because android as a tablet platform is even worse than it is on smartphones, with very little app coverage? And most are using outdated software, or are low powered in an attempt to be price competitive?
They're shit, basically.
RUMOR: 7-inch iPad on track for October 2012 release, $200 to $250 price
- Thread starter Good Job Bob
- Start date
- Status
because android as a tablet platform is even worse than it is on smartphones, with very little app coverage? And most are using outdated software, or are low powered in an attempt to be price competitive?
They're shit, basically.
BuddyJoeHooker
Member
7 inches is too small. 12 inches doesn't need to be that much more expensive. The problem now is demand for them. iPad just ruined everything imo. Not that they aren't good devices.
The Anandtech article is particularly interesting because they emphasize that it wasn't just a die shrink, it uses a new, more complicated manufacturing design for extra battery efficiency. If it was only to save money, they'd probably just go for a die shrink. They designed the chip for extra battery efficiency.
Anandtech speculates that they did this to experiment with new processes for future processors, but I think it could also be because they could use the new more power-efficient A5 in a device with a smaller battery, while still promising a high battery life.
I know Steve Jobs is dead, but I don't he would ever birth an entirely new product for the sole purpose of a cheap entry price. Apple has never done that, and I doubt they're going to start now.
Now if you want to make the argument that there are consumers who want a smaller iPad, that's something else entirely.
Mac Mini?
I disagree. I think that the 7" is going to be seen as superior by so many people that there doesn't need to be much separation in price between it and the iPad 2
The Faceless Master
Member
to people saying it's the same price as an ipod touch... does a 7" ipad fit conveniently in all of your pockets?
shinobi602
Member
Will get if price is true.
The Faceless Master
Member
The Faceless Master
Member
I don't see why people think a price that's comparable to what everyone else is doing is unreasonable... have you all seen the MSRP on 10" Android tablets compared to the new iPad?
Sure, Apple's PC prices are CRAY, but their iOS devices have been in line with their market competition...
Sure, Apple's PC prices are CRAY, but their iOS devices have been in line with their market competition...
Have they? The iPad might be (I honestly wouldn't know) but the iPhones definitely aren't. For example (prices from one store in my country):
iPhone 4S: 1Ghz dual core, 16GB storage, 960x540 3.5" display, $729
HTC One X: 1.5Ghz quad core, 32GB storage, 1280x720 4.7" (!) display, $649
You could argue that Apple's build quality is better - and it probably is - but when it comes down to it it's pretty evident that Apple still marks up their prices.
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
I'm not interested in a 7" iPad (love my iPad 3) but this rumor seems to be getting more and more traction, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth to it. Considering that sales of the Fire have fallen off a cliff since Christmas, and the original Kindles aren't doing great either, this would be an opportunity for Apple to really take command of the tablet market. I mean bigger command, as lets face it, right now it's Apple and then a wide gap back to everyone else.
Also, criticism of their PC prices is really a bit outlandish at this point. Sure, they don't make much in the way of a sub-$1000 machine, but if the Mac's are so over priced, why are the ultrabook manufacturers having such a hard time competing with them in that area?
Also, criticism of their PC prices is really a bit outlandish at this point. Sure, they don't make much in the way of a sub-$1000 machine, but if the Mac's are so over priced, why are the ultrabook manufacturers having such a hard time competing with them in that area?
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
I'm with you on this. I just seem maybe Apple going for the Power Play move. $200 is out of the question though, but $250 is at least possible. $300 seems the most reasonable if we stick with the idea of Apple premiums.
I have a feeling Apple wants to deal the death blow though which is why I was thinking $250.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like Apple would never cripple the iPad with only 8GB. They don't make subpar products to just hit a price point. Flash memory is getting cheaper by the day, so my vote is now on $299 for 16GB 7.85" ipad.
Given the willingness of people to pay for Apple products, $299 would still sell like hotcakes and there's no need to reduce the price to $250.
Given the willingness of people to pay for Apple products, $299 would still sell like hotcakes and there's no need to reduce the price to $250.
Apple has said themselves a few times they want to make a cheaper version of iPhone for the prepaid market, so far they haven't been able to deliver.
They haven't said anything about 7" iPad so we have heard enough rumor that its probably true.
I wonder which one will come out first.
Personally, I have lost interest to the 7" form factor. A lot of this has to do with how big a gadget I can get away with at work. As soon as the TMobile Galaxy Note come out I will get it.
They haven't said anything about 7" iPad so we have heard enough rumor that its probably true.
I wonder which one will come out first.
Personally, I have lost interest to the 7" form factor. A lot of this has to do with how big a gadget I can get away with at work. As soon as the TMobile Galaxy Note come out I will get it.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Actually they already DO THIS. Just look at the iPhone 4. Older parts from the older phone at only 8 gigs verses 16 when it launched.
Vyse The Legend
Member
A 7 inch one may happen -- eventually. However, there's no chance it will be this cheap.
Apple can charge more, and they will. $300 minimum; $400, more likely.
Apple can charge more, and they will. $300 minimum; $400, more likely.
The 7" tablet really is an in between device - definitely moreso than the current ipad. app UI can't be too much more complex than a smartphone, because of the screen size. it's too large to be pocketable. it's in this weird space.
If Apple were to make this, would they position it as even more of a reading/ game machine? since the benefits of the small size are weight and easy one handed use, reading is an obvious selling point over the regular ipad (but if the resolution is only average, then it may just be a wash). what's their marketing pitch for someone to buy this? someone who needs a laptop on the road and still wants an iOS device smaller than the ipad? someone who reads a ton?
On one hand, I understand the logic in thinking Apple will try to cover all price points with iOS devices the way they did with iPods. not allowing competitors any price points or form factors to gain traction in the market. that's really the only argument I can understand for why they would do this now.
But on the other hand, making a 7" device means making some real sacrifices in usability and app complexity. Using it would be more like using a really large smartphone compared to what can be done on the ipad now. The device would be much less versatile than the ipad and would appeal to a smaller subset of people who just want a reading or gaming device and not a potential PC replacement.
Does Apple want to release something like that so early in the iPad's life? Do they see enough benefit with the lighter form factor to create a third class of in-between apps for it? Do they want to dilute what the term "iPad" means and what an "iPad" can do?
If Apple were to make this, would they position it as even more of a reading/ game machine? since the benefits of the small size are weight and easy one handed use, reading is an obvious selling point over the regular ipad (but if the resolution is only average, then it may just be a wash). what's their marketing pitch for someone to buy this? someone who needs a laptop on the road and still wants an iOS device smaller than the ipad? someone who reads a ton?
On one hand, I understand the logic in thinking Apple will try to cover all price points with iOS devices the way they did with iPods. not allowing competitors any price points or form factors to gain traction in the market. that's really the only argument I can understand for why they would do this now.
But on the other hand, making a 7" device means making some real sacrifices in usability and app complexity. Using it would be more like using a really large smartphone compared to what can be done on the ipad now. The device would be much less versatile than the ipad and would appeal to a smaller subset of people who just want a reading or gaming device and not a potential PC replacement.
Does Apple want to release something like that so early in the iPad's life? Do they see enough benefit with the lighter form factor to create a third class of in-between apps for it? Do they want to dilute what the term "iPad" means and what an "iPad" can do?
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
Considering you can get a new (and improved) iPad 2 for $400, there is no way they would price a 7" model at the same point.
That completely depends on the software. I've used 7" devices running barebones ereader software. I've owned 7" devices running smartphone software. I now own a 7" device running a full-blown tablet OS with tablet apps. The 7" tablet I own now is no less versatile than the iPad 2. If Apple deciders to treat their 7" tablet as a bigger iPod Touch with the same apps then, yeah, it would be sacrificing app complexity. If Apple instead treats it like a mini iPad, and gives it the tablet apps, then it would be fine.
Good post.
I could only see them launching this if they really want to kill Kindle. I'm not sure that making an in-between device would be a good thing in the long term. The strength of iOS is its lack of fragmentation when compared to Android.
iPhone is a smartphone where as iPad is a computer replacement. Not to mention iPad apps are larger and more comprehensive.
PaleFolklore
Member
I've been waiting to buy an iPad and an iPhone for a while now. I'll be buying both as soon as the iPhone 5 is released. I don't think I'll be buying the 7" iPad though. Personally, I'd rather they go bigger rather than smaller. I like the screen size when I use my sisters iPad 3 but I think I would like it even more at 1-2 inches bigger. Hoping the iPhone 5 is at least 4" as well.
Yes. And if they do it right they kill RIM in the process; game, set, match.
I love mine as well, and picked it up for <$200USD. I'd bet the Playbook is definitely more the model for Apple's 7" tablet than the Kindle, which is nothing compared to the iPad. Kindle is poor tablet but a reasonable reader/browser.
Also: retina GTFO. Only if "$499 at an Applestore near you!"
Goldrusher
Member
A4 iPad plz.
Rocket Scientist
Member
Even I would buy it at $250, so no, it's not going to be $250.
Not necessarily, if they're trying to destroy the competition by going after the only semi-viable tablet market for Android then 7" is where to go. They can afford to undercut their normal profits some to take the market over completely. They'd still turn a profit, it just wouldn't be as exorbitant. And there's no way it's the same res on a 7".. It'll still be "retina," but not that resolution with the first iteration.
captmcblack
Member
A 7-inch iPad at $200 would be the end of Android tablets almost instantly.
...and I'd contribute to it, because I LOVE the 7-inch form factor. That is exactly as big as I want a tablet. It's perfect for reading comics and ebooks, it's perfect for holding sideways to play games, it's perfect for sitting in your bag. That price would make it a killer.
...and I'd contribute to it, because I LOVE the 7-inch form factor. That is exactly as big as I want a tablet. It's perfect for reading comics and ebooks, it's perfect for holding sideways to play games, it's perfect for sitting in your bag. That price would make it a killer.
1)It's been like two ipads since Jobs died.
B)I was channeling todd akin and not radiating Job's memory, relax.
The discussion at hand was about regular sized mobile ipods, not the the extra large ones.
Yeah having thought about it, while I think they could produce it such that $250 or even $200 (eventually) is viable ... I'm not sure what the point would be. They'd be cannibalizing iPad 2 and maybe even iPad 3 to what end? Lower margins as a goal?
Killing off the competition isn't valuable if it means you end up with lower profits. And once you set a pricing structure, it's hard to raise it later just because there's no one competing. That would simply open up the sector to new competition again. Granted it's extremely hard to break into this sector, but the problem is their current competition isn't going anywhere. Android phones aren't going to die any time soon and Windows on ARM will be used in other things beyond tablets. So even if Apple could knock their tablets off by such a move ... they'd be ready to jump back in with relatively mature OS's and ecosystems at any sign of weakness. It's not like they'd need to start from scratch.
I'm expecting a shrunk down iPad 2, smaller battery, and 8GB memory for maybe $299? 16GB at $349? Something like that. That would give Apple a new entry point without cannibalizing their other tiers. While I know people would argue they'd prefer to cannibalize themselves, I think it's obvious they would like to continue with two 10" tiers moving forward due to economy of scale with new new generations of processors and die shrinks.
Similarly, I think such a pricing structure works well versus the current competition. While it's a bit more than the main players (Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet), it's also giving you the full iOS experience and ecosystem on overall better HW. There really isn't much mental gymnastics involved in seeing the value.
Extra large iPods? iPads are computers
Al-ibn Kermit
Junior Member
I do think there is a market for a $300 7 inch iPad, but it's price is only reasonable when compared against the iPod touch. This won't absorb any of the current customers for 7 inch tablets.
I mean, the 7 inch Nexus tablet from Asus is coming out soon and will have (according to the rumors) a Tegra 3 chip and probably 16GB of memory, but it's being rumored that it will be in the $150-$200 price range. There is absolutely no way a $300 iPad is going to compete with that.
I think you'd have to already be sold on iOS to consider paying so much more for a 7 inch iPad. Either Apple can go for absolute minimum profit and sell the 7 inch iPad for $200, cutting into the 10 inch iPads sales, or they'll just eventually give up on the small tablet market.
? An iPod Touch is a computer too
So is my microwave technically.
Apple seems to think touch is perfect for every situation, so good luck with that.
Disagree. For people that are just looking at a simple media consumption device like a Kindle Fire, yeah probably not a huge amount of upsale (beyond those that where using it as their first tablet and now want to get a full-scale one). But I think there will be plenty of Android tablet users that want to move from my own personal experience.
1) We really don't know the HW or pricing for either ... so it's kind of moot to speculate with this man if's
2) Assuming the same SoC as iPad 2, it actually outperforms Tegra 3 for graphics which is really the long-pole here. It's not like iPad is particularly CPU bottle-necked.
3) It really comes down to ecosystem. And I'm sorry, but Android's is generally terrible beyond simple media consumption. This coming from someone with 3 Android tablets.
Why would you need to be sold on iOS already to want the better tablet? Though that said, I suspect there are plenty of people that use iTunes and/or iOS that don't already have an iPad.
Al-ibn Kermit
Junior Member
The 7 inch market is pretty much just the Kindle Fire and the Nook. I doubt those users are too concerned about any advantages iOS might offer in apps over the highly customized version of Android they're using.
The Nexus tablet is based on the Asus memo370t, which apparently had a Tegra 3. The only reason this is important is that the Tegra 3 can run Android 4.0 very smoothly. If both tablets can run their operating systems at 60 fps, then that makes the comparison mainly come down to price and tablet apps, which they are each very different in.
For new tablet buyers though, availability of apps isn't something you're going to notice by playing with display models. I don't see a 7 inch iPad offering more curb appeal than the 7 inch Androids.
Because there's a ~two times difference in price, and the price is usually one of the first things that people try to narrow down when shopping for something.
Unless they already know what software they prefer. That's why I think this will sell to people who have an iPhone or iPad, but want a more goldilocksish screen size also.
Vyse The Legend
Member
Seriously.
Anything sub-$300 is a complete dream. A wonderful dream, but a dream none the less.
I think Tobor was talking about the ipods being mislabeled as computers.
I'll call the ipods computers when they gain meaninful computer functionality like the ability to upload data from the browser without having to dance around the silos.
These are not available overseas. And Apple sells roughly 70% of its devices overseas.
People already pay a higher price for iPods, iPhones and iPads versus cheaper devices with the same screen size.
Ninja Scooter
Member
this seems very Un-Apple like. Is there anything to read into current iPad sales that say there's a need for this? Especially with where the iTouch is and it's current price point? I guess this could be an iPod Touch replacement, but 7 inches is way too big for that.
- Status