What we know about the iPad mini

Apple is rumored to unveil a smaller iPad, along with a new iPhone on September 12th. The mini iPad will compete with the smaller tablets on the market like the Amazon Fire and Google’s Nexus 7.

The iPad mini is expected to be very similar to the 9.7-inch iPad, but with the screen size scaled down to 7.85-inches (measured diagonally.) The mini iPad is also expected to be much thinner than the current iPads. It is rumored to be only 7.2mm thick, which is the same thickness as an iPod touch. That’s a significant decrease in thickness compared to the 9.4mm thickness of the 3rd generation iPad.

What an iPad Mini may look like

9to5mac is reporting that the iPad mini will have a smaller bezel along the sides when in portrait mode. This will give the iPad mini the look of a big iPod touch, but it is still expected to be branded as a smaller iPad versus a big iPod touch. If this is true, Apple could possibly have software to reduce any inadvertent touches along the sides while holding it in the portrait mode.

Even though Apple will try to keep the costs down on the upcoming iPad mini, it will almost certainly have a camera. While it will be another device for taking photos and videos, it will also be another device that supports FaceTime.

What will the iPad mini cost?

Apple hasn’t officially announced the smaller iPad or pricing, but I expect they will start at $299. While this is higher than the $199 for a Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire, Apple is known for selling their products at a premium.

The $299 price also falls between the $199 starting price for an iPod touch and $399 for an iPad 2 and $499 for the new iPad.

Originally posted 2012-08-15 19:53:12.