The iPad mini rumors have been going on a good long time. Here at TUAW, we've long since moved past "will they or won't they." I want to address the "most likely iPad mini" scenario that many pundits have agreed upon. A 1024x768 pixel 7"-ish unit offers a budget, non-Retina scenario that allows minis to run existing iPad software without modification.
At 7", an iPad mini is workable, as it just (barely) allows the device to retain its base interactive integrity. As Rich Gaywood has long since pointed out, a 7.85" device offers a much better compromise than 7-inch model, but more about that in a bit.
The Retina iPhone was first introduced with the iPhone 4. Its 960x640 display enhanced the screen sca
