The rumored Apple media event scheduled for Oct. 23 is real, according to a Reuters report today. Although an Apple spokeswoman is still being tight-lipped about the agenda, the expectation is that the event will launch, or at least confirm, the existence of a smaller, less expensive version of the iPad.
The venue is the California Theatre in San Jose but don't even think of popping by because it is invitation only. CNN reported that Apple sent e-mails to members of the press Tuesday that included only the date and time (10:00 AM) along with the teaser line, "We've got a little more to show you."
There have been leaks, including photos and reports by credible sources, that factories in China are busily mass producing a new Apple product.
The thinking is that the smaller version of the iPad will be priced to compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire HD tablet and Google's Nexus 7 at around $199. It is expected to have a screen between seven and eight inches, as compared to the iPad's 10-inch screen (diagonally), and will utilize the same Lightning Dock Connector as the new iPhone 5, with 3G/4G cellular connectivity.
The event appears to be strategically timed: just three days before Microsoft is scheduled to unveil its Windows 8 touch-sensitive operating system and the new Surface tablet hits stores, as reported by Reuters.
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