If Apple goes forward with its rumored plans to launch a smaller version of the iPad this year, the scaled-down tablet would likely be a hit with consumers, a new survey from PriceGrabber indicates.
In the survey of 2,603 U.S. online shopping consumers, conducted in late April, 52 percent of respondents said they would consider buying a so-called "iPad mini." PriceGrabber asked respondents whether they would buy an iPad with a 7-inch screen for approximately $249 to $300 if it's released this year. Forty-eight percent said they would not consider buying such a product.
The possible lower price tag compared to current iPad models was the top reason consumers would consider buying an iPad mini, the survey found. Sixty-four percent of those interested in the smaller tablet said the lower price would draw them in. Meanwhile, 51 percent of consumers said they would consider buying the iPad Mini as a holiday gift, if it's released in advance.
Evidence that Apple is planning to launch a smaller version of the iPad has been mounting for months. The rumors first surfaced back in December, with reports that Apple had purchased 7.85-inch panels from LG Display and AU Optronics. Then, the Wall Street Journal in February claimed to have a source who confirmed that Apple was testing the new, smaller screen line of tablets.
The following month, DigiTimes reported that protoypes of a new iPad with a 7.85-inch display had been delivered to Apple, and volume production of the devices could begin as early as the third quarter of this year. And an unnamed Samsung official in March reportedly told The Korea Times that Apple is planning to launch a smaller iPad with a 7.85-inch screen by the end of the year.
For more, see PCMag's full review of the new iPad and the slideshow below.