iPad mini 2 release date is the most important news for some tablet shoppers. One, they want to know the length of the waiting period they have to endure. Two, there are other small tablets calling for their attention right now. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8, in particular, could steal potential buyers away. Now an online tech store is saying an increased demand for the small Apple tablet could result in an earlier launch.

RELATED | iPad Mini 2 Release: Must Shoppers Wait for Months or Get What's Available Now?

Interest in iPad mini 2 has almost doubled from September 2012 to March 2013, according to a survey commissioned by TechBargains.com. About a third of the respondents claimed they will buy the device once it's released. In contrast, only a fifth of those surveyed expressed interest in the mini tablet back in September last year.

iPad Mini 2 Release: Increased Market Demand to Result in Early Launch? (Image: Apple)

The survey, which was reported by expertreviews.co.uk, suggested the iPad mini 2 could have been drawing more attention as the first mini is proving its worth to current users. "Once consumers got their hands on [iPad mini] and saw the value, our recent data shows popularity for the iPad Mini has nearly doubled," explained Yung Trang, president and editor-in-chief of TechBargains. "Before it was introduced, the iPad Mini received lacklustre interest in comparison to other Apple products, according to a previous TechBargains' survey," Yung added.

Expert Reviews concludes the increased interest in iPad mini 2 could drive Apple to release the device sooner than expected. By "expected," the review site is referring to October 2012. Meantime, the Apple rumour mill is still spinning, and it's spreading an April 2012 unveiling for both the mini and the full-sized iPad 5.

Eager iPad mini 2 shoppers need to wait a couple more months. The April rumour does not seem to be as believable as the October release. Apple is more likely to schedule a near-anniversary release date. But if you can't wait any longer, other tablets are waiting.

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