Editor's Note: After this was posted, Apple mailed invitations to media outlets for Sept. 1, rather than Sept. 7.
Is the iPad too big? If you think so, you might be in luck. Multiple sources are saying that a mini version of Apple ’s popular tablet computer is in the works, ready for its debut during the holiday season.
The smaller iPad would have a 7-inch touchscreen, landing right about in between a smartphone and a typical tablet in terms of size.
Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, which correctly predicted that Apple would launch the original iPad as opposed to a netbook computer, says a pair of manufacturers in Taiwan have won contracts to build components for the smaller device. It’s not been uncommon for publications in Asia to get scoops like this since that’s where many of the world’s most popular electronic devices are assembled.
No confirmation from Compal Electronics or Chimei Innolux, the two companies named in the report. And of course, no word from Apple either, which typically maintains secrecy about new devices – unless they’re mistakenly left in a bar, but that’s another story. The Silicon Valley giant, however, is reportedly planning a handful of announcements at an event on Sept. 7, including an updated iPod touch and a new service that allows you to rent TV shows from iTunes for 99 cents.
And naturally, rumors have once again been raised about a Verizon iPhone announcement at that event, but if there are going to be more announcements on that date, a mention of a mini-iPad seems more likely at this point.
