[NewsPoster]

New photos posted at a Chinese site, WeiPhone, show what is supposedly the rear shell for a second-generation iPad mini. In most respects the shell appears to be similar to the one for the current iPad mini, except thicker; that may, however, be because the part has yet to be given chamfered edges. A thicker back could alternately support views that the next Mini will get a Retina display; when the third-generation iPad gained Retina support, it also became slightly bigger.

An unusual aspect of the photos is that the Apple and "iPad" logos appear in blue. If the shell is a legitimate pre-production part though, it may just be that later processes apply black sheen to the graphics. Or Apple could conceivably be planning to release the next Mini in more colors, as it did with the fifth-generation iPod touch.

[Arne_Saknussemm]

Soon after Google shamed Apple with the Nexus 7 & 10, Apple is scrambling to come out with new products. It still cannot match the incredible 2560X1600 LCD on the Nexus 10, but a retina density display on a 7 inch device will lead the way again, at least for a while.

[cartoonspin]

People don't buy tablets just for the displays but for apps, performance and what they perceive as value. Most consumers don't buy a slightly better display since their eyes can't see the difference.

[chas_m]

Yeah, I remember when I got MY first 3-D printer too ...