It appears that not everyone lining up outside Apple Stores would be able to take home the new iPad mini on the day the device is launched late October or early November. According to Topeka Capital Markets' Brian White, suppliers are finding the specs of the 7.85-inch version of the iPad "challenging", and these constraints could hurt the device's availability during the first month. White expects the miniature iPad to be priced between $250 and $300.
What Else You Need To Know
- The entry-level iPad 3 with Retina display is priced at $499 while the popular budget tablets Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Google Nexus 7 are priced at $199.
- Latest rumors say that the iPad mini would mimic the design as well as the anodized aluminum backing of the iPhone 5, would have a nano-SIM tray for 3G or 4G LTE connectivity, and would have a lower resolution than the iPad 3's 2048 x 1536 Retina resolution display.
Other sources
Apple’s tablet is described as thinner than the Android counterparts, but will have a slightly taller footprint due to the 7.85-inch display, rather than the 7-inch screens on competing models.- Chuong Nguyen , GottaBeMobile
So, we could well have shortages. Or delays in shipping at least.- Joe Svetlik , Tech Radar
- Other
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Why a 7.85" iPad mini makes sense
At 7.85 inches, the 44-point touch target is the exact same size on the iPad mini as on the iPhones, the screen graphics drawn to the same physical scale, and so forth.
- TechCrunch
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Making Sense Of The iPad Mini Rumors: What To Expect, When, And Why
At this point, it also seems quite likely that we’ll see the iPad mini look a lot like the mock-ups that have surfaced, too, which is being used by case manufacturers who aren’t waiting for official confirmation.
- Other
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iPad Mini ‘Challenging’ to Build, Expect Low Supply at Launch
Some investors have predicted 10 million units would be sold during the launch quarter, but White has estimated between five and seven million iPad minis due to the supply chain constraints.
- TN
- iPad Mini Mockups Look Pretty Sweet, We May End Up With the Real Deal Next Month
- ITProPortal
- iPad Mini delayed by parts production, says analyst
- GottaBeMobile
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If You Want an iPad Mini, Be Prepared to Preorder Else Expect Delays
Apple’s tablet is described as thinner than the Android counterparts, but will have a slightly taller footprint due to the 7.85-inch display, rather than the 7-inch screens on competing models.
- Tech Radar
- iPad Mini shortages expected from suppliers
- Gizmodo
- The Single Biggest Question About the iPad Mini
- Other
- iPad Mini: New Mockups Hit the Web
- SlashGear
- Three iPad mistakes the iPad mini needs to fix
- More...