Apple To Release Small Screen Tablet

Among the hundreds of rumors about the release data and technical prowess of the new iPad 5 is another rumor that the company will release a tablet with a smaller screen–perhaps 8 inches–according to The Wall Street Journal

The product may be set to fend off a new generation of cheap, small tablets led by the Amazon Kindle Fire. The new “tiny” iPad might allow Apple to effectively compete down market in the tablet world.

The WSJ reports

Officials at some of Apple’s suppliers, who declined to be named, said the Cupertino, Calif.-based company has shown them screen designs for a new device with a screen size of around 8-inches, and said it is qualifying suppliers for it. Apple’s latest tablet, the iPad 2, comes with a 9.7-inch screen. It was launched last year.