He notes further distinctions in the list: "GOOD," "BETTER" and "BEST." And these "could signify Wi-Fi-only, 3G, and 4G LTE models, respectively. Each model is also available in 'A' and 'B' variants, which likely identify color options of black and white."

It's amazing what you can tell by reading numbers and letters.

SlashGear's Chris Burns was certainly impressed, and was able to use the information to see still further, into Apple's deepest intentions. "With this many models of the iPad mini ready in the system already, we must assume Apple intends to sell quite a few of them, one way or another," .

And losing its innovative mojo and also being pretty stupid. That's the summary of the argument by Richard Waters, West Coast managing editor for the Financial Times.