Whether or not Apple is actually developing a smaller version of its iPad tablet, popularly dubbed the iPad Mini, consumers clearly want one.
A survey from Pricegrabber found that more than half (52 percent) of respondents would consider purchasing an iPad Mini for approximately $250 to $300. Sixty-four percent of respondents said a price point lower than that on the new iPad or iPad 2 would be a top consideration, followed by those who wanted a smaller, more portable size (54 percent). Reduced price and size, a Retina display, 3G connectivity and an ultrathin body were among the most-hoped-for features on the iPad Mini.
Twenty percent said they would purchase an iPad Mini for work purposes, and another 20 percent just because they love Apple products and always purchase the latest and greatest. The survey also asked why they wouldnt purchase an iPad Mini if it became available, with respondents citing a cost that was still too high (41 percent), or a form factor too small to read or watch video (35 percent), or that it would be too similar to a smartphone (17 percent).
More than three-quarters (78 percent) of those surveyed dont currently own a tablet device, and of the 21 percent of respondents who do, the iPad is the clear winner, with 67 percent saying they own a version of the tablet. Amazons Kindle Fire took third place with 10 percent, followed by the Samsung Galaxy. (Other was the second-most-popular response.)
Potential iPad Mini owners seem to think theyd be carrying it around with them, with 81 percent saying theyd carry the device with them the majority of the time as they would their smartphones. Of those who said they wouldnt, the majority said they would have no need to carry them around at all times. Just over half (51 percent) said they will consider buying the iPad Mini as a gift for the holiday season if it is released in advance.
Consumers may be interested, but it is unlikely Apple will be releasing a smaller version of the iPad any time soon, which of course makes people want one even more. Apple founder Steve Jobs, who passed away last year, roundly dismissed any notion of a smaller version of the iPad, but media reports from Taiwan and China have stirred up discussion over what it would look like and when it would hit the market. Some analysts and news reports have suggested a smaller iPad with a price point in the area of $300 could deliver a fatal blow to Google Android tablets and any upcoming Microsoft Windows 8 tablets.