Analyst: Apple may show size doesn't matter with 7-inch iPad

September 20, 2010 11:22 AM
Devindra Hardawar
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MobileBeat 2013
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Rumors of a 7-inch iPad from Apple just won’t die. Now it’s Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, who’s fanning the rumor flames based on conversations with Apple suppliers, Bloomberg reports.

We reported on the possibility of a 7-inch iPad in September, based on information from an iLounge inside source. Apple has apparently been developing prototype devices in that size for some time, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the company roll out with a smaller iPad to complement its current 9.7-inch version.

Kumar says that Apple may want to compete with smaller 7-inch tablets like Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab, which runs Google’s Android mobile operating system. While the iPad is only a few inches larger, that increased size also makes the device heavier, and less portable, than something like the Galaxy Tab. A smaller iPad may also be a way for Apple to combat the Kindle and other e-readers, which are better suited for prolonged reading due to their lighter weight.

Kumar also points out that Apple will have to catch up to Samsung when it comes to video conferencing — an assessment he likely included in case the 7-inch iPad news doesn’t pan out. By this point, it’s almost guaranteed that Apple will include video conferencing capabilities on its next iPad — particularly since it just brought FaceTime video chat capabilities to the new iPod Touch.

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  • http://www.google.com/profiles/adamcasalino Adam

    A 7 inch tablet doesn't make sense. They have iphones and ipod touches to fill the ultra-portable niche. If they do come out with one, critiques will say they are diluting the market, which they will be.

  • Billish

    @Adam: Disagree. Something the size of the Kindle is PERFECT for holding like a small book when travelling, especially when in one of the nice leather covers they sell. It also allows one to do things a lot more easily that we already do on our touchscreen smartphones when travelling or on the move, but with difficulty (e.g., typing e-mails, changing plane seats, etc). The iPad is way too awkward and heavy for me to use in the same way that a nice Kindle-sized device can. The Galaxy Tab should do quite well, as it nicely fills this niche. I plan to buy one.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_K7SKTEOHS7WG52UVEYUQUMP37U PatrickP

    A 7 inch tablet makes total sense. I have a Touch, but it's too hard to read with. I skipped the original iPad because it is too big and heavy. My main use is for traveling. And I would much rather have a device that I can easily carry through the airport. A 7 inch iPad fills that need perfectly.

  • smc29

    Yup, i've used the Imaxipad. It's freakin pixelated all over the place. It's heavy, and clunky. Can't wait for the Tab. 7 inch was what tabs were meant for and Apple is recognizing that. Too bad tho for apple, it's an IOS. Lookout for the next giant in Samsung

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_76OFCF42VTNES4V72VZEYYRPUU Jon B

    While I don't doubt that a 7″ iPad might make sense, I seem to recall Steve Jobs stating that Apple absolutely didn't need and would not produce a 7″ device. So, will he go back on his word? And if so, how is he going to explain it in a way that will make him look good? No, I doubt highly that this mythic device will come out. I think that Jobs will be insistent that his devices are better

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