Apple iPad Mini, Retina 13-inch MacBook release imminent, according to rumors

Apple's last event was entirely dedicated to the iPhone 5, but once that was done and over, rumors quickly turned to an eventual "iPad Mini" release. Citing the usual unnamed sources, several sites have been putting together the pieces of what could be a 7-inch version of the ubiquitous tablet, possibly slated for launch next October 23rd.

The most logical step would be for Apple to target the Kindle Fire tablets and other Android competitors, such as the Nexus 7, which as far as tablets go offer a whole lot of convenience for less than half of what the base iPad currently sells for. Perhaps just as important, Windows RT tablets will start to pop up along with Windows 8 by the end of this month, although at less attractive prices.

Current iPad Mini rumors point to a 7.85-inch device that would be sold in several configurations, Wi-Fi and models with cellular connectivity, as well as internal memory ranging from 8GB to 64GB. The base model would be Wi-Fi only and carry 8GB of storage. Pricing for this device could be anything from $250 at the lowest point to $350 at the highest. Surely Apple wouldn't want to compromise its margins or cannibalize (original) iPad sales, so somewhere around $300 sounds most likely. On the opposing end, the 64GB iPad Mini with cellular wireless could sell for over $800.

It is also believed that Apple could introduce a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display at the same event. The laptop would sell at a premium like the current 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina, carry a high resolution 2560 x 1600 screen, while inheriting the new thinner unibody frame, come standard with a SSD and not offer the option of an optical drive.

Apple usually starts shipping products a week or so later after the announcements, so at the end of October or beginning of November could mark the actual release of both products. Once again, note the timing of the iPad Mini, just days before Windows 8's launch which is expected to have a marked focus on slates.