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Credible Reports of a 7.85 Inch iPad Mini Emerge

An anonymous reader writes with this excerpt from Network World: "For months now, rumors of an iPad with a 7.85-inch screen have been circulating through the blogosphere. And though Steve Jobs once said that 7-inch tablets are 'dead on arrival,' the relative success of the Amazon Kindle Fire and other smaller tablets suggests that consumers are more than willing to accept a smaller screen size in exchange for a cheaper buy-in point. Indeed, you might remember that Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said that Apple saw a tremendous uptick in overall iPad sales once it lowered the price of the iPad 2 down to $399. That said, a chorus of credible reports over the past few days have all claimed that Apple is currently working on a slimmed down iPad and that it may be set for release as early as this Fall."

193 comments

  1. How's that fit on your head? by Toe,+The · · Score: 0

    Apple granted patent for head-mounted display tech. Clearly these two stories are related, right? Sounds totally awkward.

  2. Aspect Ratio by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder if it will have the same aspect ratio as the iPhone, or the iPad.

    I can't imagine them setting up yet a new aspect ratio for developers to have to deal with.

    1. Re:Aspect Ratio by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yep. Google "Neonode N2" if you want to see the prototype iPod mini.

  3. Are they copying Samsung's IP by QuantumRiff · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Or do they have different shaped corners than the Samsung models?
    Cause really, what they need is more lawyers involved. its legal stimulus in a crappy economy.

    --

    What are we going to do tonight Brain?
    1. Re:Are they copying Samsung's IP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think they may have it shaped more like "The Pyramid" from The Office.

    2. Re:Are they copying Samsung's IP by camperslo · · Score: 1

      Or do they have different shaped corners than the Samsung models?

      Regardless, there many be some people who choose to suspend buying Samsung or other South Korean products now that the country has announced that they'll be doing "research" whaling. (Of course they should be told why business is going elsewhere) Calling it research whaling exploits a loophole to engage in a banned practice.

      I don't suppose political researchers use harpoons? They can end up traveling to places like the Cayman Islands though.

      http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/2012/08/investigating-mitt-romney-offshore-accounts

  4. Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Picass0 · · Score: 2

    Nano's not as good as an Ipod touch, but Apple sometimes sees the utility in going for the lower end market.

    If Apple brings a 7-inch pad to market that outperforms Fire and Nexus 7 I'd be interested.

  5. I was way off! by jdastrup · · Score: 5, Funny

    And I always thought the rumor was for a 7.625-inch screen.

    1. Re:I was way off! by k(wi)r(kipedia) · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Apple probably went metric. 20 centimeters = 7.87401575 in (copy pasted from Google), which is near enough 7.85

    2. Re:I was way off! by FilmedInNoir · · Score: 1

      Ahhhh, now it makes sense. Yes, Metric is how the rest of the planet measures things.
      Well the parts that have people with money that buy Apple products anyway.

      --
      Sig. Sig. Sputnik
    3. Re:I was way off! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Even in metric countries, screen sizes are measured in inch.

    4. Re:I was way off! by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      They aren't. My friend bought a 32" TV. When you read the small characters they actually say it's 31.5". 80 cm just happens to be 31.496".

    5. Re:I was way off! by zippthorne · · Score: 1

      Ahh, the old double rounding trick. Using that same trick, an 88 cm screen is a whopping 40 inches!

      --
      Can you be Even More Awesome?!
  6. 7.85 inch? Really? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    We all know that the market will accept nothing less than 7.95 inches.

    1. Re:7.85 inch? Really? by CanHasDIY · · Score: 1

      Funny - that's what she said.

      --
      An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  7. steve would know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    And though Steve Jobs once said that 7-inch tablets are 'dead on arrival,'

    steve jobs knows all about 'dead on arrival', eh?

    1. Re:steve would know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      That's cold. Kind of like Steve...

    2. Re:steve would know by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      Shows what he knows really, the Kindle Fire has already been successful.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  8. If it had a cellular modem... by The+Living+Fractal · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I wish I could have multiple devices with the same SIM card address and just tell the network which one I am using at the time. Then I'd use this 7" device at home and leave the iPhone on the charger, and vice versa when I'm traveling.

    --
    I do not respond to cowards. Especially anonymous ones.
    1. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by ceoyoyo · · Score: 2

      Bluetooth tethering. It works great. Perhaps you need to have a chat with your service provider and express your displeasure that you can't do this for free.

    2. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by MetalliQaZ · · Score: 2

      Which is why SIM cards are usually removable.

      --
      "Here Lies Philip J. Fry, named for his uncle, to carry on his spirit"
    3. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      The iPhone 4S uses a micro Sim card while the iPad (at least iPad 2) uses a standard one. The new mini iPad ... well lets see :D

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    4. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Then I'd use this 7" device at home and leave the iPhone on the charger...

      Or save the cost of the cellular modem altogether and just buy the wi-fi version to use at home.

    5. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In Europe it's quite common to get a second SIM with the same number. Costs usually a tenner or so a month, which makes it a bit pointless because you can get a data-only SIM (for 500 MB a month) with a fresh number for less than that.

    6. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is what I never got. Now "computers" or end user computing devices are getting cheaper. My last laptop was over $2k, my next one will be about $1.5k. Tablets are in the $300-600 range. But phones???? Phones cost upwards of $800 or more.

    7. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The iPad 3 uses a micro SIM.

      I've dropped my unlimited AT&T iPhone 4 SIM in my iPad before when the iPad data plan runs out.

    8. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by GameboyRMH · · Score: 2

      It's so sad that VoIP hasn't replaced POTS and cellular yet...this would be so easy to do with SIP or IAX.

      --
      "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
    9. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bluetooth tethering. It works great. Perhaps you need to have a chat with your service provider and express your displeasure that you can't do this for free.

      Uh, not between Android (Galaxy Nexus GSM) and iOS device (iPad).

    10. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by TummyX · · Score: 1

      iPad 2 has a microsim

    11. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bluetooth is free! Service providers may be all powerful but I don't think they control the Bluetooth frequencies! How much have they been 'charging' you? LOL!

    12. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Which is why SIM cards are usually removable.

      Yes, after removing he back panel and battery. Twice a day for each device? Not terribly convenient.

    13. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      Well, I hold it in my hands right now and it does not look like it has. But when I'm at home I check. Might be you are right, I just don't remember that I broke 2 micro SIMs out of the normal SIM compartment.

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    14. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      Bluetooth thethering is slow (some people really use that?). Wifi is much faster and more convenient (on all laptops).

    15. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      The cellular modem must not cost more than $20 if integrated to a device. For many people it's worth it. The problem is the Apple tax on the cellular modem.

    16. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Around where I live you can get more than one SIM card on certain subscription plans. And the reason is that people want one in the phone and one in the iPad.

    17. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by ceoyoyo · · Score: 1

      Yes, I suppose if you have a fast connection you could use wifi. In the city I find Bluetooth is usually as fast as the 3G speed, and BT uses less power.

    18. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 1

      Two words: open wifi.

      The authorities may toe the line that terrorists and criminals may still your bandwidth. The reality is the telecommunications companies want to bundle you home phone, adsl and mobile phone all for a low low price of $100+/month

    19. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      Well I do about 6 Mbps. Isn't bluetooth limited to 3 Mbps minus overhead?

    20. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by ceoyoyo · · Score: 1

      Must be nice. I'm currently getting 2.61 Mbps.

    21. Re:If it had a cellular modem... by exomondo · · Score: 1

      The iPhone 4S uses a micro Sim card while the iPad (at least iPad 2) uses a standard one.

      iPad's (even the original) always used a micro SIM, they have NEVER used a normal SIM card.

  9. 10" tablets are too big... by Bradmont · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I have a 10" tablet, and I find it too big for any kind of natural handheld use. And a laptop is a much more natural form factor for non-handheld (tabletop, lying down & watching a movie, etc) uses. I haven't used a 7" tablet, but I have used e-readers a lot, which are about the same size, and they are very comfortable to hold. I don't get why Jobs would have thought it was 10" or bust.

    1. Re:10" tablets are too big... by Phyrexia · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I find the iPad too small for several uses. I would love a tablet with an 8.5x11" useable screen.

    2. Re:10" tablets are too big... by peragrin · · Score: 2

      Do you have more than one size of paper?

      Tablets have uses for lots of sizes. I love my nook sometimes the screen is too small though.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
    3. Re:10" tablets are too big... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I use my 7" Slate (700T) for full time work (docked at the office) and at home -- use with a stylus; I think it is wonderful. I returned my iPad 3 on the last day I could, for a complete refund. Found it utterly pointless. I understand that the Slate is a full-blown PC as compared to a tablet but the battery life is excellent and I can do anything I want on it that I can do on any other Windows machine. I currently have Windows 8 preview release on it and it's fantastic.

    4. Re:10" tablets are too big... by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

      I don't get why Jobs would have thought it was 10" or bust.

      I have a Nook Color 7" with ICS(pre-CM9) on it and the screen elements are too small for adult fingers with 'tablet' layout apps.

      I should really take some video of me trying to use the thing and post some of the more dramatic comedy-of-errors to YouTube.

      That said, the large Android tablets don't seem all that great and I'm not buying Apple gear, so instead I wait for better tech (with a working keyboard at that).

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    5. Re:10" tablets are too big... by guidryp · · Score: 1

      I find the iPad too small for several uses. I would love a tablet with an 8.5x11" useable screen.

      Yep. For a home or office tablet, I would also like something bigger than an iPad.

      For full page applications like PDFs/Comic books/Magazines, I would rather have a bigger screen than 10". But using carbon fiber or something to keep weight in check.

      For the more portable one-handed/ereader application, I would prefers something even smaller than 7". 5"-6" with minimal side bezels would be fine.

      I realize this is in the same range as big smartphones. But big smartphones/plans are extremely expensive.

      I really don't see a place for a 7" tablet for me. It is too big to be really portable, really as comfortable as a simple e-reader (I have one).

      Though regardless of my preferences, Apple really should have something between 4" and 10".

    6. Re:10" tablets are too big... by Belial6 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Because Apple didn't make a 7" tablet. Apple's marketing has always declared that any features Apple doesn't have is either irrelevant or actively bad, and any feature that Apple does have but their competitors don't are absolutely indispensable.

    7. Re:10" tablets are too big... by RabidReindeer · · Score: 1

      I don't get why Jobs would have thought it was 10" or bust.

      I have a Nook Color 7" with ICS(pre-CM9) on it and the screen elements are too small for adult fingers with 'tablet' layout apps.

      I should really take some video of me trying to use the thing and post some of the more dramatic comedy-of-errors to YouTube.

      That said, the large Android tablets don't seem all that great and I'm not buying Apple gear, so instead I wait for better tech (with a working keyboard at that).

      In landscape mode, the keyboard isn't that bad. But I prefer "real" keys, so I'd just as soon have an external Bluetooth keyboard - say the one I own that folds up into a tidy 4x4-inch package for travel.

      I do my real typing on a real PC, though, with a 22-inch 1600x1200 monitor that I hope lasts forever, since these stupid "TV set monitors" are a horrible geometry for me. The tablet is my RSS and webpage reader, although not all websites are well-adapted to a 1024x800 screen these days (irony). Oh yes. And I read books on it, too.

    8. Re:10" tablets are too big... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't get why Jobs would have thought it was 10" or bust.

      That really wasn't the size. What Jobs did was whip out his (pre-chemo) dick and said, "Make the screen that size!"

      Really it's true!

    9. Re:10" tablets are too big... by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 1

      The tablet is my RSS and webpage reader, although not all websites are well-adapted to a 1024x800 screen these days (irony).

      I have an Android phone, I look at the RSS feed for Slashdot in Google Reader but wish there was a URL handler to push the web page to my desktop screen when connected via wifi!

    10. Re:10" tablets are too big... by RabidReindeer · · Score: 1

      The tablet is my RSS and webpage reader, although not all websites are well-adapted to a 1024x800 screen these days (irony).

      I have an Android phone, I look at the RSS feed for Slashdot in Google Reader but wish there was a URL handler to push the web page to my desktop screen when connected via wifi!

      I don't get a "push", but Firefox has a built-in ability to watch RSS feeds off of menus/toolbars.

    11. Re:10" tablets are too big... by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 1

      I find the RSS feed on the phone more convenient. But scrolling through 100+comments on a 3.7" screen is a chore.

    12. Re:10" tablets are too big... by Boycott+BMG · · Score: 1

      I have an Android phone, I look at the RSS feed for Slashdot in Google Reader but wish there was a URL handler to push the web page to my desktop screen when connected via wifi!

      I do the same, and I use a couple of solutions for that. You can't really push something from your phone to an active tab, but you can sync stuff like stars or bookmarks over the cloud.

      I typically "star" stuff in google reader if I think it sounds interesting and want to read it later at a computer. RSSOwl can sync with google reader (including whether an article is read or starred), so I use that on my computer. Also, if I am in the web browser and I find something that I want to read later I can use "share" with an app called Pocket. Pocket is basically a set of bookmarks in the cloud. You will need to install the Pocket add-on for your browser of choice. Then, whatever you "share" with Pocket becomes available at any of your other computers.

  10. Naturally by Applekid · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Well of course credible reports have emerged. The market needs some uncertainty injected into it since the Nexus 7 is soon to be released, and Apple certainly doesn't want anyone to buy that when they could have an iPad in a few short months.

    Just a marketing ploy. It's a shame how complicit the media is when Apple wants to do it versus, well, any other technology company ever.

    --
    More Twoson than Cupertino
    1. Re:Naturally by k(wi)r(kipedia) · · Score: 0

      The market needs some uncertainty injected into it since the Nexus 7 is soon to be released, and Apple certainly doesn't want anyone to buy that when they could have an iPad in a few short months.

      If this is indeed a mere "marketing ploy" by Apple, then it's more likely a shot against the Surface rather than the anemic-looking Nexus 7. Surface might turn out to be vaporware, which saves Apple the expense of manufacturing a lower-cost device to compete with whatever Microsoft is offering.

    2. Re:Naturally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      Anemic? Are you fucking retarded? The Nexus 7 looks fantastic. It is a revelation at the $199 price point. You seriously need to take the fanboi/hater glasses off and look at it more objectively. Geez.

    3. Re:Naturally by MetalliQaZ · · Score: 1

      I think Surface is meant to compete directly with the iPad (Nexus7 and Kindle less so). I agree with grandparent, this seems like a shot across the Google's nose.

      --
      "Here Lies Philip J. Fry, named for his uncle, to carry on his spirit"
    4. Re:Naturally by WankersRevenge · · Score: 1

      Well ... considering that io6 will be including a layout manager makes this "marketing ploy" more than just a rumor. There's little reason to use a layout manager on the current hardware since everything scales by 2. Of course, that all changes when a different screen size enters the mix.

    5. Re:Naturally by Applekid · · Score: 1

      Well ... considering that io6 will be including a layout manager makes this "marketing ploy" more than just a rumor. There's little reason to use a layout manager on the current hardware since everything scales by 2. Of course, that all changes when a different screen size enters the mix.

      Not saying it isn't true, just saying that if there wasn't fear of the competition, they'd keep it quiet.

      --
      More Twoson than Cupertino
    6. Re:Naturally by jmorris42 · · Score: 1, Insightful

      > The Nexus 7 looks fantastic. It is a revelation at the $199 price point.

      No, at $199 it is another tethered media consumption device. No external ports. Add an SD slot (not Micro) and I'd probably have a pre-order in already. Add a USB host port and/or HDMI out and it would be a game changer.

      Instead we got a Fire with better hardware specs tethered to an inferior content selection so it is a wash. Subsidized hardware is almost always a loser for the customer shortsighted enough to buy into it.

      And back to the main topic, anything new from Apple suffers from the exact same problem. Tethered to the iTunes store. Just waiting for the door to close on the Mac.

      --
      Democrat delenda est
    7. Re:Naturally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just a marketing ploy. <conspiracytheory> It's a shame how complicit the media is when Apple wants to do it versus, well, any other technology company ever.</conspiracytheory>

      There... fixed that for ya.

      The media favors those who pay the most for that privilege and at the moment one of the deepest pockets is Apple's. If you think for a moment that Samsung or HTC are beacons of morality who'd never sink that low you are delusional.

    8. Re:Naturally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just waiting for the door to close on the Mac.

      Not going to happen. 1) Apple makes a lot of money on Macs, especially MacBooks; and 2) iOS apps are developed on Macs using Xcode. So unless Apple is willing to kill a very profitable hardware line and the platform that fuels the creation of iOS apps, Macs are going to be around at least as long as iOS.

    9. Re:Naturally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > Add an SD slot (not Micro) and I'd probably have a pre-order in already. Add a USB host port and/or HDMI out and it would be a game changer.

      Nobody else gives a fuck about your nerd hole fetish. It's not like you ever stick anything in them anyway.

    10. Re:Naturally by Tapewolf · · Score: 1

      No, at $199 it is another tethered media consumption device. No external ports. Add an SD slot (not Micro) and I'd probably have a pre-order in already. Add a USB host port and/or HDMI out and it would be a game changer.

      I've been wondering about that too. Apparently USB-on-the-go will work, but you have to root it first.

    11. Re:Naturally by l0ungeb0y · · Score: 1

      Damn right! I'm so sick of Apple manipulating the media by getting them to publish OUTRIGHT LIES about products it has absolutely no intention of ever producing. I mean it seems just like yesterday that Apple duped us all by "leaking" the details of that absolute vaporware called the..

      the...

      uhh...

      Well they leaked it and it was a total sham meant to hurt the market!

      FYI: Apple has a history of being notoriously ANTI-LEAK and the rumors usually come from fanboys or pundits, not Apple
      The company famous for leaks to the Media about every half-assed idea they come up with is Microsoft

    12. Re:Naturally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Very informative. Okay, how about these issues:
      -wifi only (helps with battery life though, right, Android robots?)
      -a single camera, and it's crap
      -small storage (Android robot solution? Put it in the cloud, but that becomes a larger issue without mobile broadband)
      -small screen for a 'tablet'
      -no memory card slot and 8GB model ends up with just 5.9 GB free after the OS is installed
      -non-removeable battery (what, no screaming about that from the Android robots?)

      It's not "fantastic," nor a "revelation". Just another Samsung+Google eyefuck for adviews.

  11. I have the prototype by dmomo · · Score: 3, Funny

    It was called the iPad Nano. Mine can make phone calls.

    1. Re:I have the prototype by KingSkippus · · Score: 2

      So you've been hanging out in bars around Cupertino too, eh?

  12. "Relative success" of smaller tablets? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes, if you sell the device below cost then scalp the customer when selling them content for the device, I guess that's being relatively successful. lol

  13. Looking forward to the fanboys... by MetalliQaZ · · Score: 0

    scrambling to justify the purchase of a iPad Mini to compliment their Macbooks, iPods, iPads and "iPad nanos" (iPhones).

    #1 - Look less idiotic when using tablet to take photos at a sports event.
    #2 - Less arm fatigue while trying to force friends to view your favorite examples of the latest Internet meme.
    #3 - profit???

    --
    "Here Lies Philip J. Fry, named for his uncle, to carry on his spirit"
    1. Re:Looking forward to the fanboys... by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      I think you have your nomenclature backwards on the iPad nano.

      Apple has released one product in various formats.

      iPod.

      iPod nano, iPod 3G (they call it the iPhone), iPod 4-3G, iPod 4s-3G, iPod XL (they call it the iPad), iPod 4G (upcoming iPone 5), iPod XXL (if they release a TV), etc...

      I'm waiting for the iPod XL-Folder (Mac based on iOS). Then the hilarity will be complete.

  14. Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What does this signify?

    1. Re:Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Probably the higher pixel density when scaled down to a 1024 display. Lower display res, cheaper entry point, same aspect, etc.

    2. Re:Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by nurb432 · · Score: 1

      It signifies that people would like another choice. Many of us like the 8" form factor better than 7.( i have both, and prefer 8" for reading )

      1 inch doesn't sound like a lot, but it makes a huge difference without bloating the entire device when you jump to nearly 10".

      --
      ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    3. Re:Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by Belial6 · · Score: 1

      I assume that we will hear a LOT of that kind of reasoning from Apple fans. We saw that with the iPhone. Claims that anything larger was too big for anyone's hand, and any smaller was too small to see clearly. The fact that different humans had different sized hands was irrelevant to the argument. Apple made the iPhone, so it's screen size was obviously the perfect size.

      No doubt that for a limited subset of peolpe the size of the iPhone was perfect. It certainly wasn't for everyone. I see the same happening with an iPad Mini. 7.85" might be better for some folks than 7", but we will be hearing form a lot of Apple fans that it is inherently better, even when it is not for them, and how only Apple could make a table that was a "usable" size.

    4. Re:Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by nurb432 · · Score: 1

      For what its worth, i wont be buying one. While i do prefer iOS over android and the quality of the device, i don't like the limitations that come with iOS products so i choose the alternatives instead.

      So, I'll be keeping my 8" generic tablet that i replaced my 7" NT with..

      --
      ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    5. Re:Whats with 7.85 inch? why isn't it 7"? by Grudge2012 · · Score: 0

      I assume that we will hear a LOT of that kind of reasoning from Apple fans. We saw that with the iPhone. Claims that anything larger was too big for anyone's hand, and any smaller was too small to see clearly.

      What we actually saw was first people complaining that the iPhone being too big, and a few years later that it was too small - all while the i Phone dominated the market.

  15. Expiration of Apple's Sheen by loafing_oaf · · Score: 1, Informative

    This seems like a good move, but I keep waiting for Apple to misstep and return to the dark ages it was in in the 1990s before Steve Jobs returned.

    --
    Always someone has power over you. The thing to consider is this: Is the power good, or bad?
    1. Re:Expiration of Apple's Sheen by geekoid · · Score: 1, Offtopic

      It suspect it will take a year from his death for is momentum to start to slow significant amount to notice.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    2. Re:Expiration of Apple's Sheen by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

      The difference, is that when Jobs left this time, he left someone competent in charge. John Sculley was incompetent at running a computer company.

      --
      Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  16. "Eyes Free" by BearRanger · · Score: 1

    What if the smaller iPad wasn't intended for end users but for another OEM?

    With the announcement of "Eyes Free" and a Siri button for automobiles how great a leap is it to put an iPad in your car too? Instead of those pricey in dash nav screens that all of the auto manufacturers make, what if a few of them designed an in dash dock instead? It could come with a detachable iPad capable of replacing the nav, the entertainment system, and provide a platform for new apps. And you'd be able to take it with you when you parked. Or not--Apple could always make a non-detachable model too, but I don't see that as being quite as useful.

    Either way, we'll know if there's a 7 inch model coming or not soon enough.

    1. Re:"Eyes Free" by MetalliQaZ · · Score: 1

      Interesting idea but it seems too unlike Apple to get into that kind of business. Methinks they would rather let aftermarket firms license the dock interface and make people buy regular old iPads.

      --
      "Here Lies Philip J. Fry, named for his uncle, to carry on his spirit"
    2. Re:"Eyes Free" by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

      That really wouldn't be much different than BMW's "iPod out" support. On 2011 model year vehicles, you can actually get the iPod app's interface on the iDrive screen, and iPod functionality like the Genius playlist (or whatever it's called).

      It would just apply to the whole OS rather than just one app.

      --
      Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
    3. Re:"Eyes Free" by Belial6 · · Score: 1

      I don't know. Jobs isn't at Apple anymore, so direction can certainly change. Also, Apple has pretty well saturated their iPhone/Pad/Pod market share. At this point, they are going to face the ever increasing onslaught of the unwashed Android masses. Getting a permanent, irremovable dock in people's cars, would go a long way in locking customers to Apple.

      That being said, I'm guessing it is just an iPad.

    4. Re:"Eyes Free" by DinDaddy · · Score: 1

      Or perhaps the optional remote to the rumored Apple TV.

  17. in 2010 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    in 2010 we were saying that an ipad was just a big iphone. Now they're gonna sell a small ipad?

  18. 7.85? by nurb432 · · Score: 2

    Why not a full 8?

    After buying a nook tablet, I have found that 7" isn't big enough to read a tech manual comfortably, but a 8" isn't bad and is still a bit more portable than a 9.7"/10"

    6" e-ink is still good for novels.. but id rather ditch them both and get a 9.7"/10" color e-ink at a reasonable price.

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    1. Re:7.85? by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      Twenty centimeters is a nice round figure. Twenty point three cm just sounds imperfect.

    2. Re:7.85? by nurb432 · · Score: 1

      Perhaps, but their largerst market is in the US and we dont use metric on an ongoing basis.

      One or the other has to sound stupid. Being from the US, i say the odd fractional inch sounds worse.

      --
      ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    3. Re:7.85? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why not a full 8?

      The rumor, quoted in TFA, is that a 1024x768 display at 7.85" can be manufactured by the same machines that make the display for the iPhone 3GS, which would be cheaper and more reliable than retooling for a different size.

    4. Re:7.85? by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      Apple Deutschland sagt

      9,7" Multi-Touch Hochglanz-Widescreendisplay mit LED-Hintergrundbeleuchtung und IPS-Technologie (24,63 cm Diagonale)

      So. I was wrong. It seems that round numbers do not figure in Apple's design schemes

      Height: 9.50 inches (241.2 mm)
      Width: 7.31 inches (185.7 mm)
      Depth: 0.37 inch (9.4 mm)
      Weight: 1.44 pounds (652 g)

    5. Re:7.85? by Wovel · · Score: 2

      They can recut the 3GS screen to roughly 7.85" and com out at 1024x768.

  19. Apple better not get rid of the Home button by Picass0 · · Score: 1

    Because Android was there first. Samsung ICS devices have no home button.

    1. Re:Apple better not get rid of the Home button by marsu_k · · Score: 1

      Uhh, no. Galaxy Nexus doesn't have one. Rest of the Galaxy line has, like the recent S3.

    2. Re:Apple better not get rid of the Home button by Filip22012005 · · Score: 1

      The galaxy tabs don't have home buttons.

      --
      When the policeman of the tie, rule you violate, hello punishment of the kitty?
    3. Re:Apple better not get rid of the Home button by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      getting rid of them is a construction simplicity thing.

      it sucks, simply because then you can't have anything onscreen at the bottom of the screen - same problem if you have capacitive buttons. it's a huge design issue and affects numerous android and windows phone products.

      it isn't that big of an issue on big screen devices like the tabs, or kindle fire, because there's more space around the bottom and the home, back etc keys only take a small portion.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    4. Re:Apple better not get rid of the Home button by marsu_k · · Score: 1

      Oh yes, forgot about the Tabs, was just thinking about phones. However, Samsung is hardly unique in this respect; pretty much every tablet with HC or ICS skips the traditional Android HW buttons.

  20. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by SomePgmr · · Score: 2

    I'd guess an 8" tablet would have to be $300. Argument for it over the Nexus and Fire is "larger screen" and "access to the best apps through itunes, blah blah blah".

    iPod Touch starts at $200.
    iPad Mini starting at $300.
    iPad 2 starting at $400.

    Plugs the hole, fields a device to stop any potential competitor's beachhead in tablets, and they still get the premium over the alternatives.

  21. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Eponymous+Coward · · Score: 2

    What measure of performance are you interested in? Whetstone? Dhrystone? Linpack?

    Does anything other than the software library really matter? Assuming it hits the same $200 price point that Google and Amazon have hit, then the iPad wins hands-down.

    I ordered a Nexus 7 because, at $200, I'm not risking much. If the iPad Mini comes in at $200, it will easily own the 7" market.

  22. There will not be a 7 inch iPad by Tufriast · · Score: 1

    What I hate about these rumors is that they are just that - rumors. Has anyone checked the track record of the suppliers "sources" of late? There will not be a 7 inch iPad and there never will be. The form factor will not accommodate a finger properly, and the app library will not work on a 7.85 inch screen. Apple is and never will be interested in the low end market. This is a fact. If anything, this is a smokescreen to keep competitors making seven inch screen tablets. Apple's brand loyalty department is notorious for issuing these kinds of statements and crap to media outlets to throw people off the trail.

    --
    Help me, help you. - Jerry McGuire
    1. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by TummyX · · Score: 3, Informative

      There will not be a 7 inch iPad and there never will be. The form factor will not accommodate a finger properly, and the app library will not work on a 7.85 inch screen.

      Erm. The 3.5" iPhone accommodates a finger properly. And if it has a 1024x768 screen (same was as iPad 1 & iPad 2), it will accomodate the apps fine.

    2. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I'm largely a fan of Apple products - but I've never grokked the blind acceptance by some people of whatever Steve said. ESPECIALLY when there was already contradictory evidence available... in this case, the existence of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

      It's easy measure the size of the icons on an iPad, then do the math - on a 7.8" screen, they'll still be bigger than the versions displayed on an iPhone! So why people continue to spout this obviously false statement is hard to grasp.

      Steve Jobs was, first and foremost, charged with maintaining Apple's business. Since Apple didn't offer a smaller tablet at the time, of COURSE he was going to pooh-pooh the idea. Just like he said, at one time, Apple wasn't interested in getting into the phone business - or that a 13" computer screen was at the very low end of usability.

      --
      #DeleteChrome
    3. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

      And if it has a 1024x768 screen (same was as iPad 1 & iPad 2), it will accomodate the apps fine.

      Of course, it will have to come with sandpaper so users can file down their fingers.

    4. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by Belial6 · · Score: 1

      That must be why there are no iOS devices smaller than 10".

    5. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Stylus, dude. I've done touch screen interfaces for Semi-Conductor manufacturing equipment, and sometimes you just need one. ( for ultraclean in the fab, no horizontal surfaces allowed - ie, no keyboard. ) But as the web gets hip to touchscreen devices, the stylus will be needed less and less.

    6. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

      For a consumer device, a stylus is just another thing to lose. Or, as Steve put it, "If you see a stylus, they blew it."

    7. Re:There will not be a 7 inch iPad by bWareiWare.co.uk · · Score: 1

      Assuming the iPad fonts were chosen to be the optimal size, 20% smaller is likely going to be an issue.

  23. Awkward finding myself taking the opposite view by zuki · · Score: 1

    I must surely be one of the lone dissenting voices with this idea, but - as a long-time iPad owner - I often found myself wishing Apple (or anyone else) also offered a hand-held touch-screen model that was twice as large, where reading books and magazines didn't feel so constricted and one could actually enjoy this wonderful portable medium for the experience it should be able to deliver around the household or elsewhere.

    Probably won't happen until we have paper-thin computing devices.... but I can't fail to observe that this whole digital revolution keeps manufacturers bringing a lot of their smaller/cheaper/lighter 'innovations' at the expense of a certain comfort and quality standards we all sort of were taking for granted, and which had to do with basic ergonomics and functionality rather than cramming features into something that sacrificed the very essence of the user's experience with the device in question.

    [/rant_off]

    1. Re:Awkward finding myself taking the opposite view by DragonWriter · · Score: 1

      I must surely be one of the lone dissenting voices with this idea, but - as a long-time iPad owner - I often found myself wishing Apple (or anyone else) also offered a hand-held touch-screen model that was twice as large

      Twice the 10" iPad size or twice the 7-8" size of Nook Color/Nook Tablet/Kindle Fire/Nexus 7/rumored iPad Mini/etc.?

      The latter -- a 15" 3:4 tablet would be 9"x12", pretty much perfect for letter/A4-formatted content, and right about the limit for what I would consider a tablet useful as a tablet -- I would really like to see.

      I've got a 7" device now (a Nook Color I've had for quite a while) as well as a smartphone, and other than replacing those with better devices in similar form factors, I'd much rather pick up a 15" device than a 10" device.

    2. Re:Awkward finding myself taking the opposite view by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Toshiba AT330 should be available soon. Not quite twice the size and probably too heavy, but it's a first step.

    3. Re:Awkward finding myself taking the opposite view by Harvey+Manfrenjenson · · Score: 1

      Exactly. For instance, I'd like to use a tablet as an e-reader for musical scores. (You can buy specialized devices that do this, but they're insanely overpriced and don't offer the same resolution as the Ipad). I'd also like to be able to read technical journals in the format they were designed to be read.

      A bigger screen (11" or 12") and/or a foldable double screen would be awesomely useful. It's weird to me that *NONE* of the tablet manufacturers have tried bringing one to market.

    4. Re:Awkward finding myself taking the opposite view by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      Reading books in an iPod is a fail. Utter fail. eInk is mandatory unless all you do is read your comic books for 20 minutes at a time while you sit with your legs crossed in the local starbucks.

  24. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

    Yeah, I've actually been holding out hoping for a smaller iPad. It's not about money - I just prefer the smaller size. And, having used various iOS and Android devices (mostly phones, but stiill) - I decided I wasn't interested in the Android options out there.

    --
    #DeleteChrome
  25. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by geekoid · · Score: 2

    ", then the iPad wins hands-down."

    Why would the less diverse library win?

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  26. now add voice... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If Apple adds voice/phone to this device, I may consider buying it when I've run my 4 year old iphone into the ground; I want ONE device that serves both as a phone and as a mobile micro-workstation... I'd also prefer it was made (not necessarily by an American but) by someone making a good prosperous living (i.e., unlike now.)

  27. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by guises · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If Apple brings a 7-inch pad to market that outperforms Fire and Nexus 7 I'd be interested.

    It's possible that Apple could bring a better performing 7-inch tablet, but it will not beat the price/performance ratio. You're forgetting Apple's market - they never compete on price. My guess: they charge $250-$300 for something very similar to whatever's going for $200 in Android land at the time, but they add some trivial feature and play that up in the marketing as being worth the price difference. Siri 2, for example.

  28. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Picass0 · · Score: 1

    An Ipad mini needs to be ~ $200-225. If they get too close to $250-275 there are 10 inch screens that begin to compete.

  29. And in other news... by gsx-rob · · Score: 1

    Apple sues Samsung for stealing their idea before they came up with it....

  30. Re:The only real answer: by CanHasDIY · · Score: 1

    Not to feed the trolls, but where does this idea that monetary wealth = strength come from? I'd put Billy Gates' fortune against mine that in a one-on-one deathmatch, I'd eat that scrawny fuck for lunch.

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  31. I agree - meet the 7" New iPod Touch by rjejr · · Score: 1

    There will not be a 7" iPad Mini b/c: 1. the screen resolution will match up to the iPhone not the "retina display" iPad 2. it would cut into iPad sales 3. Nobody would buy a $200 iPod Touch w/ 3.5" screen for only $50 less than a $250 iPad Mini or an iPhone if they wanted a small screen I am very much looking forward to upgrading my 3.5" iPod Touch to the New iPod Touch w/ 7" screen.

  32. News industry is having an orgaasm by blahbooboo · · Score: 1

    Seriously, the entire news industry is having a shit fit over this rumor.

    Is news so slow that this needs to be announced multiple times at each news source I read??

  33. Are we discussing tablets or penis length? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    10 inches is too big and bulky...but 7 inches is too small...questions about why we don't just round up to the next whole number...and of course everyone has their own definition of "perfect size" based on usage.

    Yes, I'd say there's a few similarities here...

  34. Are cellular chipsets that expensive? by hawguy · · Score: 1

    Why is it that Google can release a 7" tablet for $199, but an unlocked Android phone with a 4" screen costs $400 - $800?

    Is the cellular chipset (and related testing and integration) really that expensive? is it the miniaturization to make a phone formfactor that makes it expensive?

    1. Re:Are cellular chipsets that expensive? by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      Why is it that Google can release a 7" tablet for $199, but an unlocked Android phone with a 4" screen costs $400 - $800?

      Unlocking requires a special titanium key that is only manufactured by the monks of one particular abbey, perched high in the Himalayas. And the keys are very fragile, so they have to be carried down the mountains nestled in the breasts of virgins.

      So, as with most things, the cost is all related to labor.

      --
      #DeleteChrome
    2. Re:Are cellular chipsets that expensive? by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 1

      You said 'unlocked'.

      Phone companies want to tie you to $1500+ over 2 years with a 'plan'.

  35. Price is a huge factor by Control-Z · · Score: 1

    Consumers will take a chance and/or forgive a lot of shortcomings in exchange for a lower price.

    Take Steam, discounting Left4Dead by 50% led to a 3000% increase in sales: http://www.edge-online.com/features/valve-are-games-too-expensive

    That's probably where the Steam Summer Sale came from. BTW, where is it this year?

  36. This is just to hurt the Nexus 7 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Of course now there are "Credible" sources for this. It's the best way to steal some steam from the Nexus 7.

  37. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Antipater · · Score: 2

    Nano's not as good as an Ipod touch,

    My iPod Nano is controlled by buttons, not a touchscreen (yes, it's not the latest generation). To me, this makes it infinitely superior to the iPod Touch.

    --
    Everything is better with chainsaws.
  38. I like buttons too by Picass0 · · Score: 1

    ...but yes, I was referring to the most recent Nano.

    Touchscreens are more flexible but I appreciate being able to skip a song without turning on the screen and looking.

    I sure Apple will eventually kill the wheel on ipods and I think that will be a mistake.

    1. Re:I like buttons too by Golddess · · Score: 1
      Isn't there a dongle that plugs into the nano headphone jack to give you real, physical buttons?

      Actually, having just checked the Apple website, seems I am wrong. Coulda sworn I remembered hearing bitching about Apple removing physical buttons and providing a "proprietary dongle" instead.

      I sure Apple will eventually kill the wheel on ipods and I think that will be a mistake.

      I was under the impression that they basically already have. The only iPods that I am aware of that retain the wheel are the Shuffle and the Classic, both of which are long overdo for a refresh, according to Mac Rumors. However, I am not familiar with the user interface of the Nano and Touch. Do they reproduce the classic iPod wheel on the touch screen?

      --
      "I'm not sure I like the fugnutish tone you used in your post!" -RogL (608926)-
    2. Re:I like buttons too by zippthorne · · Score: 1

      For the Touch, the screen comes on pretty much "instantly" after you hit either the wakeup button or "the button" button. If you double tap "the button", a basic UI comes up at the top of the screen whose buttons are always in the same place, so you can remember them by position, for the most part.

      Not quite as good as the wheel, but I think it would be possible to design a wheel-like UI that you could use without having to look at it. They haven't, though....

      --
      Can you be Even More Awesome?!
  39. Re:The only real answer: by jmorris42 · · Score: 4, Informative

    > Not to feed the trolls, but where does this idea that monetary wealth = strength come from?

    Probably because monetary wealth == power == strength.

    > I'd put Billy Gates' fortune against mine that in a one-on-one deathmatch, I'd eat that scrawny fuck for lunch.

    That is silly. Billy's wealth counts as much as your gym time or you weapons collection when comparing survival fitness. So pit your pitiful physical strength and possible sidearm against his legion of doom in a deathmatch and see how well you fare. You probably wouldn't even get past the zero level minions at the front gate.

    Now a little less silly and more snarky. His monetary wealth represents the labor and assets of a billion or so people willingly traded for his. That is real, and it has value. The better question is who is more of an asset to the species and our civilization. You or Gates in a reality show faceoff to justify your existence to the studio audence and the loser gets deleted from the genepool. Who would the audience keep? Hell, who would be considered the more attractive mate? Should I continue to attack your very existence or have I made the point yet? Being able to physically beat somebody up hasn't mattered all that much since Sam Colt... or more bluntly, since junior high.

    --
    Democrat delenda est
  40. sceptical by Tom · · Score: 2

    I'm very sceptical, that wouldn't be like Apple at all. I'm half expecting a much cheaper iPad in addition to the existing ones, but not with a different form factor.

    Reasons are plenty, one of them is that apps are all designed for this size, from button size to the occasional ruler app. There have been similar rumors for the iPhone several times, and they've all turned out to be wrong.

    --
    Assorted stuff I do sometimes: Lemuria.org
    1. Re:sceptical by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      It will be interesting to see what screen res it has. Full iPad is too high for that size screen, iPhone Retina is too low. The Nexus 7 is 1280x800 but Apple can't use that because it isn't an exact multiple of the original iPad screen res.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  41. Straight from the horse's mouth: by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 0

    “One naturally thinks that a 7-inch screen would offer 70 percent of the benefits of a 10-inch screen,” Jobs said during a 2010 earnings call. “Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. The reason we [won't] make a 7-inch tablet isn’t because we don’t want to hit [a lower] price point, it’s because we think the screen is too small to express the software.”

    1. Re:Straight from the horse's mouth: by Belial6 · · Score: 1

      Wow. I would have thought that he would have liked the iPhone and iPod Touch more than that....

    2. Re:Straight from the horse's mouth: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why would a screen be too small to express software?
      You can fit a stupid amount in such a small screen.
      And with their whole "retina display" (high DPI screen), you'd not be squinting trying to see it.

      A smaller tablet, and tablets in general, are better used with a pointing device instead of clumsy, imprecise fingers.
      This allows for far smaller icons.
      Have a stylus on a string so it can't be lost, sell replacements (at Apples awesomely ridiculous prices) and Bob's your Uncle.

      Screen in landscape, it can still be used fairly well for gaming too.
      Yeah, devs might be more inclined to hide UI elements behind a global menu system, THAT IS GOOD.
      Features SHOULD be hidden behind a menu, unless they are ABSOLUTELY necessary and are used often.
      An image editor would have an Undo always visible since mistakes are pretty easy to make, and the whole "draw over your mistakes" mindset isn't really appreciated by most people who draw. I certainly never got used to it. Besides, computers images aren't physical drawings, you can erase your mistakes.
      An office app would have both a standard menu and a toolbars menu. (that hopefully wouldn't ever copy that atrocious Ribbon crap!)
      In gaming, the right and left sides of the screen would become the buttons since they are far easier to reach, and it still gives you a nice amount of screen real estate for drawing the game. (moving buttons are still going to be a bit obtuse on touchscreens, but digital movement of a character is always going to feel weird, where the pressure sensitive keyboards at?!)
      Basic things like that.

      I can't see a thing wrong with the 7inch design. Bad developers make bad UI choices, good developers make good UI choices.
      Even just giving some simple tips in the SDK for developers would be enough.

      As long as they keep a tallscreen at the same ratio, everyone should be fine. But if they move away from that, then it might annoy people.

  42. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Not really, they could go $250 for 8gb easy. iPod Touch is $199. 32gb jumps to $299? 64gb is $399 WTF? No pocket device is worth that now.

    The market for 7" Apple tablets are people that already have Macs or IPhones and want additional, cheaper devices. Apple can easily grab a premium because you would be buying one to leverage your existing iPhone/touch/iPad apps... I'm pushing $300-$500 in Apps over the last 2 years easily. Apple got 30% of that. They don't want me repurchasing my apps for Android!

    Apple won't EVER SUBSIDIZE devices. But they don't have to make "as much" profit if it keeps other streams flowing nicely.

  43. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Eponymous+Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I'm speaking about normal people who account for most tablet computer sales. Slashdot readers may find the RIM Playbook / Windows Surface / Kindle Fire / other Android tablet to be have a more compelling software library and that will make those tablets a better buy.

    I have both iOS and Android devices in my house and the holes in the Android library (for normal users) are slowly being filled, but app quality still lags. For now, I still can't recommend anything other than an iPad to people who ask me what they should get.

  44. if it's a smidgen smaller, at 6" diagonal... by DdJ · · Score: 1

    ...I'll be amused as hell, because that's about the screen size of the Newton MP2000 that was often rejected as way too large (the PalmPilot's tiny size being something of a reaction to this).

    1. Re:if it's a smidgen smaller, at 6" diagonal... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Newton was also almost an inch thick - that makes a difference too.

  45. Price unrealistic by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    With the current 8GB Ipod Touch selling at $199.00 - is a 200.00 price tag even in the ballpark?

  46. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Belial6 · · Score: 1

    That implies that 10" is better. I have a 10" tablet. I am likely going to get the Nexus 7". When we got a Fire for my wife, we found that while the 10" is dandy for around the house, the 7" is way better if you actually want to take it with you.

    I agree on the price point, but for a different reason. Apple would need to hit the $200-$225 price point because the iPad isn't better than a decent Android tablet. If they get too high above the price of the Kindle or the Nexus, most people won't buy it. They would have think long and hard before going lower than $200 because that could erode their "premium" branding.

  47. Re:The only real answer: by GameboyRMH · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    Ironically enough it's only through humanity's disconnect from nature's usual evolutionary pressures brought about by "advanced" civilizations that these social darwinists are able to survive. If Darwin really had his way, selfish individuals would be pushed out of / leave the tribe and be promptly eaten by predators. But now that we respect their individual rights and don't rely on safety in numbers, they live long, happy lives masturbating to Ayn Rand and ranting at the rest of us.

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  48. Re:The only real answer: by GameboyRMH · · Score: 1

    His monetary wealth represents the labor and assets of a billion or so people willingly traded for his.

    For certain values of "willingly"...

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  49. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by RatBastard · · Score: 1

    Not as good? That really depends on what you need it for. If all you want is to able to play music or listen to audio books why do you need a pocket computer?

    --
    Boobies never hurt anyone. - Sherry Glaser.
  50. A play on the joke about Nietzsche... by GameboyRMH · · Score: 3, Insightful

    "7-inch tablets are dead on arrival" - Steve Jobs

    "Steve Jobs is dead on arrival" - 7-inch tablets

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  51. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Slashdot readers may find the RIM Playbook / Windows Surface / Kindle Fire / other Android tablet to have a more compelling software library and that will make those tablets a better buy.

    Then Slashdot readers are living on another planet. Given that the iOS app library 1) is a couple of orders of magnitude larger than all of those others combined; 2) has no major holes relative to the other offerings; 3) has numerous apps--nay, entire app categories in some cases--that the others don't; 4) is price competitive (including vastly more high quality free apps); and 5) is curated to keep the buggiest, most useless, security threatening malware and crap out... ...by what possible standard could anyone find any of the others to have a more compelling software library?

    Here's an opportunity--please name the killer apps that exist on those platforms but don't on iOS that by themselves justify buying something other than an iPad. Because let's face it--the number of rational reasons to pick a Playbook/Surface/Fire over an iPad (aside from watching porn) are small and would largely vanish in the face of a 7-inch, price competitive iPad.

  52. Re:The only real answer: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    His monetary wealth represents the labor and assets of a billion or so people willingly traded for his.

    For certain values of "willingly"...

    Ok fine, where "willingly" >= "no gun to head"...

  53. A step in the wrong direction. by multicoregeneral · · Score: 1

    I think that if tablets are going to reach maturity, artists and content creators need a 20 inch tablet. It doesn't matter what it costs, just that the tools are there. Sure, it's cool that there's a smaller ipad, but we need bigger ones that you can do actual work on.

    --
    This signature intentionally left blank.
    1. Re:A step in the wrong direction. by White+Flame · · Score: 1

      It's called a desktop monitor. :-P

    2. Re:A step in the wrong direction. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You say that like it would stop larger tablets being made. A 7" tablet and a 20" tablet are clearly going to have different use cases. A 7" tablet is just about pocketable* and IMO more comfortable to hold while reading than a 10". A 20" is somewhat of a niche use case, although I'm sure it would be great for some, there is more money to be had in the 7" tablet space.

      *I can fit one in my jeans pocket, although it is by no means comfortable if I want to sit down or run. But it will also fit in most inside jacket pockets.

  54. And smart investors around the world by Provocateur · · Score: 1

    Smart investors around the world are investing heavily in cargo pants in anticipation of the gadget's arrival on the tech scene. Basement geeks are re-considering their previous decision to abandon trousers altogether, thinking perhaps that decision was a bit 'premature.'

    --
    WARNING: Smartphones have side effects--most of them undocumented.
  55. Re:The only real answer: by GameboyRMH · · Score: 2

    So he could have taken pliers to people's fingers the whole time, I bet he feels like an idiot now.

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  56. timothy - aka Apple shill by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Two submissions from timothy - one is about "rumors" of a mini iPad and another about Nexus Q misleading about "made in USA". Wow! Slashdot has gone to shits.

  57. New form factor for developers? by evilSteve · · Score: 2

    All of the apps are tied to the 10" size and 4:3 aspect ratio. That's why the ipad3 exactly quadrupled the resolution. So, will this just be shrunken, maintaining 1024x768 resolution on a smaller screen? Or will developers have to go back and add support for a new form factor, a la android? This is also why I think the rumors about the Galaxy Note2 are false. No way it has 1680x1050 - that's a 16x10 aspect, and all of their prior phones are 16x9.

    1. Re:New form factor for developers? by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      Galaxy Note 1 has a 16:10, 1280x800 display.

  58. Re:The only real answer: by CanHasDIY · · Score: 3, Insightful

    power (i.e., of the sociopolitical variety) != strength, at least, not in the Darwinian sense that I am specifically referring to.

    Having all the money in the world won't save you from genetic weakness; just ask Steve Jobs. Oh wait, you can't, because even his vast wealth couldn't make up for the fact that he was, in the evolutionary sense, weaker than, say, you and I.

    Which is my point; being able to hire a million people to do your dirty work for you does not make you stronger; in fact, considering that doing so tends to generate a dependence on said army, I would posit that such activity actually weakens the individual.

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  59. Goodbye Amazon. by John+Bokma · · Score: 1

    Since it probably will not have all the limitations of the Kindle Fire it will outperform that one for sure.

    I got the KF as a Christmas gift. I live in Mexico. There's a small flaw in the screen that showed up after a month. Amazon is willing to replace the device if I send it to the USA and they ship it to an USA address. After some more pushing they even wanted to refund the shipping cost to the USA (as an Amazon gift card, of course). When I got the KF I had to pay 20+% import duties and other taxes (40 USD). Shipping it within a reasonable time frame and insured will be around 90 USD or so. Or: I can have my KF fixed if I am willing to pay around 130 USD.

    Add to that the Amazon store requires a credit card with an USA address, even for the free apps and it's clear that Apple will outperform the KF on both warranty and content.

    Don't get me wrong, I love the Kindle Touch I own, and the KF is nice (although I do miss a built in cam and mic, let's hope the iPad 7+" has those). But Amazon is not going to beat content and an Apple store around the corner.

    Recently when I checked Google's content for Nexus 7 page (can't recall how it's called) I also got a nice warning that it's not available in Mexico. Smells like the same problem as with the KF.

    1. Re:Goodbye Amazon. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Recently when I checked Google's content for Nexus 7 page (can't recall how it's called) I also got a nice warning that it's not available in Mexico. Smells like the same problem as with the KF.

      It might just be that they are limiting where they sell it because of limited supply, it can be hard to predict demand on these things so if they overestimate demand for a limited number of countries they can just use the surplus for the worldwide release, but if they overestimate demand for a worldwide release they'll be left with lots of stock they can't shift without taking a loss. I suspect they'll release it in other countries in a month or two.

  60. does it come with... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Does it come with sand paper?

    you know for your fingertips.... I'll get my coat....

  61. One dimensional thinking by Kupfernigk · · Score: 1
    There you go with the Jobs mentality. Most of us would have expected a 7 inch screen to offer 49% of the benefits of a 10 inch screen, because it has only 49% of the area.

    But then, the Playbook I can be bothered to carry around with me everywhere has a definite advantage over the iPad or the Transformer that is really just too big for convenience, either for holding or carrying, given my Euro-weenie size and small hands.

    Personally, I have a suspicion that I am going to have helpless bank account leak at the sight of the Galaxy Note 2, but in any case, Jobs was wrong.

    --
    From scarped cliff or quarried stone she cries "A thousand types are gone, I care for nothing, no not one."
  62. The goal was 1024x768 not 10 inches ... by perpenso · · Score: 1

    The goal was really 1024x768 resolution. A resolution that is quite standard and would allow very effective viewing of regular web pages. It didn't hurt that a lot of PC/Mac developers already had artwork for that resolution and it would make porting to iPad that much easier. 10 inches was just the size required for a display of that resolution.

    However the retina type displays change that size requirement. That 1024x768 resolution can be offered in a smaller device. A device that could be entirely compatible, no changes required, with iPad and iPad2 devices from a developers perspective.

    1. Re:The goal was 1024x768 not 10 inches ... by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      Pretty sure they could have made a 8" 1024x768 if they wanted to when they released the first iPad. It could also have been bigger than 10".
      10" was a choice. Just like 3.5" was on the iPhone.

    2. Re:The goal was 1024x768 not 10 inches ... by perpenso · · Score: 1

      Pretty sure they could have made a 8" 1024x768 if they wanted to when they released the first iPad. It could also have been bigger than 10". 10" was a choice. Just like 3.5" was on the iPhone.

      An 8" screen would seem quite plausible. The iPad had a lower ppi than the iPhone, using the higher ppi of the iPhone would get us from 10" to 8". While such a screen may very well have exited there may have been problems with respect to cost, manufacturing yield, quality, etc. 10" may have been more practical, not a design requirement in and of itself.

    3. Re:The goal was 1024x768 not 10 inches ... by danbob999 · · Score: 1

      They could make a 3" iPhone with the same number of pixels. It would have higher PPI. But would it be an improvement? Not at all. Some people prefer larger displays. It's the same thing for the iPad. An hypothetical 8" iPad isn't better just because it would have higher PPI.

  63. Re:The only real answer: by jmorris42 · · Score: 1

    In a Darwinian sense the only thing that matters is how many offspring you leave behind. How long you live doesn't count for jack, neither does how many asses you can or cannot kick in a deathmatch. So ask yourself the big question. Billionaires like Gates and Jobs didn't leave a thousand children sired on thousand mothers (each one a smoking hot babe, fittest specimens they could find) behind, all with a free ride through the university of their choice and into a career of their choosing, leaving them all in good positions to spread the royal seed even more; but they COULD if they wanted to. Could you?

    The fact that people who could 'decree a stately pleasure dome' and properly staff it, haven't been doing that since Heff became old news does imply some bad things long term in the Idiocracy direction but that is another story.

    > Which is my point; being able to hire a million people to do your dirty work for you does not make you stronger..

    And I say that a million people will willingly DO your dirty work in exchange for the obligations incurred by virtue of the goods and services you produce makes you stronger and a more fit specimen. And I further point out the clearly evident fact that females of our species routinely make the same judgement in picking a less physically fit but financially capable mate. Hell, even a few males have no problem marrying into wealth.... including one fairly recent POTUS contender.

    --
    Democrat delenda est
  64. Re:The only real answer: by CanHasDIY · · Score: 1

    In a Darwinian sense the only thing that matters is how many offspring you leave behind. How long you live doesn't count for jack, neither does how many asses you can or cannot kick in a deathmatch. So ask yourself the big question. Billionaires like Gates and Jobs didn't leave a thousand children sired on thousand mothers (each one a smoking hot babe, fittest specimens they could find) behind, all with a free ride through the university of their choice and into a career of their choosing, leaving them all in good positions to spread the royal seed even more; but they COULD if they wanted to. Could you?

    Ha, touche, sir! You've got me there!

    I mean, maybe a couple hundred, but fuck, not sure I'd be able to stand afterwards...

    And I say that a million people will willingly DO your dirty work in exchange for the obligations incurred by virtue of the goods and services you produce makes you stronger and a more fit specimen.

    Still disagree, on the merit that you could hand a billion dollars to damn near any human on the planet and see nearly identical result. IMO, if it's something EVERYONE would do, including, say, creationists, then it's not an evolutionary advantage.

    And I further point out the clearly evident fact that females of our species routinely make the same judgement in picking a less physically fit but financially capable mate. Hell, even a few males have no problem marrying into wealth.... including one fairly recent POTUS contender.

    Well, if that's what passes for evolution these days, then count me out. The way I see it, there's more to life (and the evolution thereof) than pursuit of money.*

    We survivalists tend to think that way.



    *... and not even something of real value, but little green shreds of paper that the government promises are worth maybe, maybe 1/16th of the precious materials that supposedly exists to back them... Damn fractional reserve... we're all getting screwed, rich and poor alike... mostly poor, tho...

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  65. Re:The only real answer: by jmorris42 · · Score: 1

    > and not even something of real value

    I'm as anti fiat money as the next libertarian but I think you are falling into a common mental trap. You are mistaking meta problems with current faith based currencies with a problem with the idea of money in general. Those problems cause huge problems on a large scale but do not perturb the notion that someone with a lot of money has proven themselves to be of value to their fellows.

    What is money? I like the 'certificate of satisfaction' definition. If I am holding a one hundred dollar bill it is because I performed a service to someone else or gave them goods that they valued more than the dollars[1]. I accepted the money knowing I can then take that money (proof of service) and trade it to someone else in exchange for them performing to my satisfaction in either services or by giving me some of their goods. It would in theory work just the same if the three of us worked a barter but the econony functions much more smoothly with a common universally honored medium of exchange; i.e. money.

    [1] Or I got a welfare check or stole it, neither are a big enough problem (yet) to disqualify that statement of general principle.

    --
    Democrat delenda est
  66. Re:The only real answer: by White+Flame · · Score: 1

    In a Darwinian sense the only thing that matters is how many offspring you leave behind. How long you live doesn't count for jack

    If you sire 3,000 offspring, but they all die or otherwise end up childless, it's the same thing in the Darwinian sense as having zero offspring.

    Issues involved are raising them, training and equipping them so that they can continue on success, how you can protect them during their vulnerable times, or give them a system of security beyond their own solitary struggles. This all ties into whether or not the offspring can continue to be successful even in a survival and reproductive sense.

  67. Re:The only real answer: by Rasperin · · Score: 1

    If I am holding a one hundred dollar bill it is because I performed a service to someone else that they valued more than the dollars.

    Yeah you did! It's what they like to the 'certificate of satisfaction'. Nothing like a happy ending :).

    --
    WTF Slashdot, why do I have to login 50 times to post?
  68. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

    Argument for it over the Nexus and Fire is "larger screen" and "access to the best apps through itunes, blah blah blah".

    These are both reasons NOT to buy it. Everyone seems to assume that people get smaller screens because they are cheaper, but some of us actually just like smaller devices that can fit in a (large) pocket and are paperback novel sized. It is just a nice size for reading and typing. Larger screens are particularly bad for typing because the keyboard becomes too big to comfortably use.

    --
    const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
    SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  69. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

    Examples of these holes?

    There are massive holes in the iOS library. Don't like Safari? Too bad, nothing else is available. Many Android devices come with Swype pre-installed and I know a lot of ordinary people who use it, but iOS doesn't allow replacement keyboards. Sounds like Apple is going to lose Google Maps, and with it Navigation of which there is nothing comparable at all unless you are willing to pay, and even then not as good.

    --
    const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
    SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  70. I see it coming... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They'll call this the Min-i-Pad, to be followed by a jumbo-sized tablet device, the Max-i-Pad. What obvious bullshit will Apple pretend to think of first next?

    Please don't forget to tip your waiter.

  71. Re:The only real answer: by CanHasDIY · · Score: 1

    > and not even something of real value

    I'm as anti fiat money as the next libertarian but I think you are falling into a common mental trap. You are mistaking meta problems with current faith based currencies with a problem with the idea of money in general.

    Nah, just a semi-random rant unrelated to the other content of the post.

    What can I say, the mere concept of fractional reserve just pisses me off to no end.


    Here's to the barter system!

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  72. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Golddess · · Score: 1

    Don't like Safari? Too bad, nothing else is available.

    I don't yet own an iPad or an iPhone, but it looks like you may be wrong about that.

    --
    "I'm not sure I like the fugnutish tone you used in your post!" -RogL (608926)-
  73. I need 8.5 x 11 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I do not need a stinkin' iPad Mini. What I need is a damn iPad Maxi. One where a standard sheet of paper can be seen all at once at a resolution I can see without glasses.

    How long Apple? Chop, chop, get to it!

  74. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by zippthorne · · Score: 1

    Barnes and Noble already brought a 7-inch pad to market that outperforms the Fire. You may have missed it, because it was a second generation device and came out two days after the Fire.

    --
    Can you be Even More Awesome?!
  75. Apple steals ideas from Android, yet again. by walterbyrd · · Score: 1

    http://team-nocturnal.tumblr.com/post/26388747742/proof-apple-stole-from-google-boycottapple

  76. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by mattack2 · · Score: 1

    Apple would need to hit the $200-$225 price point because the iPad isn't better than a decent Android tablet. If they get too high above the price of the Kindle or the Nexus, most people won't buy it.

    Wait, the iPad is ALREADY significantly above the price point you mention. Is the bigger screen the _only_ reason people are buying it? I don't think so.

  77. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Glonoinha · · Score: 1

    Civilization Revolutions.
    Hate to admit it but I spent an hour Googling to see if it was available on the Android before making my final purchase decision on a phone last week.

    --
    Glonoinha the MebiByte Slayer
  78. Galaxy Tab 7.7 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I've got the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, which imho is currently the best tablet (counting out the Note, which is more phone than tablet): beats all other HD tablets (720p display) in slimness and weight, just recently received ICS and offers the largest screens size while still fitting in a (male's) jeans back pocket. This "pocketability" is the main advantage of 7" tablets - they can be stowed away in your back pocket or jacket if you need your hands, whereas the bulky 10 inchers usually need to be placed back in your bag, which in addition to their weight makes them far less useful as truly portable devices.

    I'm wondering what resolution these new iPads will have though:
    * 1024x768 like the old iPads, would mean a very non-retina ~160 ppi
    * 2048x1536 like the new iPads would mean 320 ppi on a 7.8" device, probably not, considering the target price
    * 1920x1280 seems the most likely, double iPhone 4 resolution, which would make it easy rendering all iPhone apps as lower res, but would make developers redo their artwork for yet another resolution - 290ppi would qualify as retina, since 7 inchers are held closer to the face than 10 inchers but further away than phones.

    I'm quite happy with my 1280x800 display tough, it's good enough for my use cases, e.g. to view most PDFs and non-mobile Web pages without zooming, also for viewing movies (or youtube) which are mostly available at standard 720p/1080p nowadays, so obviously a 7.7" at 1920x1080 would definitely be the optimal solution. Here's hoping for the Galaxy Tab 7.7 II.

  79. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Google Navigation was never available for iOS. Google refused to provide it, as it's a big selling point for Android phones.

    Apple is abandoning Google Maps so that they can provide navigation. Assuming they do a decent job of it, that's going to be a huge upgrade in the eyes of a ton of people.

  80. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Belial6 · · Score: 1

    Decent 10" tablets are already significantly above that price point. In the 7" size, they are $200 is the price point to hit.

  81. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by exomondo · · Score: 1

    Don't like Safari? Too bad, nothing else is available.

    I don't yet own an iPad or an iPhone, but it looks like you may be wrong about that.

    I'd say his point is that it's not a viable alternative because Apple gives its browser preferential treatment, click on a link in any application and it will open up in Safari, there is no way to change the default browser to Chrome.

  82. amazon backlink tools by joged · · Score: 1

    I use most powerfull backlink tool http://backlink-indexer.blogspot.com/ its free mate!

  83. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by Golddess · · Score: 1

    Hadn't considered links from other applications. Thanks.

    --
    "I'm not sure I like the fugnutish tone you used in your post!" -RogL (608926)-
  84. Re:Makes sense. Somebody is buying Nanos still. by 666999 · · Score: 1

    they never compete on price

    Really? I was under the impression that they did just that with the first iPad. There were no ~10" tablets in "Android land" at that price at the time.

    "Tablet PC makers shaken up by iPad pricing - Surprised by iPad's low $499 price tag"
    Apple iPad: The Low-Price Leader?
    Apple iPad Cheaper than Notebook Vendors Would Like