iPad mini prices may start from $349

With an Apple event scheduled for October 23, 9to5Mac has now published a list of the pricing structure of the upcoming iPad mini tablets. The iPad mini is expected to take on the likes of the Amazon Kindle Fire, and e-books will be a top priority when Apple introduces the tablet.

As per the report by Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac, who has a noteworthy track record when it comes to the pricing of Apple products, he states that the base model of the iPad mini will cost roughly $329. However, this could indicate that Apple has shelved plans of launching an 8GB model with a sub $200 price range and may possibly launch the base model with 16GB of storage.

The iPad mini could be pricier than the Amazon Kindle Fire

As per the report the author states, “Two higher capacities of the smaller iPad will be available in the WiFi-only configuration. These will likely be priced at $100 premiums over each other at a minimum of $429 and $529. Apple’s smaller iPad will also come in a version that connects to cellular networks. Like the third-generation iPad, these models will come at a $130 premium over their corresponding storage capacity in the Wi-Fi-only line. This comes out to likely minimum price points of $459, $559, and $659 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular line.”

This price point is significantly higher than the base model of the Google Nexus 7 which is priced at $199 as well as the entry-level Amazon Kindle Fire which $159. To this, the report ends by stating, “However, with 250,000 iPad-optimized apps, large iTunes Music, TV Show, Podcast, and Movie collections, digital book reading and purchasing through iBooks, and Apple’s large, integrated ecosystem of other products and accessories, the premium will likely be worth the money for a lot of people this holiday season”.

According to a recent report, the Cupertino-based company may go the way of the MacBook Air, and introduce an ‘iPad Air’ that is smaller, more portable, lighter, and features a screen that doesn’t have retina display, as opposed to the iPad mini as it is commonly referred to.

John Gruber from Daring Fireball said, “You know what other Apple product’s primary attributes are thinness, weight, and price? The MacBook Air. And, no coincidence, the latest revisions to the Air lineup debuted on stage at WWDC without retina displays. We’re a couple of years away from Apple going retina across the board.”

An earlier report revealed that Apple may discontinue the iPad 2 to make way for the new iPad Mini, or ‘Air’ as we earlier speculated. According to AppleInsider, Rob Cihra with Evercore Partners has said in a note to investors that Apple may phase out the iPad 2. The reason stated mentions Apple's visions of "clearer product tiers". This could point to Apple's aims of lowering the entry-bar of iPad products.

So if one wants to purchase an iPad 2, now would be a good time as the product may be not available when the next line-up of Apple devices hit the shelves.