Apple is likely to launch a 7.85-inch iPad prior to the fourth quarter of 2012 in addition to a new iPad scheduled to be released at the end of the first quarter, according to sources in the supply chain.



Global shipments of tablet PCs are expected to reach 60 million units in 2011, of which 70% will be Apple's iPads. To cash in on market demand as well as market expectations, Apple is expected to release its next-generation iPads at the end first-quarter 2012, said the sources.



However, in order to cope with increasing market competition including the 7-inch Kindle Fire from Amazon and the launch of large-size smartphones from handset vendors, Apple has been persuaded into the development of 7.85-inch iPads, the sources indicated.



In addition to purchasing 7.85-inch panels from LG Display, Apple will also buy panels from AU Optronics (AUO), indicated the sources, adding that makers in the supply chain are likely to begin production of the 7.85-inch models at the end of the second quarter of 2012.



Source: Digitimes

Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

Captain Solo, is this just wishful thinking, or do you have some insider information?

mini iPad 7 inch due out 2012 with sd well all our wishes will finally come true ....?

It's certainly a logical scenario. Fingers crossed!



I've had a play with the iPad version and am delighted to say that it does not disappoint.

Perfect for me would be planning on iPad, with sync to iPhone and then in-flight navigation on iPhone. But I guess that's just asking for a little bit too much.....

I do not recall SD crashing on any platforms I used ever since maps were optimised last year. Even then for me it only occurred while crossing international borders @ 500 Kts.



It would be nice If Apple brought out a slightly smaller tablet version that is not prone to overheating, as a lot of their products are.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I give my opinion on SD+Ipad in the cockpit.



Dimensions may be a problem. The iPad is big and is not easy the find the place to fix it. I agree the kneepad option is not comfortable. In my case I find a good position and usually I have no problem about screen readability. I have much more with my Area (which is over my instrument panel). Readability changes also according with map colors and layout. I think SD team may works on this achieving a good result.

Another problem may be system (iOS and software) reliability. I use AirNav Pro and sometime I had crashes while software was running (application restart was needed). With Aera and previous a Garmin 96C I never had any kind of problems. I don't know how is SD Mobile (I use only desktop software). I hope SD team will release a reliable software (there are several issues about). There are some tricks to reduce this risk: shutdown and restart the iPad before flight; close all other running applications; update iOS after other pilot feedbacks.

Another possible big problem is iPad over heating protection (over 35° C). I had, in some sunny days, this kind of lock and there is nothing to do other than waiting for cooling. With the current position of iPad, in front of air vent (using RAM Mount), I have had no problem, but I am not sure to be solved definitively this risk.



P.S. (sorry for english)

Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

Of course it is Stevelup & the more the merrier. But the context of my point is the trio of =(SD+iPAD+Cockpit) as a whole, and how useful such a combination in flight. Cheers

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I have a kneepad case for the iPad, it works well but does get a bit uncomfortable on long trips.

This is about choice. No-one is expecting you to throw away your 5" device.