8-Inch ‘iPad mini’ Production to Begin This Summer?

Digitimes is reporting a rumor that makers in Apple’s supply chain have started delivering samples of 7.85 inch iPads for verification. According to industry sources, volume production could begin in the 3rd quarter of 2012 at the earliest.

It is believed that the launch of a smaller device would enable Apple to take on Amazon’s $199 Kindle Fire, as well as a similar device by Barnes & Noble, adding to Apple’s already industry leading 60 percent share of the tablet market it held in 2011.

A smaller device such as the rumored 7.85 inch iPad, would have downsides such as a smaller on-screen keyboard, and less on screen real-estate for apps such as word processing and video editing, but it would be considered by some users as an ideal size for media consumption, such as watching videos, or reading books.

While DigiTimes doesn’t have a great track record with past rumors, this one might be worth watching, as it seems to be the rumor that just won’t go away…