DigiTimes is reporting that iPad supply chain sources indicate they have begun delivering samples of a 7.85-inch iPad for verification with the expectation of a Q3 2012 release. This news comes according to “industry sources”.
The theorize that the 7.85-inch iPad will retail around $249-$299. Added to the mix, their sources suggest that an 8GB iPad 2 will be slotted at the $349-$399 price point.
This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve heard of a smaller iPad, which some feel is necessary to compete with the lower-cost Kindle Fire. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Apple was testing an 8-inch iPad. While this is far from a fair comparison, so is the price point of the two devices. To consumers, perhaps they see a $199 tablet and a $499 tablet. If Apple were to close the gap on pricing by offering a smaller, lower-cost iPad, then one could surmise it would further drive sales.
Source: DigiTimes
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