iPad mini may be available in the market by the third or the fourth quarter of the year following reports that indicated that a number of LCD panel suppliers were already identified by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Reports coming from a news outlet based in Taiwan have hinted at the possible launch of the iPad mini by the second half of 2012 following the identification of the LCD panel suppliers by the company.

Recent reports have indicated that the iPad mini of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) will feature the same resolution as the full-sized version of the device although it will cost less and will come with a smaller storage space compared to its bigger brother. The price range of the reported iPad mini will reported be from $200 up to $250, which is at least $150 cheaper compared to the entry-level model of the full-sized 16GB iPad.

A Barclays (NYSE:BCS) analyst recently revealed that the seven-inch iPad mini may already be on its way to the market. According to Ben Reitzes, an analyst with Barclays revealed through a research note that the global research team of the company has seen indications that the iPad mini may already be in the supply chain as the company is confident that the seven-inch version of the iPad will be included in the lineup of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).

Reports about an Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini have emerged in recent weeks and it appears that some consumers are considering the purchase of the device if it becomes available in the market. A recent survey made by PriceGrabber saw around 52 percent of 2,603 online shoppers in the US will likely purchase a seven-inch iPad mini that has a price tag that ranges from $249 up to $300.