The iPad Mini Already in Mass Production in Asia [REPORT]

Apple's Asian suppliers have started mass production of the smaller version of Apple's iPad tablet, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Two sources claim that the iPad mini -- as it may or may not be called -- will have a 7.85-inch screen with a lower resolution than the current iPad model.

The device's screen is made by South Korea’s LG Display company and Taiwan’s AU Optronics, claim WSJ's sources.

Why Apple would launch a smaller iPad, when Steve Jobs maintained a 7-inch tablet screen would be too small? Well, a heated competition from Android-tablet makers and a more affordable price point compared to the standard, 9.7-inch iPad, are two solid reasons.