Many pundits are convinced that Apple will release a 7in (closer to 8in if some accounts are correct) version of the iPad later this year, presumably in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The latest 'confirmation' comes from Think iOS, which claims to have received drawings of the device from an anonymous source in China.

The geographical origin need no contradict suggestions that the iPad mini will be manufactured in Brazil, as the level of detail is what would be required by someone designing cases to the new device rather than actually manufacturing Apple's latest tablet. (Think iOS accompanied its report with pictures of iPad mini cases from FullHull.

If the drawings are genuine, they show the iPad mini will be 7.3mm thick, making it the thinnest iPad yet (the smaller screen would consume significantly less power, allowing the use of a smaller and presumably thinner battery) and almost imperceptibly thicker than the iPod touch.

They also show the much rumoured 19-pin Dock connector that seems almost certain to take the place of the venerable 30-pin connector on all future iOS devices.

Other features include dual speaker vents, and front and rear cameras.

So when will the iPad mini be announced? Apple traditionally hosts an event to introduce new iPods in early September, and that would be a sensible time for the iPad mini to debut as a rumoured price of $US250 would put it in the same price range as iPod (the iPod touch starts at $219) and it's hard to see Apple wanting to miss out on Christmas purchases.

We still don't know the truth of the matter, but it may be revealed within two months.