The iPad Mini is Apples soon-to-be announced product update to its already popular, iPad. Leaked images, rumors, inside information and analysis all suggest that the iPad mini will be a smaller version of the current iPad at 7.85-inches and will come with no retina display in order to keep costs low.
A Ukrainian iPhone blog has also claimed to have leaked parts to the iPad Mini, with some new details. In the photo, you can see that the iPad Mini has an anodized black aluminum backplate.
Another change that has been widely reported is that it will probably include a Lightning port instead of a 30-pin connector.
In terms of display, the WSJ reports that the iPad Mini will have a "lower resolution" than the most recent full-sized iPad, which implies no retina display. Apple first introduced the Retina Display with the iPhone 4 in 2010. The iPhone 4, 4S, and 5 all have screens with resolutions higher than 320 pixels per inch, which is dense enough that spotting individual pixels is difficult. The result is that images look crisp text is clear.
The WSJ report did not suggest what the resolution of the iPad Mini's screen will be, but it might have a resolution that's similar to its other devices. According to Information Week, they suggest that "it would make sense for Apple to pick 1024 x 768 pixels, which is the same resolution shared by the iPad and iPad 2. That would be a competitive resolution for a device with a 7.85-inch display, even if Apple can't market it as a Retina Display."
The unveiling of the iPad Mini might take place on Oct. 17, with invitations being sent out a week earlier on Oct. 10. Apple typically releases products one or two Fridays after its keynotes which means it may hit stores on Nov. 2.
The iPad Mini will be aimed at cheaper Android tablets, such as the Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire. These devices are sold at or near the $200 mark. Pricing for the iPad Mini is expected to range between $249 and $349, depending on storage and other options.
There are a few rumors going around that the Mini will have 3G because it appears to have a plastic cover on some of the alleged leaked iPad Mini parts for the 3G antenna.
