New iPad 5 to be "Thinner and Lighter" Using Technology from iPad Mini

iPad 5 to have same display technology as iPad Mini.

Claiming a new, unseen Apple product will be thinner and lighter is certainly not taking any kind of risk if one looks at the not so distant past of Apple. According to a Digitimes report, the iPad 5 will borrow the G/F2 (DITO) thin-film type touch screen technology used on the iPad mini.

Digitimes cited an un-named industry source as reporting that the screens would use a similar mix of suppliers to the iPad mini screen.

"The supply chain for Apple's next-generation 9.7-inch iPad will be similar to the iPad mini's, with Japan-based Nitto expected to supply thin-film materials and Nissha Printing touch screen modules, noted the sources. Taiwan-based TPK will be responsible for the device's lamination while LG Display (LGD) and Sharp will provide panels."

The DITO thin-film technology has been rumored to have limited in supply constraints for the iPad mini, but these issues have now been solved, claims Digitimes. 

Just this past week, iLounge shared extensive details about the 5th generation iPad, with notable details such as the 5th generation iPad would be smaller in every dimension than the current model. According to Digitimes, the report suggests that a change to the display technology currently on the iPad Mini would be crucial to achieve that reduction in size. 

I am pretty excited about this because I love the design of the iPad Mini. If the 5th Generation iPad looks similar to the iPad Mini, I believe Apple would pump new life into the iPad line up. This is the design Apple needs to have going forward. However, that doesn't mean I want the small bezels on the larger iPad.

So what do you think about the rumors the 5th Gen. iPad using the same panel technology thats on the Mini? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Would you buy a 5th Gen. iPad that had a similar design to the iPad Mini? Let us know on our Facebook page or on our brand new Forum. 

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