14 DAY TRIAL // Two physical mockups of the iPad mini have emerged based on leaked specifications, one from the generally-accurate Apple.pro, the other from giga.de, a German source.
The first set of images is the most conclusive, cramming inside its eight-inch chassis all the rumors that continue to swirl abundantly around the upcoming iPad refresh from Apple.
As the image shows, Apple is said to be adopting a thinner screen bezel, at least on the left and right edges, to give the tablet a taller appearance, making it look svelte (much like the iPhone 5 design, if it turns out accurate).
The tablet is expected to have the rumored redesigned dock connector and speaker grills (also initially highlighted in several iPhone 5 hardware leaks), and it should be a lot thinner than Apple’s current tablet offerings.
The hardware is said to be mostly borrowed from the second-generation iPad. Apple is reportedly using this approach to cut down costs while catering to massive audiences that are longing for the Apple tablet experience, but don’t have the cash for it.
The company is also tweaking the price quite a lot this time around, according to industry watchers.
The tablet has the same placement of hardware switches, including the volume buttons and the lock switch, as well as the sleep/wake button at the top. The audio jack remains placed at the top, according to these mockups.
The second batch of photos shows a rough mockup of the tablet using just a slab of metal. Perhaps this item is used as some kind of testing mule by third-party case manufacturers looking to offer customers an added layer of protection.
The company headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California, is reportedly planning a special event for September 12, during which it will introduce the next-generation iPhone. In October, pundits say, Apple will host another press event, this time to unveil the rumored mini iPad.
