Apple is to launch a smaller, cheaper version of its iPad tablet this autumn, according to sources within the Far Eastern factories that supply the technology giant.

The new machine will be less than 8 inches across the diagonal - considerably smaller than the current 9.7-inch model.

It will also be cheaper, to compete with rivals such as Google's £159 Nexus 7.

The unnamed sources in Apple's supply chain said that the launch is 'very near'.

Rumours were reported by Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, quoting several unnamed sources within Apple's supply chain.

Earlier reports by Far Eastern technology blogs had also hinted that a launch was imminent.

The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was vehemently against a smaller iPad, but analysts have long predicted that a machine would appear in the second half of this year.

Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu predicts that the move would be a devastating blow for Android competors.

'It would be the competitors’ worst nightmare,' Wu said. 'The ball is in Apple’s court.'

The iPad Mini would show that Apple is prepared to break away from former chief exec Steve Jobs' deeply-held mantras.

The Apple leader, who passed away last October, publicly derided the smaller tablet model, in particular the seven-inch form-factor, which is becoming a standard for a smaller tablet.

Billyonaire: Now Apple is about imitating Samsung, I can bet, its gonna be the size of Galaxy Note. I cant buy a tablet bigger than that.

HQ:

It's going to be about 7.8inches (not sure it'd be any larger).

If it's smaller it will likely be cheaper - BUT the premium features may be shaved off - no retina display and all of that. In the end, I look forward to this (wanna see how this compares to my playbook and galaxy tab 7.1).

I wonder what Steve would say if he were alive, he was once quoted saying Apple wouldn't make a smaller version because a smaller screen size doesn't give room for the Software to be "expressed".

Tight competition in the tablet sector...hmmm.

Billyonaire: My Galaxy Tab is gathering dust here, I cant see why I should use anything bigger than the Galaxy Note. I love it.

Ileke-IdI:


You mean the Galaxy note that looks like a T-83 calculator?

Billyonaire: I dont know what T-83 calculator is, havent see calculator for awhile, but go to google and type Galaxy Note - click images. Or walk into any Samsung outlet in your neighborhood.

Korrection: what a consuming country...never produced any but uses at any slightest presentation just to feel like i better pass my neighbour...watch out for the new SAMSUNG XT-HTC/NOKIA VERSION OF APPLE IPAD TAB 2012....COMING SOON

matrixme: When Steve Jobs was alive, he often gets disgusted with the crap being peddled as consumer electronic products, according to an interview on TIME. He believes Apple products should be perfect devices for the people who use them. How he will turn furiously in his grave at this approach by his torchbearers to backstab his ideals.. Albeit to get the share of the tablet market!

matrixme: When Steve Jobs was alive, he often gets disgusted with the crap being peddled as consumer electronic products, according to an interview on TIME. He believes Apple products should be perfect devices for the people who use them. How he will turn furiously in his grave at this approach by his torchbearers to backstab his ideals.. Albeit to get the share of the tablet market!

Ileke-IdI:
@Billyonaire

See what I mean? A T-83

Billyonaire: no, I do not see resemblances there. Do you see ?

Ileke-IdI:


Yes. I do.

Billyonaire: Methinks Samsung leads the way of hardware designs and innovatio[/b]n, and running on Android is another advantage over apple. Just my personal opinion though. iPad mini, really need to be cool to push the galaxy series out of the way.

Billyonaire: Forgive me son, old age has a way of playing tricks on me.

Ileke-IdI:


I agree with this.
Even before Android came out, Samsung had the best designs. THEN, iPhone came out and all hell broke loose.


No problem, grandpa lol

Billyonaire:

iPhone is a heavy peace of metal, the day i dashed that phone out was the day i had less weight in my pocket. I have nothing against Apple, but the next time they wanna make phone hardware, they should think right and get suggestions from customers.

Ileke-IdI:


People are actually interested in technological advances. Get out of your cave, dude.

davidylan:

huh? Is it any heavier than your wallet? Most times i barely even notice the phone is in my pocket.
The 3g versions were certainly heavier but i absolutely disagree on the 4 and 4s versions.