Apple will push 7 inch iPad to counter Samsung

September 21, according to Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw LLC., Apple may be ready to launch a 7-inch iPad to compete against smaller tablet PCs.

Kumar said in a research report yesterday that Apple's products may be launched as quickly as the first quarter of 2011. Kumar's report analysis is mainly based on conversations with Apple suppliers. The current iPad is equipped with a 9.7-inch screen.

Apple may consider launching a smaller iPad for the tablet PC Galaxy Tab launched by South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. The wireless tablet is compatible with Google’s Android operating system and US mobile operators: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel cooperates with Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile International AG.

Samsung Electronics said on September 16 that the company’s tablet Galaxy Tab will be equipped with a 7-inch screen and Wi-Fi video conferencing capabilities.

Kumar said in an interview that Apple will catch up with the videoconferencing function. Kumar said that Apple's latest iPhone and iPod Touch support Wi-Fi video features FaceTime, Apple will extend this feature to the iPad.

Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris declined to comment.