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Everyone’s favorite dubious news site Digitimes has a new prediction this morning, regarding the oft-rumored iPad mini. According to the site, Apple is “likely” to launch a 7.85 inch tablet at some point before the end of 2012.
The smaller version of the iPad will come in addition to the next generation iPad, which is expected to be launched sometime during the first quarter of 2012. Some sources have pegged the release as early as February, while others cite March or April as the months when we’ll see an iPad 3.

Digitimes suggests that a miniature iPad is in development in order to compete with Amazon’s fast-selling ultra hot Kindle Fire, which comes in a much smaller seven inch form factor. I wouldn’t give a lot of credence to the rumor at this point, because this isn’t the first time it’s surfaced.
Back in 2010, Steve Jobs squashed the buzz that had Apple putting out a mini iPad. “The reason we [won’t] make a 7-inch tablet isn’t because we don’t want to hit that price point,” he said. “It’s because we think the screen is too small to express the software. When we make decisions on 7-inch tablets it’s not about cost, it’s about the value of the product when you factor in the software.”
It’s unlikely that Apple will produce a smaller tablet, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Digitimes’ sources say that Apple will be purchasing 7.85-inch panels from LG Display and AU Optronics, to begin production during the second quarter of 2012.
Will they or won’t they? Do you think a smaller iPad is imminent? Is there a need for one? Let us know in the comments.
via : Padgadget