iPad Mini isn’t that mini, according to report

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Apple’s much-hyped iPad Mini tablet doesn’t look much smaller than its current model.

The folks at iMore have mocked up and all but confirmed the designed of Apple’s next-generation tablet, which will be about 2-inches smaller, measuring in with a 7.85-inch screen. While it seems like it would be a significant difference in size, the iPad Mini isn’t that small.


“Based on several sources, I believe that design to be an accurate represetnation of what the iPad Mini will look like,” Rene Ritchie, at iMore reports. “In addition, it’s my understanding that it will be the exact same thinness as the iPod Touch, which is substantially thinner than the 9.7-inch iPad. The quick mockup shows what I believe are accurate proportions for the iPad Mini compared to the 9.7-inch iPad and the current generation iPod Touch 4.”

So while the screen size won’t be significantly smaller, the actual body will much thinner, making it more attractive for people who use their iPad for reading and FaceTiming because they have to hold the device up for an extended period of time.

The bevel on the side of the iPad Mini will be significantly smaller — more than half the size thinner than the current iPad — which could make holding it difficult for people with larger hands and thumbs.

However, the thin-factor of the iPad Mini will make it quite attractive for consumers looking to buy a tablet. It may even lure current iPad users to trade in their current model and buy the cheaper iPad Mini, which is expected to cost between $200 and $250.

“This iPod touch-like design makes a lot of sense for a number of reasons,” according to a report from 9to5Mac. “For one, when compared to the Nexus 7 (and Kindle Fire, Galaxy Tab 7, RIM Playbook, etc.), this would give the iPad mini a similar, “purse-able,” and “big pocket-able” form factor but with a larger 4:3 display. The lack of a bezel on the sides will make it easier to hold too.”

Here is another mockup from iMore:





The iPad Mini is expected to be announced on Sept. 12, alongside Apple’s iPhone 5 and a new operating system, iOS 6. While the iPhone 5 is expected to be released on Sept. 21, it’s unclear when the iPad Mini will be released.

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