iPad Mini display production slated for August, says analyst

iPad Mini display production slated for August, says analyst
The gears could start to turn as early as this month for the production of a smaller iPad. Production of the 7.85-inch display slated for use on a smaller version of the iPad should begin in August, an analyst told CNET."We expect panel production to start in August, with production ramping up to high volumes (more than a million units per month) in the fourth quarter," said Paul Semenza, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, in response to an e-mail query. Semenza said this is DisplaySearch's "understanding of the activity for the 7.85 [inch] panel expected to be used in the iPad Mini." If this production schedule plays out, it could indicate a late 2012 launch, he said. Recent reports say the so-called iPad Mini will launch in September. While the downsized iPad is being characterized as a 7-inch tablet like the Google Nexus 7,a screen size falling between 7 and 8 inches -- such as 7.85 inches -- would likely make the Apple tablet closer to the larger8.2-inch Motorola Xyboard.No solid word yet on pricing, though a report claimed it "is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad." Whatever the exact price is, it's safe to say that the $199 Google Nexus 7 would be seen as a direct competitor to a smaller iPad.Related storiesApple reportedly to unveil iPhone 5, iPad Mini on Sept. 12Report says iPad Mini will be priced to move