We have been hearing rumors for some time that Apple would be launching a smaller version of the iPad, possibly with a 7-inch display. Well, I guess we can put those rumors to rest after what Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs had to say about 7-inch tablets in yesterday’s earnings call.
Commenting on the avalanche of tablets heading to market. Just a handful of credible entrants. Almost all use 7″ screen, compared to iPad at nearly 10″ screen. 7″ screen is only 45% as large as iPad’s screen. Hold an iPad in portrait view and draw a horizontal line halfway down. What’s left is a 7″ screen…too small. There are clear limits to how close elements can be on the screen before users can’t touch accurately. We believe 10-inch screen is minimum necessary.
The Importance of Screen Size
Steve Jobs’ comments highlight the importance Apple places on screen size for usability and functionality. According to Jobs, a 7-inch screen is simply too small to deliver the full iPad experience. He emphasized that a 7-inch screen is only 45% as large as the nearly 10-inch screen of the iPad. This significant difference in screen real estate impacts not only the visual experience but also the usability of the device.
For example, when holding an iPad in portrait view and drawing a horizontal line halfway down, the remaining visible area is roughly equivalent to a 7-inch screen. Jobs argued that this reduced space is insufficient for users to interact with the device comfortably. The smaller screen size limits how close elements can be placed on the screen before users struggle to touch them accurately. This is particularly important for tasks that require precision, such as typing or selecting small icons.
Market Trends and Apple’s Strategy
Jobs’ remarks also shed light on Apple’s broader strategy in the tablet market. At the time, many competitors were launching tablets with 7-inch screens, aiming to capture a segment of the market that preferred smaller, more portable devices. However, Apple chose to focus on delivering a superior user experience with a larger screen, believing that this was the minimum necessary to meet their standards.
This decision aligns with Apple’s philosophy of prioritizing quality and user experience over simply following market trends. By sticking to a nearly 10-inch screen, Apple aimed to ensure that the iPad could serve as a versatile device suitable for a wide range of activities, from browsing the web and watching videos to reading e-books and using productivity apps.
Moreover, the larger screen size allows for better multitasking capabilities, which became increasingly important as Apple introduced features like Split View and Slide Over in later versions of iOS. These features enable users to run multiple apps simultaneously, enhancing the iPad’s functionality as a productivity tool.
So, don’t expect to see a smaller version of the iPad from Apple any time in the near future. The company’s commitment to a larger screen size reflects its dedication to providing a high-quality user experience, even if it means going against prevailing market trends.
Mac Rumors via Le Journal Du Geek
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