Apple announces new iPad Mini and hopes are high for touchscreen MacBook

On Monday, Apple unveiled its most significant upgrade ever for the iPad Mini, sparking excitement ahead of its upcoming "pro and tell" event. The new mini will start at $699, with pre-orders set to begin on October 28 and availability from November 6. Featuring an 8.5-inch OLED display with a nano-texture option, the device offers enhanced contrast, more than double the peak brightness of its predecessor, and a more immersive viewing experience.

Additionally, the iPad Mini includes a 12-megapixel front camera and an innovative "acoustic display" for superior audio quality. Apple's vice president of hardware engineering, Dave Pakula, highlighted the device's sleeker and lighter design, coupled with the cutting-edge A20 Pro chip, water and dust resistance, and a remarkable leap in user experience.

Anticipation is mounting for Apple's event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where it is widely expected that the company will introduce a major upgrade to the MacBook lineup. Rumors suggest that Apple may unveil a touchscreen MacBook, challenging Steve Jobs' 2010 assertion that touchscreens do not work well on portable computers. The new MacBook would be the first in the line-up to incorporate a touchscreen, marking a stark contrast to Jobs' previous stance on the matter.

While Apple's current MacBook line-up utilizes mini-LED displays, there is a history of the company introducing products years after their debut, such as video-capable iPods, stylus pens, and larger iPhones and iPads.

Industry experts predict that Apple's entry into the OLED market could be a game-changer. David Naranjo, associate director at Counterpoint Research, noted that Apple's expertise in supply chain management could give the company a significant advantage. He also suggested that a 14-inch MacBook with an OLED display could cost between $2,799 and $2,999, factoring in the advanced tandem OLED technology, potential touchscreen features, and ongoing memory expenses.

However, Naranjo cautioned that while Apple's products often surpass expectations, the timing of the new MacBooks' release could pose challenges, given the slowing overall PC sales market.