Is it the ‘iPad mini’ or will it be the ‘iPad Air’?
For as long as we can remember, or at least for the last several months, we’ve all dubbed the device that Apple is widely expected to announce next week as the “iPad mini.”
But now a notable Apple blogger is saying the Cupertino, Calif., company may not name the device “mini” after all.
John Gruber of Daring Fireball in a post offered two other possibilities for the name of the rumored 7.85-inch screen tablet.
The blogger said he believes the device is more likely to be named the “iPad Air” or simply the “iPad.”
A roundup of iPad mini tablet rumors [Photos]
“‘Mini’ just doesn’t feel like the right way to describe something that’s remarkably thinner and lighter but not that much smaller than the regular iPad,” Gruber says in the post.
Gruber points to the MacBook Air as an example of why Apple may decide to go with the name “iPad Air.” Gruber says the MacBook Air’s selling points are the same as the rumored iPad’s: thinness, weight and price.
Besides a different name than what we’ve all been using, Gruber also said he does not expect the iPad mini to include Apple’s higher resolution Retina display.
Gruber says fitting a Retina display onto the device would make it thicker, heavier and likely more expensive. Additionally, keeping the Retina display on the 9.7-inch iPad would help differentiate the two products.
Additionally, Gruber also explains why there’s a good chance the device will start around $249 and not higher. He says the device shouldn’t be compared to the starting price of the iPad Touch, $299, but rather, the price of competing tablets.
Gruber is known for typically being on the mark with his predictions as well as getting early looks from Apple at their new devices. Being just four days away from Apple’s Tuesday event, you can bet Gruber knows what he’s talking about.
ALSO:
Google prices its new Web-based Samsung Chromebook at $249
Twitter blocks neo-Nazi group, uses country-specific censoring tool
Twitter handle @PendingLarry mocks Google premature earnings goof
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
