Apple testing 7.85-inch iPad, may decide to scrap it

While the rumors of Apple releasing an "iPad Mini" with 7.85-inch screen have been around for years, notable blogger John Gruber has finally weighed on the rumor, confirming it.

Gruber is well-connected in the Apple world, and has been very accurate in the past.

The blogger says that Apple is indeed testing a prototype of the device, but has not yet decided on whether to release it.

If accurate, the prototype has 1024x768 resolution (equal to the first two iPad) and will likely run on the same A5X processor seen in the third-gen iPad just released last month.

While the rumors have persisted for years, there is little reason to believe Apple will ever release a smaller iPad. To get to their $199 price point for the Kindle Fire, Amazon had to cut a lot of corners and that is apparent with the tablet, despite its popularity. Apple's motto has always been to keep functionality at the highest level, even if the components in the device are outdated compared to other devices in the market. A "cheapened" iPad is something Apple will likely not stand for and unless they are sacrificing a lot of their margins and brand, there is little way they can compete on price.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 5 Apr 2012 22:22

troclon (unverified)

There is a way. Foxconn should pay its workers 1 dollar instead of the 2.something they earn now. Why not? crApplea has supported this kind of slavery, so why not support it again in order to please owners with more earnings. That's all that matters to them. Not even their own employees. Everybody is disposable as long as an opportunity to make profits is seen.

Shame on crApple and crApple fan boys.

6.4.2012 00:28 #1

plutonash

Originally posted by troclon: There is a way. Foxconn should pay its workers 1 dollar instead of the 2.something they earn now. Why not? crApplea has supported this kind of slavery, so why not support it again in order to please owners with more earnings. That's all that matters to them. Not even their own employees. Everybody is disposable as long as an opportunity to make profits is seen.

Shame on crApple and crApple fan boys. http://www.intomobile.com/2012/03/30/wo...overtime-hours/

I think Foxconn workers are fed up with westeners like us meddling in with their affairs. I'd be upset too if someone across the seas said I couldn't work overtime.

"Cable thief is a victimless crime."

6.4.2012 08:14 #2

LordRuss

Originally posted by plutonash:
http://www.intomobile.com/2012/03/30/wo...overtime-hours/

I think Foxconn workers are fed up with westeners like us meddling in with their affairs. I'd be upset too if someone across the seas said I couldn't work overtime. Who are we kidding... Here in the US they don't want us working overtime. Walmart alone has been consistently accused of coersing their employees to clock out & then continue to work off the clock in order to avoid the extra pay rate.

Another cue game they like to play now is the 'right to work' state that our great nation has fallen into; making most unions virtually eunuchs. They'll work you 10-12 hour days (instead of 8 hours, then pay you overtime for over that) right up to the 40 hour mark & then pay you over time.

Let's just say I worked for a popular entertainment venue in Florida who would bring us in for an event on Thursday, work us literally round the clock for 72 hours for an even on Saturday night. Then we'd continue to work for regular hours on the clean up for Sunday & Monday. Which would only accrue maybe 30 hours regular pay. Total, nonstop hours... 125 to 130. And no, I'm not kidding. Still have the pay stubs.

The Chinese government might have issues, but the people are most definitely concerned. Like a clown crying on the inside. CrApple is still only concerned with the same high sales, no cost profit, screw the consumer profiteering business model they've been using since the 80s.

That old dog needs to be put down down & their consumer base needs an habanero pepper enema intervention stat! Their fan base should be treated much better than they are.

http://onlyinrussellsworld.blogspot.com

6.4.2012 14:00 #3

A5J4DX

scrap it

6.4.2012 18:26 #4

blueboy09

Oh, for heaven's sakes, let's not make our devices any cheaper! Its hypocrisy to think that way! Our company is so doomed that we can't even take our components out of our products cause we'll lose profits! The Mayans have come to take us all!

Chance prepares the favored mind. Look up once in a while and you might learn something. - BLUEBOY

7.4.2012 11:31 #5

core2kid

Smaller screen with lower resolution, A4 CPU (iPad 2 specs), no 4G, smaller battery with same battery life.

It looks completely possible without cutting corners. A5X chip imo is gonna be a waste, half the power of that chip goes to displaying things at that resolution. Nothing is optimized for the A5X yet.

9.4.2012 00:53 #6

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