As iPad Mini seems to be the next product Apple released, with leaks of the product still releasing. As the reported invite date for the media is Oct. 10, here are reasons why the device could succeed, the first of a two-part series looking at the positives and negatives of the smaller tablet.

'It is a cheaper iPad'

For some consumers, buying a $399 device will be expensive. The prospect of buying an iPod Touch or iPhone, for cheaper, running the same version of iOS, saves money. Part of the point of a smaller iPad is to build a cheaper device, moving towards the $199 price point popularized by Galaxy Nexus and Kindle Fire. The expectation is Apple will price between $249 and $299, assuming iPad Mini is real.

Similar performance

If Apple can build a cheaper iPad with similar performance to current models then the idea of cheaper meaning less performance will be debunked. While the Retina display may not feature on a seven-inch model, the smaller display means a reduced resolution may not be such a negative. The suggestion is Apple will use a similar resolution to iPad 2, perhaps looking to phase out the model with the next generation ten-inch iPad in 2013.

Reduced performance is also offset by iOS. The advantage of a consistent operating system is the similar look. Also, though, and arguably more importantly is the optimization. iOS works across a range of devices and form factors, delivering the same experience. Customers expect devices to work, an iPad Mini probably will even if it uses an A5 chip.

Little developer work

iPhone 5's release meant developers need to adapt to the 16:9 aspect ration, quickly embraced by the community. A 7.85-inch, rumored for iPad Mini, screen will require user interface elements to be adapted to work with a smaller screen; user interface elements may have to be simplified, rather than being scaled to a larger display. With just two inches between iPhone 5 and iPad Mini's displays, the work needed should be negligible.

iPad Mini is rumored to be lauching Oct.