New 'iPad mini' schematics emerge, are possibly genuine
updated 08:21 am EDT, Wed August 15, 2012
iPad mini could sport thinner side bezel, take iPod touch cues
A set of schematics that appeared last month -- purporting to be for the rumored iPad mini -- may be genuine, according to 9to5Mac. The latest information the site has received suggests that the device could take design cues from the iPod touch, while also sporting a much thinner side bezel in portrait mode. If true, it might suggest that Apple believes the device could be held in one hand in portrait mode by gripping it from the rear without the need for a purchase-point for a thumb.
The schematics also show the device incorporating an often-reported smaller dock connector, as well as two speaker ports on the end as with the iPad, rather than on the back. The tablet would also be just 7.3mm thick, and incorporate both front and rear cameras. As for the possibility of accidental touch inputs because of a thinner bezel, it is possible that Apple may be able to dull touch input in the vicinity of the bezel as needed.
A rumor that surfaced in April pegged the iPad mini to sell between $249 and $299. The most successful 7-inch Android tablets to date have been the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Google Nexus 7, both of which are priced to sell at $199. An iPad mini, which would be slightly larger than the two devices, would be expected to slot in well under the $399 price point of the iPad 2 if it is to pose a serious challenge.





Forum Regular
Joined: 01-21-10
I'd still expect the bezel to be more or less the same width all around. An adult can probably "palm" (no pun intended) an iPad mini-sized device. But a kid would need to put at least one thumb on the front to grip it with one hand. And even kids' thumbs would need a wider bezel than the one shown.
Apple spends a lot of design effort on making their devices easy to use. Why force people to adjust their grip because their thumb obscures part of the screen (or worse, because their thumb taps a button or web link inadvertently)?