iPad Mini coming soon?

APPLE DOWNSIZING: Looks like the iPad mini (or whatever it’ll be called) is nearly on its way. Apple’s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, according to various published reports. The new tablet reportedly will have a 7.85-inch LCD screen with a lower resolution compared with the latest iPad. South Korea's LG and Taiwan's AU Optronics began mass production of the screens for the new device. In August, AllThingsD reported that Apple was planning to hold a special event in October to unveil the smaller tablet, and though nothing has yet been announced, that time frame now seems plausible. Analysts said a smaller tablet could help Apple stay competitive in the increasingly crowded market. Christine Wang, analyst at Daiwa Capital Markets in Taipei, told the Wall Street Journal that the the smaller iPad is intended to appeal to those who consider the iPad too heavy or too expensive. "Many people use the iPad to play games and watch videos, but they cannot hold it with one hand," she said. Market-research firm IHS iSuppli has forecast that the global tablet sales will surge 85% this year to 126.6 million units. Last year, the iPad held a 60% share of the global tablet market. But Apple’s competitors have released a variety of smaller, cheaper tablets like Google’s Nexus 7, with a seven-inch screen that sells for $199, Amazon’s Kindle Fire, with the entry-level model priced at $159. The newest iPad, released in March, starts at $499. (10/3a)