The rumors that Apple will release a small-sized tablet have always been there ever since Kindle Fire made it’s debut. Kindle Fire, sized much smaller than Apple’s iPad, has been fairly successful in the market. And although Steve Jobs originally said that a tablet sized smaller than iPad will not be suitable in terms of usability, analysts say that Apple may be persuaded to change it’s mind due to Kindle Fire’s success. An analyst from Technology Business Research, Ezra Gottheil, has now reiterated that Apple will launch a 7-inch tablet this year.
Nearly everyone is expecting Apple to launch iPad 3 in a March event, most probably scheduled in the first week of March. However, there are no chances that Apple may launch the 7-inch tablet in the same event, according to Ezra. He said, “I believe that’s always been in the plan. Actually that’s a good form factor for some users, and although they will also charge a premium above other similar-sized tablets, they want to protect that price flank.”
It does seem to make sense that smaller tablets have a fair chance of success. And this has been proved quite effectively by Kindle Fire. If Apple lets that niche uncontested, it may let other vendors make it’s mark. So Apple may be concerned over it and decide to launch a smaller tablet. However, on the other hand, some have argued that the immense popularity and demand of iPad series leaves Apple no need to launch another size of tablets. Whether or not Apple decides to go with a smaller tablet will be known by the end of this year.
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