Rumours that Apple may launch a smaller-screened iPad Mini simply refuse to die, with the latest sources claiming that an 8-inch model is in the works.

It comes by way of the Wall Street Journal, on something of a roll after claiming earlier that the iPad 3 will rock 4G/LTE connectivity.

The paper reports that one of Apple's component suppliers has been testing a smaller-screen iPad for Apple, with designs relating to an iPad Mini of around 8 inches.

This iPad nano will bring similar resolution as the iPad 2, which could make sense as it's basically a given that the iPad 3 will up the resolution ante.

Padder of tiny tablets

According to the source, Apple is working with LG Display to test the smaller displays, as well as the Taiwanese AU Optronics company.

By the sounds of the rumour, if we give it any credence in the first place, it's early days for the mythical 8-inch iPad, so we're unlikely to see it land alongside the iPad 3 (reports surfaced earlier today that the iPad 3 launch date could be 7 March).

Steve Jobs famously slated 7-inch tablets, describing the size as not "sufficient to create great tablet apps". The question is, has Apple decided that an extra inch makes all the difference?

Maybe

From WSJ