Online speculation about the Apple's plans to launch a new, smaller version of the iPad have been sparked by a picture of Taiwanese racing driver and celebrity Jimmy Lin.
The Akihabara News website spotted images posted on Lin's personal blog that seem to show him holding a miniature iPad in one hand, with a standard iPad in the other.
However, the image is of poor quality so it is difficult to draw any conclusions from it. For all we know, it could simply be a cardboard cut-out.
Rumours that a smaller, 7-inch iPad could be launched in 2011 circulated back in September, though whisperings from Apple supply chain sources in Taiwan appeared to cast doubt on this as Macworld reported last week.
Contact Us
Digg
It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.
Comments received
Dragonfly said on Wed, 22 Dec 2010
I thought I saw a 7" iPad in Comet today until I realised it was on a desk further away from me. Just to keep things in perspective :-)
Mackly said on Wed, 22 Dec 2010
Of course it does fit with Apple's top secret testing plans for new equipment - only issue the pre-release devices to racing drivers and celebrities and ensure that the only photographs they take are for their blogs - where they can remain unnoticed.
My main problem with the pictures are that they show a smaller iPad with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Apple would be crazy not to do what the Galaxy tab has done and go for a wide screen aspect ratio in the 7" form factor.
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Macworld. Macworld accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content.
Click here to read the house rules.
Click here for the latest reader comments