5.6-Inch And 7-Inch Second-Generation iPads? Seriously?
by Joe White
July 14, 2010
Today's wacky story comes from DIGITIMES, who just reported on a rumor that the next iPad will hit stores later this year, and will be available in three models: one with a 5.6" screen, another with a 7", and the last with the 9.7" screen we're already familiar with.
DIGITIMES cites "component makers" as being their main source for the rumor, and states in its article:
"The sources noted that Apple has recently placed new iPad orders to Taiwan-based component makers for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 with 9.7-inch, 5.6-inch and 7-inch models all included."In addition to this, we're told that the 5.6" and 7" models will largely target the e-reader market, leaving the multimedia market for the 9.7" screen iPad. Personally, I'm not sure how a reduced screen size benefits e-reading in any way. Surely the comfort of a larger 9.7" screen would be more apt. The article also suggests that the Taiwanese manufacturer, Compal, will be manufacturing the iPads alongside Foxconn, who has been manufacturing iOS devices for some time now. However, we have to remember these statements are just rumors, and nothing at all has been confirmed regarding the second-gen iPad. All we've seen so far that could possibly be related to these rumors, is the mysterious Apple touchscreen that leaked last week. I think an iPad with a screen smaller than 9.7" really just becomes a glorified iPod touch. Let us know what you think in the comments box below!