On October 23, Apple will hold a new event, and this time the invitation reads,"We've got a little more to show you." Indeed, the title hints at a smaller version of an existing product line (such as the iPad), and the rumors surrounding a possible smaller version of the iPad are ablaze.
In the Ars OpenForum, readers have been speculating for some time about what an iPad Mini might be like. In the thread "Anyone else really excited for an iPad Mini?" the Ars community talks about what features are at the top of users’ wish lists.
Form factor matters
The form factor of a possible iPad measuring around 7 inches could definitely carve out a unique niche for some users, and Regulus is one of them. "I've been holding off on a new iPad (I have a first gen that I hardly use) in anticipation. I've got an 11" MacBook Air (which I love to death) and I find carrying a tablet nearly the same size to be redundant."
LurkingOne feels that a smaller iPad might round out his set of gadgets: "My new mac setup contains an iPhone, rMBP13 as soon as it comes out (thunderbolt video editing), and nothing in between, so I'll be looking at it, but only if the price is right."
BryansAccount also agrees that form (and size) matter: "I love my 'new iPad' 4G LTE but I would be seriously tempted to pick up an iPad Mini if it was extremely light weight. I still find myself using my iPhone over my iPad in many situations where I have both available due to its superior one hand usability."
For tomahawk, the weight of the device also dictates where and how he will use it: "It's the weight, really. It's great for propping up and using as a recipe book, or for putting on a desk/coffee table for reference/videos, but it's just a touch too heavy for comfortable long (>10 min) stints of reading on the couch/in bed/on the plane, and I want to use it a lot for reading. I guess I should just get a Kindle, really. If [only] the Kindle ran Instapaper & Prismatic." Well, should you get a Kindle? In our recent review of the new Kindle Paperwhite our readers discussed the nuances of e-readers and tablets.
I can haz Retina, LTE, and RAM?
Since so many users appreciate the clarity of the retina screen found in the current line of iPads, it makes sense that OpenForum readers are wondering if the Mini will come with a retina screen as well. For swizcore, it would actually prompt him to get rid of his current iPad: "If the Mini has a retina display, I will likely be selling my iPad3 to get one."
For jozero, a retina screen will open up reading in color: "Yessss... I'm hoping there is a model with a retina display. Would serve as the ultimate graphic novel / comic books reading device."
For TheVelourFrog, the wireless specs of the device count: "Selling my 64/VZW iPad 3 for it. I like new gadgets and don't need 2 tablets. It's just the couch surfer really. I do hope it has LTE though, I really like having that."
Sclitheroe’s tipping point would come in the form of a RAM upgrade: He says, "512 MB of RAM would be a showstopper for me." Later, Sclitheroe adds, "My new personal guideline for iOS device purchases is that they have to have the maximum amount of RAM offered for the iOS version they ship with. So I'd purchase an iPad 3, or an iPhone 5 right now, but not an iPad 2, iPhone 4S, or an iPod Touch, all of which are shipping with iOS 6, but are RAM spec'ed for iOS 5."
But TheVelourFog warns against focusing on RAM specs: "If [the lack of RAM] actually prohibited me from doing something, maybe, but I've learned that looking at the specs alone can lead to misinformed purchases. In fact, doesn't the iPad 1 have only 256MB? Still browses just fine IME."
Biochemistry doesn’t have high hopes for the specs on a possible Mini, though: "It's going to be a low-end model to bring in new customers. Don't expect a retina display or enough RAM or enough storage to have it replace the regular iPad. Apple doesn't want to cannibalize regular iPad sales with this new model, it's looking to go after a new market base. We're all going to be hugely disappointed by it."
D.rock, though, is more optimistic: "I’m optimistic about it. My iPad 1 is getting long in the tooth at this point and I was surprised how much I use and enjoy the Nexus 7. The significant weight reduction makes a huge difference in portability and usability. I think a slightly larger tablet (than the Nexus 7) with iOS's superior apps could be right what I'm looking for. I guess we'll know next week."
Tune in next week to find out
What features do you think will be included in Apple’s new device? Are there specs that will help you make your decision to buy or upgrade? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or in the OpenForum. Register for an account to participate in the discussion. Also, don’t forget to visit Ars Technica on October 23 as we liveblog the Apple event and provide you shot-by-shot coverage, including lots of photos.
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