I make no excuses for covering a rumour of a possible product launch when that company is Apple. Firstly, as Apple is over 15% of NASDAQ and over 25% of the S&P Tech Index, what happens to Apple stock and outlook affects every tech company in the world whether you like it or not. Secondly, every time I write about Apple my ‘postbag’ is full. Obviously many Hotviews readers are avidly interested in Apple.
The news last night that Apple has sent out invites for an event on 23rd Oct confirmed the rumour mill that had gone into overdrive in recent times. Everyone expects an iPad mini timed to catch the Christmas market.
Perhaps my own experience here neatly demonstrates the issue. Last month my dearly loved Godson Teddy turned seven. I had ordered him an Amazon Kindle Fire HD for £159 for delivery on 25th Oct. When the rumours about an iPad Mini got stronger I asked him what he would prefer – even though the iPad would mean waiting longer. He came back with a whole list of reasons why he would rather wait for the iPad (reuse of the games apps that had been bought for him to use on his Dad’s iPad was one, ability to play his iTunes songs, instant familiarity was another) So I cancelled the Fire.
Now I have a queue of ‘Little Ones’ who want a iPad Mini in their Christmas stockings. I cannot believe I am alone.