Rumors circulating around the iPad mini are growing loader every day, and both critics and supporters are starting to up their ante.  What’s clearly evident, whether you support an iPad mini or not, is that Apple’s marketing engine is in full swing once again – get the entire web talking about the device leading up to its release, generating near unlimited exposure for the product even before it’s released.

This strategy have proven key with every iPhone and iPad release to day, and generates traffic, buzz, and exposure far beyond what Apple could buy with advertising dollars.

There’s one thing that’s apparent with the 7 inch tablet market that critics need to realize, and that is the Kindle Fire has done extremely well.  This means there is definitely a market for smaller form factor tablets.  And when it comes to the tablet market, regardless of size, Apple should be there.

After all, Apple created the tablet market that we all know today, and the smaller form factor tablet has morphed out of what Apple started.  I believe there’s a massive market for 7 inch tablets than has yet to be uncovered, but it will take someone like Apple launching an iPad Mini for the world to see just how big that market is.  

Until Apple shows up on the scene, we’ll never know the true potential of the 7 inch tablet market.

Thoughts?