Many tablets have what readers want - a good screen to read text clearly, many reading apps to choose from, and other features.

The rumored iPad Mini is set to release sometime in October, with Apple launching an event reportedly on Oct. 10 to unveil the new smaller tablet.

Amazon's new Kindle Fire HD series poses a huge threat for the iPad Mini to give the readers the best experience when having an e-reader. It was recently announced that Google is working on two new versions of the popular Nexus 7 that is expected to be thinner, and one of them will be $99. Barnes & Noble announced that the company is launching Nook Video in the fall that will feature content from major studios including HBO, Sony, Starz, Warner Bros., and Disney.

Let's see what features the iPad Mini needs to have in order to compete with these e-readers.

Retina Display

The iPad Mini would need to have Retina Display, which makes text crystal clear on the screen. The iPad already includes this feature.

"It'd make sense for Apple to launch the iPad Mini with a Retina Display. Going against its usual way of doing things, especially in light of Steve Jobs' comments about that particular size, is a bold move. And bold moves require big USPs," said Rob Bamforth, Quo Circa analyst and regular Know Your Mobile columnist.

"However, if it indeed priced attractively and equipped with iOS 6's navigation features and optimized for eBooks, we could see the device selling very well," Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes said, according to FinancialPost. "As a result, if investors were to anticipate this product, along with a 'regular' 9.7" iPad coming in March, then it is hard to argue much of a sell-off for Apple."

Gigaom.com said, "the main appeal of the high-resolution Retina display of the new iPad is the improved text viewing, with the enhanced graphics as a secondary, but welcome, improvement. In theory, any app that uses Apple's built-in text rendering API will render fine on a Retina display."

BlueFire Reader

It is described: "Bluefire Reader is your go-to reading app for ePUB and PDF eBooks from stores and libraries around the world. With Bluefire Reader, you can read digital editions protected by Adobe® Content Server-the most widely used eBook rights management system."

Adobe DRM allows users to transfer books that they have purchased between reading devices and personal computers. There are also many user settings that include font size, brightness, page margins, night mode, and more.

Some of the apps on BlueFire Reader include Books-A-Million, Kaplan, Inc., Ciando Books, and Diesel eBooks.

iBooks

Apple will have to take advantage of their iBooks app, which is already featured on the current iPads.

According to Apple, the iBookstore feature "the best of what's new right at the top of the page." There is over 1.5 million books, including new Multi-Touch textbooks. "Since iCloud keeps track of what you've previewed, you can start shopping on your iPad and continue on another device."

There are also reading tools, such as highlight or underline text, make notes, look up a word in the dictionary or on the web, or search inside the book. You can even use VoiceOver to have iPad read to you. With iCloud, the books you buy on your iPad appear on your other devices, ready to read.

Kindle/Zinio/Comixology Apps

Gigaom.com reported: "The Kindle app still looks great on the Retina display.  Even if you've blown the text up to the largest font size available, the text is very clear with no discernible anti-aliasing. The latest version of the app has an interface that is similar to the Kindle Fire app with tabs along the top for Books, Newsstand and Personal Documents." The pages also load smoothly.

Zinio is described: "A better way than ever to explore, read and shop for the world's best magazines on your iPad. Zinio now has more magazines than ever, and a new app built to make it easier to read your favorites anytime and anywhere. Zinio is the ultimate app for people who love magazines. Access thousands of titles, tens of thousands of issues, and millions of pages of the world's best digital content." 

Gigaom said that there is a big improvement in the latest update of Zinio.

Comixology is a great app for comic lovers. It offers a fantastic reading experience, and the text on the current iPad is very clear. It also has an updated library called CMX HD.

"Roughly 1,000 titles have been upgraded. When you are shopping for comics it will say CMX HD in the lower right hand corner of the page if it is available in HD."

Price

In terms of price, one analyst says that Apple might launch the iPad Mini at a $250-$300 price point, cheap enough to convince customers that the iPad Mini is a Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire alternative. Some say it will not have Retina Display.

Many believe that the iPad Mini will be priced similar to the new iPod Touch.

According to Ewan Spence at Forbes.com, he believes also that it will be around the same price as the Touch.

"From the evidence today, I'd expect to see a 16GB iPad Mini with Wi-Fi connectivity to launch at $299, with a 32GB model at $399, and a 64GB model at $499."

According to ZDNet, an iPad Mini "would ideally need to be priced at or below $299 in order to remain competitive in the face of the iPad 2 and 3."

Pricing may be an issue for the little Apple tablet. The Kindle Fire HD with 16GB costs $199 while the 16GB Nexus 7 costs $249 with all the Android content. According to Pop Herald, "If Apple will sell the iPad Mini with a $249.99 price tag, then it will be safe to assume that Apple can sell "millions." But what if the iPad Mini will sit within the $300 to $399 mark? Can it still lure customers?"

Reports say the iPad Mini will be more affordable and come with a powerful processor. It will have a 7.85-inch screen. It is also assumed that the new tablet will feature Apple's upcoming operating system, iO6, which includes a new, Google-free Maps app, and Passbook, and promises better Facebook integration, better maps, and better video conferences that use cellular data and Siri. It is also said to have a smaller dock connector, two speakers, and thinner bezel. It may also feature a music service similar to Pandora radio, Retina Display, and FaceTime.

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