Rumor: iPad Mini to take design cues from iPod touch
updated 08:15 am EDT, Mon July 9, 2012
Sources claim Brazil location for manufacture, tax relief
More rumors have come to light about the rumored iPad Mini suggesting that it will take its design cues from the 4th generation iPod touch. Japanese site Macotakara claims the next iPad iteration will be almost as thin as an iPod touch, according to reliable sources in China. The device will be about the same as the Google Nexus 7 in terms of height, but it will be marginally wider.
The sources also state that it will not have the general feel of a smaller iPad, but instead that of a 3rd generation iPod nano. If this is true, Apple could be seen as differentiating the purpose of the two different sizes of iPad. The 7.85-inch model could be looked at primarily for content consumption, as opposed to the 9.7-inch iPad that can also be more practically useful for content creation.
A suggestion is also made that mass production will be performed in Brazil, with trial production continuing in China. Plans for manufacturing partner Foxconn to work in the country are underway, with tax relief, financing aid, locations and logistics having been discussed with the country's government, including tax exemptions specifically for tablet-device manufacturers. [via CNET]
