Skip to main content

Amazon tablet rumor: 7-inch due October, 10-inch in 2012

amazon tablet android samsung
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Expected to have the best chance at beating back the domination of Apple’s iPad line, the rumored Amazon tablets will reportedly begin to arrive in October of this year, with another, larger tablet due early 2012.

According to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, Amazon plans to release a 7-inch tablet sometime in October. Mass production of a 10.1-inch Amazon tablet will begin in the first quarter of next year.

Market estimates suggest Amazon could sell between 3 million and 5 million tablets during the fourth quarter of 2011, if the device carries a competitive price, and the timing of the release is right.

Unfortunately for Amazon, some analysts believe that, in order to make gains on the iPad, the company will have to price their tablet so low that they sell it at a loss. In doing so, Amazon will have the ability to build up a user base for their device, which could help with future sales.

Of course, this could work, if Amazon’s willing to do it. We recently saw the consumer fervor over the HP TouchPad, which went on sale at the blow-out price of $99, and sold out everywhere. In fact, the liquidation was such a success that HP announced Tuesday that they may produce another round of TouchPads before canceling production of the device for good.

Before we get too deep into sales tactics, we must remember that Amazon’s tablet plans remain entirely unconfirmed. The closest thing we have to a confirmation that Amazon is even planning to build a tablet at all is two words from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos: “Stay tuned,” he said, after a Consumer Reports reporter asked him about his company’s tablet intentions.

With Amazon’s success and superiority in the e-Reader department, however, common sense tells us that Amazon should make its own tablet. The company has become trusted for its Kindle products, and jumping to tablets isn’t much of a leap. Whether or not Amazon has the legs for it, well, we’ll just have to sit tight and wait.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
How to take a screenshot on an iPad (any generation)
apple ipad review 2018 front in hand

While most iPad apps have built-in sharing features, taking a screenshot is still one of the easiest ways to capture information from your iPad. Whether that's an interesting news article or recipe, directions to your favorite restaurant, or a cool scene from one of your favorite games from the App Store, iPadOS makes it easy to capture a quick image of whatever's on your iPad and either save it for future reference or share it with your friends and family.

See more

Read more
The latest iPad Air is back at its Black Friday price
Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

Just because it is no longer Black Friday doesn't mean you can't find great deals online. Right now, the Apple iPad Air is 17% off on Amazon with a total price of $500. That means, you'll be saving $100 on this thin and lightweight tablet that customers love. Don't wait, we don't know how long this sale will last so be sure to place your order ASAP.

Why you should buy the Apple iPad Air
As one of the best iPads, this tablet features immersive 10.9-inch liquid retina display and a M1 chip that offers amazing performance. This device is ideal for gaming and creative purposes with its ability to smoothly transition between apps and the iPadOS feature which is more versatile, productive and intuitive than ever before. Its all-day battery life will allow you to work and play all day, no matter where you are. For even more productivity, you can pair this iPad with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which will transform the tablet into a drawing canvas or note-taking device. It also works with the Apple Magic Keyboard with a built-in trackpad and a great typing experience.

Read more
Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook
Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple's devices offer the most advanced technologies, iconic designs, and extreme ease of use -- alongside expensive prices. That's why there's always high demand for Apple deals, especially those that involve the latest models. If you're looking to buy an AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, or any of Apple's other products, you've come to the right place because we've rounded up the top offers that you can shop right now. However, as with any discounts on Apple devices, these bargains aren't expected to last long, so you better hurry with your purchases if you don't want to miss out.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $89, was $99

Insert the Apple AirTag into your bag, gadget, or any item that you may misplace, so that you can track it if you lose it. The Apple AirTag is one of the best Bluetooth trackers if you're using an iPhone or iPad because not only does it offer a one-tap setup, but it can utilize the millions of devices in Apple's Find My network to help you find your stuff if it goes beyond the Bluetooth range of 30 feet. It's powered by a replaceable battery that can last for more than a year before you need a new one.

Read more