A 7-Inch Apple iPad Is a Bad Idea Now: 10 Reasons Why

By Don Reisinger  |  Posted 2010-09-21 Email Print this article Print

News Analysis: Apple might soon launch a new, smaller iPad model to complement its current offering. But the company needs to wait before it even considers launching such a device.

Rumors of a small, potentially 7-inch iPad will not go away. In fact, a new slate of reports have emerged, claiming Apple could be getting close to releasing a miniature version of its tablet for those who want to save money but still get a capable product. There is even speculation that the new tablet could boast a camera (or two) to provide even more functionality to consumers. 

Some Apple fans are undoubtedly excited at the prospect of Apple releasing a new iPad to complement its current offering. But the reality is that Apple doesn't need to release a smaller version of its iPad right now. In fact, it's arguable that it even needs to release a small iPad at all. Its current offering is perfect for what it's trying to accomplish. It shouldn't try to waste its time cluttering its market. 

Read on to find out why Apple doesn't need to release a new iPad yet.

1. The current iPad works fine

The current iPad is a fine product that is satisfying almost every desire consumers have. It makes them more productive. It gives them iPhone-like experiences. And perhaps most importantly, it gives them a reliable companion while they're away from the home or office. Apple doesn't need to release a new iPad to fill a void in the consumer space. Its current iPad is doing a fine job of filling all those gaps already. 

2. There is room for improvement 

As nice as the current iPad is, Apple still needs to fix some issues. For one, multitasking, which is arguably one of the most desired iPad features, can't be coming to the device soon enough. Beyond that, the current 9.7-inch model needs a camera or two. And it would be nice if the company brought the entry-level price down before the holidays to capture some consumers who aren't willing to spend $500 for a tablet. Simply put, Apple's current iPad has some room for improvement. It's a better idea for Apple to focus on the current model rather than getting bogged down with a new model. 

3. The competition hasn't come along 

The vast majority of tablets that could actually worry Apple are still months away. Because of that, Apple shouldn't show its hand right now. It might want to release a 7-inch tablet at some point in the future, but it shouldn't do it now when the rest of the competition hasn't delivered their products. Apple is a master at making other devices seem obsolete. It should follow that strategy again in the tablet space; wait for the competition to release their products and then deliver a device that bests them. There is no rush. 

4. The time hasn't come to go small 

Some might think that the iPad needs to get smaller to appeal to the market. But at this point, that isn't true. Considering how well the iPad is selling, it would seem that consumers are just fine buying a 9.7-inch tablet from companies. And given how poorly the 5-inch Dell Streak is selling, it would also seem that those same consumers aren't too keen on such a small footprint. Customers might want smaller devices eventually, but at least right now, that isn't the case. 


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