Category Archives: IPad

Theory: iPad Mini Could Be Priced At $199 And Here’s Why

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I was beating my head all weekend trying to figure out how Apple could sell its much anticipated new iPad Mini for a competitive price without compromising the higher end price of the new iPod Touch line.

Well. as in all things, the solution is simple. Ridiculously simple actually.

Here is my theory: the iPad Mini will indeed be a consumption device but more than that it will be purely an Apple consumption device.

Similar to the strong ties Amazon has achieved between their Kindle line and Amazon products, the iPad Mini will be used to purchase Movies, Music, newly-defined Apps and Games only through ITunes.

Additionally, books will be available via only via iBooks and Podcasts via the Podcast App.

And there you have it in a nutshell. Yes, you will see the popular apps like Facebook and Twitter; after all, they have established a strong partnership with Apple.

But, at the end of the day, this iPad Mini will be an aggressive move to push all of Apple’s products, like iBooks, to the forefront.

The iPad Mini, at a lower cost than its full-sized parent, will be the vehicle to drive sales of media, music, books and apps through the roof.

What do you think? Does this theory sit well with you? Please share your comments.

Oh iPad Mini – Where Art Thou?

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So should we believe this latest source re the iPad Mini? Can it be? Will it be?

Well, AllThingsD is a very credible and reliable source for information, so maybe this Phantom iPad Mini is for real?

Just as I was warming to the idea of a Kindle Fire HD, this news leaked today. It’s like Apple can read my mind – or pretty much everybody’s!

According to AllThingsD.Com and 9to5Mac.Com, the iPad Mini is scheduled to be unveiled at a special event on October 23rd. Interesting. It’s a Tuesday, not a Wednesday, which is breaking with tradition.

However, this event will happen a day before Samsung’s Next Big Thing event to be held in New York City and three days prior to the release of Microsoft’s Surface.

Man – that’s a lot of tablet power right there. Kind of has my head swimming before I’ve had a chance to take the dive and see what treasures lie ahead at the bottom of this sea of tablets.

I am assuming all of the production woes are true and, in fact, contributed to the delay of the release of this new Apple iPad Mini.

And yet, still no word from Apple. But, the media are all over this new story

IMore.Com is the latest to add their opinion. It all looks and sounds legit – these tech sites are extremely reliable. But, we have been down this road before.

As I mentioned over at iMore.Com in their Comments Section:

It ( this Apple Event) will only be exciting if the price is right. They have to get this right or it’s over! They can’t give it away but the price has to be competitive and this iPad Mini has to offer something special to intrigue buyers to jump ship from the other tablet markets.

So, I guess we sit and wait for 11 more days. This story is getting old fast. I really have to find something new to blog about.

So, do you think this event is coming to fruition? Or will we just be twiddling our thumbs in a couple of weeks?

The iPad Mini – Is It Fact Or Fiction?

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So, how about that iPad Mini everyone? Will we actually see this gizmo or is it truly a figment of our imagination?

Since the beginning of time – or so it seemed – the tech community went on some sort of PR binge purporting the existence of the iPad Mini. It was a “done deal” they all said. Has to happen, will happen, must happen, better happen – the rumours would not stop. Sort of like a train out of control.

And then the iPhone 5 event came and went with not a mention, not a hint that there would be another event devoted to the release of the iPad Mini.

Now, if they had not have hyped their recently released new iPod line at their September iPhone 5th event, I would have assumed that they were keeping the iPad Mini news under wraps until October.

I mean, if they devoted time to speak about their new iPod Touch and Nano line, even though they were not to be released until October, did it make sense that they would not have mentioned the iPad Mini?

And don’t even get me started on the prices. The new iPod Touch prices have pretty much locked out any room for an iPad Mini.

Yes, I am afraid that all the “Unofficial Reports” are now amounting to delusional hearsay and speculation.

It’s in production alright – it’s in production in everyone’s head.

Way back when on this little old blog, I predicted that such a product did not exist, except in the minds of the consumers who wanted it to exist. Apple already had their perfectly proportioned, best-selling iPad – why would they break their back trying to develop a smaller one? For what reason?

With the release of the larger iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple basically made a statement: this is what we do, these are the sizes we believe in and we are rocking the sales market.

It is now October 10th, the supposed release date of invitations to the iPad Mini event and – still – not a mention, not a hint, not a gasp that Apple is ready to officially launch the iPad Mini this month – if ever.

Personally, I was welcoming the iPad Mini – not for myself but for my grandchildren. It is the perfect size for kids.

Although most kids still like the convenience and portability of the iPod Touch, many would drool over a mini iPad. It is light, compact and ideal for movie viewing, gaming and browsing. And their smaller fingers and precise eyesight would navigate the apps with seamless dexterity.

This is a bad call, I feel, on Apple’s part. And I can’t believe I just wrote that. Boy, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Say it isn’t so, Apple. If not, there will be many Kindles under my Christmas trees this year.

The Mystery Of The Shadowy Number 5 In The Apple September 12th Invite

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Earlier today, I wrote an article about the upcoming Apple Event on September 12th.

I mentioned that, perhaps, the shadowed reflection of the Number 5 in the media invite may not be referring to the new iPhone but rather to 5 new products.

It was just a theory but suddenly it has taken on a life of its own.

Now, it appears, that Apple may issue several new iPod products in addition to the iPhone. And, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched to think that the iPad Mini may make an appearance as well.

Personally, I found an October release for the iPad Mini a little late in the season. I don’t know about you, but I shop early and, when weighing in the supply and demand for these products, i want to make sure that my Apple gifts arrive early rather than late.

Early October would work but mid to late October would be dicey. Plus the competitors are releasing tablet products in September so why would Apple wait to release it’s new iPad Mini?

And we can’t forget the rumored refresh of the new iPad.

Yes, a 5 – product announcement at the September 12th Event seems even more plausible. An iPhone, a refresh of the new iPad, an iPad Mini and a couple of iPods. And, let’s throw in a new Apple TV as well – just for fun.

If I was a betting gal, I would place my bucks on 5 products. How about you?

Here Mini Mini Mini Mini Mini! My Grandchildren Can’t Wait To Meet You

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Well, if all the rumors are true and Apple does release their iPad Mini on September 12th, then my Christmas shopping is a done deal.

Oh yes, each of my 3.5 grandchildren are under the age of 6, yet, when they come and visit me, they can’t wait to get their hands on their favorite toy – my iPad.

Well, I am done fighting with them. Sometimes, you just have to see the writing on the wall and understand where this whole technology craze is taking us and embrace it.

And, truth be told, I have been the biggest instigator in terms of turning my grandchildren into full-fledged geeks. Between the iPad and the AirPlay feature on my Apple TV 3 Unit, the day breezes by.

We explore the latest educational apps, stream videos to Apple TV via AirPlay and then wind down while watching iTunes-purchased musical theatre films on Apple TV.

But, nature-lovers, do not be alarmed. In between geeking time, I do make sure that these kiddies have outside time, where they can release their pent-up energy and act like energetic and fun-loving kids.

It’s all about the balance, correct?

But balance can mean so many things – like having a one-hour camp-out in the back yard tent with an iPad in hand to pass the time. Plus a walkie-talkie so we can fully communicate with the kids at all times. Talk about mixing the past with the present? It doesn’t get better than this.

So, Apple Mini – or whatever your name shall be – you shall be a huge success. Personally, the new iPad is perfect for me, but, for the children, the Mini is the way to go.

It’s lighter, more compact and small little fingers and keen little eyes can maneuver those shrunken apps with proficiency and dexterity.

So, if all goes as planned, I will be finished shopping for Christmas in September. How about you?