Lots of talk recently about a 7-inch iPad. Here’s one of the latest from Forbes:
As others have already speculated, White’s contact says the second-generation iPad will be smaller, with a screen that measures about seven inches, compared to the first iPad’s 9.7-inch screen. The new iPad will also include the high-resolution “Retina†display that the latest version of the iPhone (4) boasts, a micro or mini USB port, a camera and greater capacity of up to 128 gigabytes. The amount of storage in the current generation of iPads tops out at 64 gigabytes.
These specifications, if accurate, should address the most common criticisms of the iPad–namely, its size/weight, the inability to take photos or shoot videos and the difficulty of hooking it up to external devices like printers and scanners. The presence of a Retina display and built-in camera could also point to video-calling capabilities. Apple unveiled video chat software, called FaceTime, for the iPhone in July and has an interest in extending that feature to as many of its devices as possible.
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say the following: Not gonna happen.
See, the iPad is selling like crazy. So crazy that according to that same article, around 45 million iPads will be sold next year. There is no reason for making a smaller iPad, because the form factor is perfect for so many different things. Of course, look at that same article further, and you’ll see why the iPad isn’t selling quite as many billions as it could.
These specifications, if accurate, should address the most common criticisms of the iPad–namely, its size/weight, the inability to take photos or shoot videos and the difficulty of hooking it up to external devices like printers and scanners.
Seriously? Look, the camera is only legit for Facetime, but otherwise it’s needless. It’d be like holding up a clipboard to take a picture. Same thing with the videos. And as for the printing, that’s covered with AirPrint, and I could give a crap about scanning with an iPad.
I think ultimately the problem is that some people still see the iPad as a computer replacement. It’s not. It’s something completely different that can’t be pigeonholed because it’s a new category of device. So if you want to have a device that you use for pictures, use your phone. If you want one that scans documents, use your computer. The iPad fits somewhere in the middle. So no, there will be no 7-inch iPad, because the regular iPad is selling just fine, thanks.
2 thoughts on “7-Inch iPad Rumors Abound”
The other thing that an iPad camera would be good for (besides Facetime), is taking pics of documents, to email written agreements to the home office, or with an OCR app. Also pics of checks for bank deposit apps. And of course the augmented reality applications. All of the Camera Apps for the iPhone should work with an iPad camera, too… Yes it would be awkward to use an iPad to video much of your kid’s football games, but an iPad is a bit smaller and lighter than those old video tape cameras that people use to lug around and use…
Yes it does seem a bit early in the game to segment the iPad market, but if other manufacturer’s 7″ tablets begin to sell big, Apple will probably jump in to keep on top of the market…
Here’s another reason for a 7″ iPad: why not?
Price it same as 10″, which then it doesn’t matter if it cannibalizes sales of 10″ model. Now you give consumers better choices depending on their needs and much less reason to consider any of the myriad 7″ tablets that will be hitting the market very soon. I’m one of those folks very tempted by the Samsung Galaxy Tab but I’m holding off until after the January MacWorld Expo just in case Apple announces a 7″ iPad. I know Jobs says 7″ tablets are DOA, but I think that as always he’s just trying to slow the competition until he’s ready to pounce.