Apple is set to drop the iPad 2 from its product lineup when the so-called iPad Mini launches, a financial analyst suspects. Eliminating the iPad 2 may also give a hint about how Apple intends to price the new tablet.
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First reported by Apple Insider, analyst Rob Cihra said in a note to investors this week that he sees the introduction of a smaller-screen iPad as an opportunity to streamline its lineup into "clearer product tiers." He goes on to say he predicts Apple will sell 7 million iPad Minis by the end of the year.
Killing the iPad 2 does make a great deal of sense. The product is a year and a half old -- an eternity as far as mobile technology goes -- and the upcoming iPad Mini is expected to have exactly the same screen resolution.
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The iPad 2's presence in Apple's product lineup also creates an issue in how to position the iPad Mini. The iPod touch, which has a 4-inch screen, has a starting price of $299. The iPad 2, which has a 9.7-inch screen, starts at $399. That leaves little room for an in-between product.
However, if the iPad Mini is intended to compete with the likes of the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 tablets -- which typically start at $199 -- its price may be lower than that of the iPod touch in any case.
Do you think Apple will end-of-life the iPad 2 when the iPad Mini arrives? Share your thoughts in the comments.
BONUS: 10 Great Accessories for Your iPad 2
1. miFrame
The miFrame turns your iPad into an 8-inch by 10-inch photo frame. Available in black or silver, it's a slimline storage solution for your iPad, even lending it useful, aesthetic functionality while you're not using it.
Cost: $79
Click here to view this gallery.
This story originally published on Mashable here.