iPad HD Today, 7.1 inch iPad Mini Later?

Those of you who have been waiting for the iPad 3 are going to get your wish today. Apple is expected to announce the third generation iPad and make it available for shipment starting a week from the upcoming Friday (March 16th). The device is going to have a much better display, a faster processor, more RAM, and a larger battery. The cameras included on this tablet will offer a huge upgrade as well.

Apple is not going to release only the iPad 3 this year. In order to keep the pressure on its competitors, the company is expected to bring a smaller version of the iPad to the market in the upcoming months. VentureBeat’s trusted sources claim the iPad mini will have a 7.1 inch display and will take on the Kindle Fire.

Apple has not always been open to the idea of marketing smaller tablets. The late Steve Jobs was not too enthusiastic about 7 inch and smaller tablets. But the success of devices such as the Kindle Fire and NOOK may have forced Apple’s hands here. The iPad mini is expected to make its debut in the third quarter of 2012. Will we ever see 12.1+ inch tablets get popular? That remains to be seen.