It looks as if the long-rumored iPad Mini might finally get a debut, and just in time for the holiday shopping season. The specifications of the device are all but announced at this point, but a few more minor details about Apple’s first mini tablet were leaked this week.
9 to 5 Mac was able to obtain some details of how the upcoming mini-tablet will look. Citing “sources that we have reason to believe hold knowledge about Apple’s plans on the upcoming iPad mini,” their report describes the device as a big iPod Touch with smaller bezels and separate buttons for volume control.
9 to 5 Mac also revealed that their sources place the iPad Mini thickness at around 7.2 to 7.3 mm. There is some confusion over whether the device will have a front-facing camera, due to conflicting leaked mock-ups. The 9 to 5 Mac report speculated that the lack of a camera may be part of a lower-priced iPad Mini. They also showed off a case backing made by Devicewear, though it obviously isn’t from Apple.
It has already been reported that the iPad Mini will feature a 7.85-inch display, will cost between $249 and $299, and will launch sometime in late September. That price and size are certainly within striking distance of the other 7-inch tablets, especially considering Apple’s reputation of releasing high-quality products. Amazon and Google both have a head start in the mini-tablet market, though. Google’s Nexus 7 mini tablet was well-reviewed when it was released in July, and Amazon will soon be releasing its second generation Kindle Fire mini tablet. It will be interesting to see whether Apple can invade and dominate a market they did not create themselves.