Rumors of an "iPad Mini" continue to roll in

We first heard about the possibility of Apple designing a smaller version of their iPad back in October last year, and we’re now hearing more of the same but from another source. This time around, The Wall Street Journal is claiming that Apple and Co. are testing a smaller version of their device for possible release.

According to certain officials in Apple’s supply chain, an 8” iPad prototype is currently being shown around by Cupertino in order to begin testing.The sources also claim that the device features a similar resolution to the iPad 2 (1024x768) and that test display panels are being manufactured by AU Optronics and LG Display. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first device that Apple has tested with manufacturers and it may never actually find its way to the assembly line.

Back in November of 2010, Apple’s late-CEO, Steve Jobs, squashed rumors of a smaller iPad by stating that the company believes that “10 inch is the minimum screen size to create great tablet apps” and that a 7” screen would provide less than half of  a 10” screen’s benefits. Of course, this talk was before the 7” Kindle Fire took the market by storm, and while Apple’s market share remains as strong as ever they could be feeling some heat from Amazon.

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