A Smaller iPad in Our Future?

I am in Maine trying to relax and enjoy a change of scenery and have only checked in on a few emails. Today I took a look at my RSS reader and it was chock full of rumors about a new 7“ iPad. The rumors are all over the place. Some speculating that this is in result to the Google Nexus 7 or the impending update to the Kindle Fire I am not a huge fan of rumors. The media has all but placed orders for this new 7 inch device. Apple in classic fashion is being tight lipped. If Apple thinks there is a market and they make a product that fits the 7” form factor and they like it - then and only then will they release it. But if they do I am sure it is not a result of other companies.

If It happens I am not sure if I will be getting one¹. Here are a few thoughts on the topic.

1. I am not sure about the 7“ form factor. It might be perfect but I have never used anything smaller than the iPad 10” form factor. My mind says it will be cramped and not take advantage of the space well but again this is without experience.
2. The “reported” resolution is 1024 x 768 for this mythical device. I am not sure how I could go back to the non-retina version. Text on the iPad 3 is unbelievable and I read a lot of books on this device (as well as my iPhone).
3. My friend Michael Evans at Macfilos welcomes a reduction in the weight. This I could get behind as well. Usually when I read using the iPad I have it propped up against something. But I also find this funny that something that weighs 1.46 pounds (662 g) lbs ²is now to heavy and we all want something lighter.
4. Will this just be a smaller iPad or will it be something else? When the iPad was launched everyone said it is just a big iPod Touch. While it does have certain overlapping characteristics it is clearly not just a larger Touch.

I think I will sit back and wait to see what happens and make a decision then. I think it would be nice for Apple if they had something at a lower price point for consumers but it needs to be the right product and have the correct story to tell to potential buyers.