Apple to announce 7-inch iPad?

An iPad is coming soon. We all know that. Apple has been reportedly finalizing applications for an early March release. Are they going to plan anything radically different this time, though? There are chances that the company is readying a 7-inch iPad, soon, as reported by Computer World. Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, mentioned that iPad's announcement is coming soon enough. Gottheil also specified quite clearly that, "I believe that's always been in the plan. Actually that's a good form factor for some users, and although they will also charge a premium above other similar-sized tablets, they want to protect that price flank." Jobs had a problem with that form factor earlier, and he had clearly indicated his dislike for a seven inch tablet, but if this report is to be believed, then things are supposedly changing. Gottheil also stated that though there are great chances of a new 7-inch tablet, chances that it will be launched at the same event as the iPad 3 are rather slim.

Would you get something that looks like this?

That piece of news may or may not be true, but let’s suppose they have similar plans, then what changes? Firstly, a different form factor means Apple is probably changing its strategy to incorporate larger acceptance levels. Secondly, seven inches also means less screen space and chances are that it could be a cheaper version of the full fledged tablet that they’re launching in March. We’ve seen a range of seven inch tablets in the recent past, both locally and internationally and none have really impressed us to a great extent. Will this new iPad change that trend? Also, this form factor has been either a hit or a miss, so far, but it definitely gives potential iPad buyers at least a few options to choose from. Apple arguably has been more of a leader in the gadget space than a follower, and we can’t really deny that, but this might just change things for the company. What do you guys think about a seven inch iPad. A hit or a miss?