Editor’s note: Thanks to reader squall88c@yahoo.com for the heads up. Perhaps “confirmed” was in fact too definitive a word to use. Just know that we here at Technoodling are quite confident about the iPad mini, not just because of the snowballing rumors, but also because of first-hand reports from our own sources. And short of Apple suddenly backpedaling, we know that the mini is being churned out…

Guess what, guys? The Apple Online Store is down. Maybe it means that new Apple goodies are on the way?

And given they’ve already been offering the new treats they launched last month for quite sometime now, there’s only one new (and long-rumored) Apple product that comes to mind – iPad mini!

To further add fuel to the fire, TechCrunch recently reported that, based on WSJ’s sources, LG and AU Optronics are the ones on tap for the displays on the miniaturized iPad, and that production has begun last month. The display allegedly measures 7.85-inches diagonally, and will not – I repeat, will NOT – be a Retina Display.

Aside from that, we’re also hearing a major 3rd party accessory maker is ramping up their production of iPad mini cases too.

Coincidence? I think not!

Of course, we won’t stop you from taking this bit of news with your usual dose of salt and skepticism, but let’s just say, unlike with any previous iPad mini rumors we’ve dealt with in the past, we’re feeling very, very, VERY good about this one.

UPDATE #1: Apple Online Store’s back online, and no, there’s no iPad mini in sight. But don’t let that dismay you. The real evidence of the iPad mini’s existence is based on the credible report we got from a major Apple accessory supplier, NOT with the Apple Online Store being down. And besides, you weren’t really expecting the iPad mini to go on sale minus the grand launch party now, were you?

UPDATE #2: We hate to say ‘we told you so’ but…full iPad mini info here.

UPDATE #3: We still don’t have an idea how much the downsized iPad will cost locally. So we did the next best thing, convert its US pricing to Philippine Peso. Check it out - iPad mini pricing converted to peso.

Allan David

Online, Allan’s got you covered as far as news (and some reviews every now and then) goes. Offline, you’ll see him either sweating it out in the badminton courts or dining out in one of the new restos around town. His favorite noodles: cold soba.

email: allan@technoodling.netwebsite: http://oasis1.wordpress.com