Rumours are rife that Apple is working on a 12-inch iPad; the company has reportedly teamed up with Taiwan based Quanta computer, to make the larger tablet. Here is an analysis on potential target market and top specs, analysts expect, on its release date.

Target Market Segment:

A 12 inch iPad could be mostly used by professionals and business executives, according to analysts, and could effectively compete against other laptops. Regular users could use the device primarily for gaming and watching videos.

Feature# 1- Processor:

Analysts speculate that the gaming and media needs of customers would necessitate the device to pack some good specs on board, especially owing to the larger screen. A quad- core processor is expected, and a 64-bit architecture could be an added advantage.

Feature#2 - Memory:

The device may not be available in the 16 GB variant; analysts speculate that the cost could be prohibitive from purely a business perspective, for the 16 GB option. Additionally a 256 GB could be added.

Although Apple has so far not added a 256 GB variant to its iPad range, the possibility is not inconceivable. Microsoft has already launched a 256 GB variant and a 512 GB variant of its Surface Pro 2 tablet, which was unveiled recently.

The 256 GB variant is expected to be a little heavy on the price, but analysts expect that professionals, gamers and users watching a lot of media on the device, will welcome the device, despite the heavy price.

Some Apple fans are already wondering why more memory options are not available on the tablets. Analysts speculate that the company will need to have the additional storage option to stay competitive in the market, and not get left behind by companies like Microsoft.

Feature# 3 - RAM:

Analysts contend that Apple has not been traditionally keen on the RAM, a 2 GB RAM is expected on the device. But given that there are 4 GB RAM variants and 8 GB variants in the market (like the Microsoft Surface pro 2), Apple may need to take a hard look at the RAM offerings on a 12-inch iPad.

Apple is not the only company working on a 12-inch tablet; rivals like Samsung and Sony are also reportedly working on 12-inch tablets of their own. The 12 inch iPad may need to contend with these devices and other as of yet unreported tablets, which may be under development.

Apple is expected to launch two new tablets in a event on October 15, meanwhile leaked images of the upcoming devices have emerged online, click here to read the latest rumours on the upcoming device, click here to see the recently leaked images of the iPad mini 2.