Is a mini iPad Apple's next big thing? - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Apple seems determined to stay on top of the tablet game.

Recently, Google announced its smaller Nexus 7 tablet. Microsoft's Surface is also expected on the market soon. 

Now this: Apple reportedly will release a smaller, less expensive iPad before next year.  If the rumors are true, it would be Apple's biggest departure thus far from the vision of former CEO Steve Jobs.  He was adamant that anything smaller than the iPad wouldn't deliver the full tablet experience.