Apple Inc Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook on Tuesday introduced a smaller version of the iPad, with the base model priced at $329, designed to keep customers from buying low-cost tablets from competitors Microsoft, Amazon.com and Google. The device boasts a 7.9-inch screen diagonally, compared with the 9.7-inch screen of the previous version of the iPad.
Apple also introduced upgrades across its computer product line, adding a redesigned iMac desktop with a thinner profile, a more powerful Mac mini and a 13-inch notebook that boasts a high-definition display. Microsoft is introducing its newest Windows operating system on Friday, and Google is due to unveil a version of Android software for mobile devices before the end of the month.
With the debut of a smaller iPad, Apple will help double the size of the market for 7-inch tablets this year, to about 34 million units, according to a report on Tuesday from IHS ISuppli.
Apple Inc Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook on Tuesday introduced a smaller version of the iPad to keep customers from buying low-cost tablets from competitors Microsoft Corp, Amazon.com Inc and Google Inc. The iPad boasts a 7.9-inch screen diagonally, compared with the 9.7-inch screen of the current iPad. Apple unveiled its much-anticipated iPad mini, along with revamped laptop and desktop computers, taking on Amazon and Google in the market for smaller tablets that can be held in one hand.
