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iPad Mini: How It Might Look Based on Our Exclusive Photos
Like our photos of a supposed engineering sample of the mythic iPad Mini? Don’t like them? Either way, based on those shots, this is what we think it might look like in the glass and plastic flesh.
Using the sample and the rumored 7.85″ 4:3 aspect display as a guide, I put together this little mock-up to scale next to the current iPad.
Mock-up of iPad Mini based on our exclusive photos of an engineering sample compared to scale to the current iPad.
Not bad, right? There are a couple things to note. First, I think our initial assessment of the height was about 12 mm too high. Mocked up using the original dimensions, the top and bottom bezels turned out to be wider than those on the standard iPad. I didn’t notice the problem at first, but when I put it next to the standard iPad at scale, it stuck out.
To correct it, I matched the top and bottom bezels on the mock-up Mini to that of the standard iPad. This makes sense given how the size of the home button is fixed. Fixed button size, fixed bezel size. But how to account for the 12 mm delta?
I wasn’t engaged in the original assessment, but I double-checked and altering the perspective of the photo and matching the background iPad to the iPad’s dimensions does line up with the 213.36 mm by 143.67 mm first reported. However, that’s a two-dimensional approach, and this is a three-dimensional object. Considering the angle of the shot, the thickness of the sample, and the slight but noticeable cut-off at the bottom of the photo, I believe the 2-D approach skews high. A 12 mm correction fixes things and lines up better with a straightened version of the photo (below). Still a tad off due to the cut-off but the correction brings it very close.
A comparison against a straightened, scaled version of our photo of the engineering sample.
Second, I experimented with different screen sizes and have concluded 7.85″ 4:3 with this shape works. At the uncorrected, taller size, a 16:10 display would fit in the box with even bezels. But with the home button fixed at a half inch diameter, a consistent bezel would mean a one-inch bezel all the way around a 7″ screen. Trust me, that’s not a good look.
The corrected size retains the top and bottom bezel width of the standard iPad but not the side bezels. With a 7.85″ 4:3 aspect display that leads to side bezels that are slimmer but still hefty enough to grip. This might not work on the standard iPad, but it should be fine on a smaller, lighter device that’s easier to handle with one hand.
So what do you think? Would an iPad Mini at this size work for you? Still like the regular better? Or is it not reduced enough from the regular to make a difference?
Hallua
07/12/2012 at 6:42 am
Whatever you imagine, dude. The mini will surely in 16:10 form.
Joe Edwards
07/12/2012 at 7:05 am
Yes, I would buy a 7-inch iPad over a 10-inch iPad. The Galaxy Nexus 7 is the perfect size to carry in my man bag as an internet device and book/pdf reader. My wife will stick with the larger iPad for home use, but I am too mobile…
TateJ
07/12/2012 at 8:43 am
I am sticking with a 10 inch iPad. I use a backpack to carry my tech stuff and photo gear, so I might as well have all teh screen real estate I can get while on the go.
dennisvjames
07/12/2012 at 9:33 am
Sumocat been following you for a while. Love your indepth look at things. You saved me some time. If you hadn’t done this I would have. If they don’t do the retina display and 64GB it will blow.
Sumocat
07/12/2012 at 10:43 am
Thanks, Dennis. Regarding the specs, I unfortunately am inclined to believe the iPad Mini “will blow”. It appears to be intended as a land grab of the lower-end market, similar to their other Mini expansions (the iPod Mini and Mac Mini). I expect the big reveal will be “Here’s a smaller, cheaper iPad.”
Porco Parso
07/13/2012 at 1:22 am
Bug allows full acces to iOS 5.1.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW_tdnX8FWY
Roy Fauzan
07/13/2012 at 1:35 pm
Nice brother Info Backling https://beritasehari.com
Ferry Kagchèl
07/13/2012 at 1:58 pm
Smaller version such as the Android Tablet 10.1 and the 7 inch.
tom denis
07/13/2012 at 5:17 pm
you are jobless dude. this is just a scaled picture..
christine jennings
08/04/2012 at 7:29 am
First, we know it will be smaller, it is called “mini”; second read it may not have HD? Will be interested in the contents and how it reflects on apps and tasks and is it a better spend, hopefully a little less? When it debut, pros and cons will decide on spending at that time. Heard new ipod and a newer iTV (the box w/remote) Interesting Fall approaching!!!!