An iPad Mini, an Apple tablet with a screen size smaller than the regular iPad could launch as early as later this year and pose a threat to smaller tablets and large screen smartphones.

Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, told Computerworld that Apple probably will unveil an iPad Mini - an iPad with a smaller in small screen size - later this year.

Moreover, the small tablet could come with a specially-designed wireless keyboard-case accessory, "which could attracts the customers," according to Gottheil.

"I think something like that would be an important peripheral for students," Gottheil added.

And even though Steve Jobs never liked the idea of bringing out a smaller iPad, for "the screen is too small to express the software," Gottheil said an iPad Mini would do well.

"I believe that's always been in the plan" Gottheil told Computerworld. "Actually, that's a good form factor for some users, and although they will also charge a premium above other similar-sized tablets, they want to protect that price flank."

As early as the end of last year, Taipei-based DigiTimes had also reported that a small iPad with a 7.85-inch display might be released later this year, just in time for the Christmas.

What do you think? Is the world ready for an iPad Mini?