Is Apple planning a mini iPad to compete with Windows 8?

The tech world can't quite seem to get past the idea of an Apple mini iPad. Each time Apple is scheduled to launch something, the mini iPad is always high up on the "what do you think it will be" product lists that float around the interwebs. And now the rumours have resurfaced, this time on a Chinese blog.[caption id="attachment_278433" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Steve Jobs was famously against the idea of an iPad mini: Reuters"][/caption]The report on Kokatu, states that Apple is planning the mini iPad as a means of competing with the new Windows tablets. The blog says the smaller Apple tablet could range in price from $249 to $299, with 6 million devices ready to go at launch.It quotes “Taiwan media reports” based on orders Apple has placed to factories, including Honhai Precision – operated by Foxconn – the manufacturer currently being investigated by the Fair Labour Association.As PC mag recalls, Rumors about a smaller iPad have been circulating since before the March launch of the new iPad, which retained its 9.7-inch size. Back in December, there were reports that Apple had purchased 7.85-inch panels from LG Display and AU Optronics. Then in February the Wall Street Journal claimed to have a source who confirmed that Apple was testing the new, smaller screen line of tablets.Steve Jobs is famously known to have been against the idea of a smaller iPad, but now as demand for smaller tablets increase, will Apple depart from the visionaries opinion?