otakara, posted a video of what appears to be a mock-iPad Mini on its blog. The 60-minute video basically confirms all the suppositions made about the mini tablet. So far Here is what he know:
1) Features: The iPad Mini is that it will have Wi-Fi, a new array of applications, better Facebook and Google Map integration. According to a Forbes article the basic storage capacity of the iPad Mini will likely be 16 GB. The tablet will also have a lightning' 8-pin dock connector and Apple's popular Siri. There is a general consensus that the iPad Mini will have Apple's new operating system, iO6. There is also talk about Apple's very own music service, something analogous to Pandora Radio.
2) Price: The iPad sells at a starting price of $499 and highest range is $699, depending on the gigabytes. The iPad is available in 16Gb, 32GB and 64GB. The iPad Mini is said to range between $249 and $299 at a basic capacity of 16GB. It is still unclear whether the model will be available in higher GB. Apple's iPad Mini will compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire (16GB - $199) and Nexus Fire (16GB -$249).Ewan Spencer of Forbes.com said, "From the evidence today, I'd expect to see a 16GB iPad Mini with Wi-Fi connectivity to launch at $299, with a 32GB model at $399, and a 64GB model at $499." So its inexpensive price tag is likely to make it a hot-item on the gift list.
While all this speculation and prediction around the new tablet is gaining momentum Apple like always remains mum about any new product. So now we'll have to wait for October to see if the rumors are valid. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Apple expects the iPad Mini to be a ubiquitous item on everybody's wish-list. The aspiration might not be so far off; here are three reasons why the iPad Mini might be the hottest item on many wish-lists this holiday season:
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