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Apple is rumored to announce the new iPad mini tablet on October 17 according to a report by Fortune. The device is expected to feature 7.85-inch screen with a design that will be inspired by the iPod touch. We have already posted the schematics from our sources in China back in July that gave us an idea on how the device will look like in its final form. Now AllThingsD reports that the new iPad mini device, that is expected to sell at significantly lower price than the third generation iPad could outshine it when it comes to design.Their source that is close to Apple’s supply chain told them that the new rumored device’s design is slicker than the new iPad and it will feels much better in consumer’s hands than the current 9.7-inch iPad thanks to its thinner design and perhaps lesser weight.
iPad mini will directly compete with cheaper Android powered tablets such as Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire lineup. Apple is also said to sell this new kind of device at a competitive price to better compete and retain its tablet dominance.
Apart from the report on iPad mini’s outstanding design, WSJ separately reports that Apple has already placed an order for 10 million iPad mini units for the fourth quarter. Their information comes from Apple supply chain where this new kind of Apple tablet is being produced for the holiday season launch right now.
WSJ writes:
Some component suppliers to Apple in Asia say they have received orders to make more than 10 million units of the smaller tablets in the fourth quarter. That is roughly double the order that were placed for Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets in the same quarter, these suppliers say.
[Img Credit: Martin Hajek]
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