Rumor sites are buzzing with the news that a seven inch iPad could be in the works from Apple (AAPL). The source article, a translated Taiwan Times article, claims the seven inch iPad will be manufactured by sources other than Apple's usual partner, Foxconn. Compal, instead, would be used, as Apple is claimed to be trying to diversify its suppliers.
The rumored iPad would also be 1.1 pounds, instead of 1.5 pounds, allaying concerns some have about how heavy the first generation iPad was. The screen resolution would be the same.
Sites like Looprumors and ComputerWorld are reporting the date for the new iPad's release as being holiday 2010. That seems rather unlikely, as the rumors are just now confirming that these parts are being ordered by Apple. More likely is that, with Macworld being the usual place Apple likes to make some new announcements about their product line, one might anticipate seeing a new iPad announcement there. In late January.
This is when the iPad was initially demonstrated to the world at large at the start of 2010, with the iPad going on sale in April. Look for Apple to repeat the same pattern, just as they have stuck to a summer pattern with the iPhone.
Impact on Apple's stock price? Look for excitement about a lighter iPad and news stories to effect the Apple price in the traditional run up before Macworld. If the device is real, look for excitement in April as it further boosts the iPad ecosystem and offers another market segment to sell to, as well as to the core faithful who like their iPads, but want a lighter/new/better version.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-18-2010 @ 11:10AM
richardbonnet said...
Why can't Steve Jobs do something nice for the United States and produce the I-PAD and I-PHONE in this
country insted of China.China is building facilities to turn out 200,000 units a day and employ 100.s of thousands
of workWe could use the jobs.
Could you imagine what would have happened if Henry Ford made the automobile overseas insted of the United States.
Everyone should write their Congressman and urge them to talk to Steve Jobs and Apple COMPUTER.
8-18-2010 @ 11:59AM
leon said...
It is still too small. My eye sight is not that good. I need something with about a 20' screen and can spit out about 2.8 MB per second and have about 120 GB open space for storage and programs.
8-18-2010 @ 12:41PM
Jenny65 said...
richard....it's a nice thought, but the i-pad would probably cost 5 times what it does now. That's why all the politicians are scratching their heads. It's a global economy and we are competing with (kids), the very companies our education system welcomed with open arms into our colleges. Now they've gone home, built companies, kept their labor costs low, and we're edged out. A company in India is producing something to rival the i-pad. They think it will retail below $50. If and when that happens, our tech sector will tank. That will be really bad.