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The Wall Street Journal has been all over rumours of the next iteration of the iPad like a rash as of late. Yet more anonymous sources have told it that Apple’s apparently testing out a smaller, eight-inch version of the iPad, which could supplement its bigger 9.7-inch brother.
Apple is apparently working with AU Optronics and LG Display to test the smaller 8-inch panels, which are meant to pack a similar 1024×768 resolution to the current 9.7-inch display in the iPad 2.
Apple’s pretty well known for producing prototypes and testing all manner of fake products, so this could just be Cupertino throwing people off the scent. But it could also be Apple’s attempt to go after the cheaper end of the tablet market with a smaller, slightly lower cost option. Then again, when has Apple ever gone after the cheaper end? Why would they start now? [Wall Street Journal]
I very much doubt it. Steve Jobs was strongly against smaller tablets and Apple would no doubt face a barrage of questions about going against his wishes. The more devout fanboys might even boycott it for that reason.
But this way they could make an 8 inch tablet, claim to have pioneered the space, and promptly sue everyone and anyone who has a similar device for slavishly copying them because they look a bit similar and don’t have the same size or dimensions, whilst reaping millions for people who now have to add the iPad nano to their collection.
I would buy an 8inch and 10inch iPad, you can’t get too much of a good thing!