Although for the unveiling of the iPad Mini, those rumors have shifted and now center on Oct. 23, just two days before Microsoft's Windows 8 and Surface RT launch event, and only three days before the new operating system and hardware running it go on sale.

No matter what its price, an iPad Mini will be tricky for Apple, Singh said, . "Apple's goal would be to draw as many first time buyers as possible while minimizing cannibalization," said Singh. "This is one reason why I expect Apple to focus on mobility benefits and on books during the launch."

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at , or subscribe to . His e-mail address is .

in Computerworld's Tablets Topic Center.