Rumors of Mini iPad Seem Legit

Tech rumors are always flying around, but one about Apple building an even smaller iPad feels like it has the weight of truth behind it, writes Kit Eaton of Fast Company. First, consider the source: China's Economic Daily News "pretty much nailed the original iPad's format and timing well before its launch." Now it says Apple is working on a version with a 7-inch screen, down from the current 9.7 inches.

This makes sense, writes Eaton. It would solve one of the common complaints about the iPad, that it's a wee bit too heavy to lug around. Consumers would still be able to choose the bigger size, but a smaller iPad would presumably come in a fair bit cheaper than $500. "If Apple could manage an entry point for the new iPad at around $300, it would have a super-hot seller on its hands."
(More iPad stories.)