Apple continues to rule the tablet market with its iPad despite being outnumbered by Android tablets and out priced by rivals like the Amazon's Kindle Fire. Though Google's latest Nexus 7 tablet and the Kindle Fire are looking to top the small tablet market, Apple may become a dominant competitor if the iPad mini rumors are true.
According to analysts from the Chinese website Mydrivers.com, Apple is rumored to be developing a new mini tablet that may take over both the regular and small tablet market share. The latest tablet is said to have a 7.85 inch IGZO display and priced between $249-$299 depending on the model. The size would be nearly half of the current iPad.
According to past reports from Apple Insider, the new iPad mini touchsceen display will support 1024x768 HD resolution and have sensors integrated into the LCD rather than layering in order to produce a thinner lightweight device.
The Amazon Kindle Fire has enjoyed success settling with the lower end market. Priced at $199, the Kindle Fire amassed users who were looking for a good tablet without the full extra features offered on the iPad.
Google's newly released Nexus 7 tablet could give the Kindle Fire a run for its money. The Nexus 7 is also priced at $199 and weighs 12 ounces, less than Amazon's 14 ounce Kindle Fire tablet. The screen also provides better HD quality.
If Apple does tap into the market, users may be able to get the best of both worlds, which equals bad news for competitors. The iPad Mini would compete on pricing while offer Apple's high standard offerings from hardware, software, to user interface.
Previously, the smaller end tablet producers breathed a sigh of relief when the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs dismissed the rumors and concept of a mini iPad saying smaller tablets are "tweeners" and that it would not fare with smartphones or the larger sized iPad. Though Apple looks to be steering away from this concept and pose a large threat to those currently selling tablets smaller than the iPad.
