WSJ: Apple begins production on smaller iPad

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Asian manufacturing firms have begun mass-producing the rumored “iPad mini,” a tablet with a 7.85″ screen. There is also speculation Apple will announce the device later this month in preparation for the holiday shopping season. Apple has (say it with me, now) refused to comment on unannounced products.

You can view a video report on the Wall Street Journal where WSJ Asian Technology Editor Juro Osawa restates the rumored production, and gives a brief overview of what the new iPad will probably look like, along with some discussion of the current browser market. More enlightening is this WSJ Blog post, which states that the mini will have a lower-resolution screen than the iPad, perhaps to keep the cost down. The small tablet market has become busy lately with low-cost alternatives to the larger iPad.