Apple's Suppliers Test 8-inch iPad

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is now working with suppliers on an 9-inch iPad on the diagonal. It is down from 9.7-inch display of the current iPad but is larger than Kindle Fire, which is 7-inch

Officials at some of Apple's suppliers, who declined to be named, said the Cupertino, Calif., company has shown them screen designs for a new device with a screen size of around eight inches and said the company is qualifying suppliers for it. Apple's latest tablet, the iPad 2, comes with a 9.7-inch screen. It was launched last year.

One person said the smaller device will have a similar-resolution screen as the iPad 2. Apple is working with screen makers including Taiwan-based AU Optronics Co. and LG Display Co. of South Korea to supply the test panels, the person said.

    

                    Macrumors' Mockup of 7.85" iPad on left, 9.7" iPad on right