Small Apple iPad Rumoured For 2012 Arrival

                           

 A smaller version of the Apple iPad will make an appearance next year, if the latest news from the Apple rumour mill is to be believed.According to a report in Taiwanese tech site DigiTimes, fans of Apple's tablet device can look forward to a smaller screen size version - 7.85 inches, to be exact - in the fourth quarter of 2012, along with a new version of the popular tablet in the first quarter of the year.According to unnamed sources “in the supply chain,” Apple will buy panels for the iPad from AU Optronics (AUO), as well as 7.85-inch panels from LG Display, the online website reported.Spring Arrival The next iPad will launch in March or April 2012, DigiTimes reported. That 12 December article again cited unnamed sources in the supply chain for the information. The article said: “The next-generation iPads are expected to be available in the next 3-4 months as makers in the supply chain have started delivering parts and components for the new tablets to OEM contractors while reducing those prepared for iPad 2.”Apple continues to drive worldwide media-tablet shipments, according to a recent report from IT research firm IDC. The company shipped 11.1 million units in the third quarter, up from 9.3 million units in the second quarter, representing a 61.5 percent worldwide market share.