14 
9to5Mac has an image that shows a prototype design for the next iPad and guess what, it looks a lot like the iPad Mini. These pictures are only unconfirmed images, but if proven to be real, it looks like the big iPad might follow in the iPad Mini’s footstep of lovely chamfered edges.
Taking a closer look at these leaked pictures, the rumoured next iPad backing looks nearly as thin as the iPad Mini. What’s also interesting is that if Apple was using this case for the next iPad, the big iPad will have the same thin bezel of the iPad Mini. A MacRumors forum member posted a picture depicting the 9.7-inch screen size of the current iPad on the rumoured case:
You can see how thin the iPad would be, if it used this rumoured casing:
Though it seems like we’re early in the process for iPad rumours if Apple follows suit with its spring launch for iPads, like it has in years past, we’re about right on schedule for an avalanche of new iPad rumours. Get ready. [9to5Mac]
What the Next iPad Might Look Like (If It Looks Like the iPad Mini)
This Is How the iPad Mini Could Look Next to the iPad
This Is What the iPad Mini Might Look Like
A thinner bezel, apple sure are innovative!
Thin Bezel – OMG!
Yes. It will look like that.
I’m guessing the masking tape is integral to the design?
Yes, I think you will find its an Apple Patent. How dare anyone else tape stuff together with masking tape
Its very important its there so anybody with a ruler and too much time on their hands will confirm the correct size and therefore validity of the fake photo
On further inspection you will notice the exact same masking tape is on both the front and back in identical positions, notice how the masking tape is needlessly covering the screen so the Photoshoper can show off his skills with the blending modes and also notice the drop shadow on the longer piece of tape (a drop shadow on a illuminated screen ?!?! I think not)
I just don’t see why they’d need to release a new one for the next couple years. When I see my Mother I think I’m gonna see what is new on the ipad, I then go to the store and turns out it’s pretty much the same as it was 2 years ago. So I end up thinking of other things I can do on it, stare at it for a few mins and then just put it away lol.
The screen is too small to wanna watch movies and TV on, especially when I could just watch a TV. It’s too big to be portable, it has less functionality than an Smart Phone and well really it is just a big iPod touch. If I want to browse the net or do anything, I find a PC to be so much better.
I just don’t get who is buying them, unless my theory is correct of people wanting a Laptop replacement is true, I just don’t get it. If that is the case then we should see a slow down in sales and Laptop sales rising. Even my Mother thinks it is shit…
Because they can’t innovate in software any more, they have to make apparent innovations in hardware to make it seem new/better/buyitnow.
You know, multiple different versions of the same thing leads to wonderful fragmentation…
I have owned a 9.7″ iPad and now have a mini. I’ll tell you what they are best for:
1. Netbook/non power user laptop replacement.
2. Sales tool, fantastic to whip out and use to make a sales or business presentation. DropBox and other apps make it easy to access photos and other content that you also have on the cloud and therefore your main computer or laptop.
3. Gaming – the iPad mini (or Kindle Fire, Nexus 7 etc) form factor is perfect because your hands grip it comfortably and the on screen controls don’t take up half the display, unlike on a phone. (Temple Run was made for tablets!)
4. Spreadsheet – Fire up the new Google Docs on iOS and with or without a keyboard, the iPad is a great way to make basic updates to figures.
5. Family slideshows etc. Nothing nicer than browsing through family photos on a tablet. I took my mini to a recent funeral and it was nice to be able to show the ‘guests’ the library of family photos from the deceased past. Phone display would be too small and a laptop too bulky.
6. iPad mini fits in the pockets of all my winter and summer jackets too.
7. If it wasn’t for the lack of processing power (we’re nearly there) and Apple’s appalling cloud strategy, I would make the mini my only ‘computer’ and use Airplay and an Apple TV to turn it into a desktop device when not on the road. (You can ‘beam’ Full HD video from recent iDevices to your monitor or TV via Apple TV. I have tried this with a drawing app on the iPad to create an expanded desktop, and whilst it looks great, the processor cannot handle the increased display area and it is sluggish, however, for some reason probably to do with the processors used in the iPad, video plays fine with no stutter.)
There, convinced you?
I guess it comes down to personal preference. I bought a 10″ Archos G9 101 for £150, it’s a great kit but I hardly use it and thinking of selling it to the SEX shop.
CEX*
ps. Edit button please
Because they must milk the iSheeps and fulfill their destiny.
a rectangle with a button and camera.. how did they know..?
why would an iPad3 owner buy a 9 to 5 mac?
Just because Jony Ive uses the word “chamfered” doesn’t mean that you have to use it in connection with every Apple product. Especially when the product in question has rounded, not chamfered edges.
I thought that when I read it. Giz US are known for regurgitating sales spiel without researching what it means.
I have an iPad 2 and was looking to upgrade to the iPad 4th gen, but I will forgo that for now as I haven’t the funds. But it is interesting to see these designs if albeit they are prototypes. I’ve always wanted them to finally do a coloured iPad range like their nano iPods and such. But again it may follow suit of the iPad mini with two basic colours.
YES