Just months after the release of Apple's iPad tablet computer, the tech giant allegedly has a new, smaller version on the way. The "iPad mini," which could hit shelves as soon as Christmas, will reportedly come equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, rather than the 9.7-inch screen of the original model, and cost less than $400. The first iPad was an overwhelming success, but some critics say a smaller version would be an unnecessary addition to Apple's gadget lineup. Is releasing an iPad mini a mistake?
Why bother? Apple has the bases covered: A new iPad now just doesn't make sense for Apple, says market analyst Brian Marshall, as quoted by Reuters. Between the $99 iPhone 3GS and the current iPad, which costs from $499 to $829, Apple has covered "every price point." With "such a good lineup," I just "don't see any holes in their portfolio that they need to fill."
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