New iPad trims size by about one-third
Apple also announces new Mac computers
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Apple introduced a smaller iPad, as expected, but also updated its full-sized one. It also unveiled new Mac computers, including a 13-inch version of a MacBook Pro with sharper, “Retina” display and an iMac with a new type of storage drive.
With a screen measuring 7.9 inches on the diagonal, the iPad Mini is about two-thirds the size of the regular iPad. It’s slightly larger than the 7-inch tablets from Amazon.com Inc. and Google Inc. The regular iPad is 9.7 inches.
Apple has sold more than 100 million iPads since their debut in April 2010. Although Apple dominates the worldwide tablet market with 70 percent of shipments in the second quarter, according to IHS iSuppli, Amazon and Google have been able to make inroads with the smaller alternatives. A smaller iPad from Apple Inc. could help the company cement its dominance.
The event at the California Theatre came a few days before Microsoft Corp. starts selling a new version of its Windows operating system, one designed to work well on both traditional computers and tablets. Microsoft is also releasing its own tablet, the Surface, on Friday. It will be slightly larger than the full-size iPad.