What to expect from the iPad mini media event [Google+ Hangout]

The invitation has been sent and the venue booked. The only thing left is for Apple to formally announce the iPad mini.

Apple’s invite said a media event is scheduled for 10 a.m. PDT next Tuesday at the California Theatre in San Jose. Join The Times’ Michelle Maltais, Andrea Chang and me at 2:30 p.m. as we discuss what you can expect from Apple next Tuesday.

LIVE DISCUSSION: Join us at 2:30 p.m. today

The iPad mini is expected to include a 7.85-inch screen. It also is expected to have a coated aluminum back cover similar to the iPhone 5 as well as the new Apple Lightning dock connector. Images around the Web also appear to show the device will include dual speakers.

After a photo of possible iPad mini European prices hit the Web, Gizmodo issued a report speculating U.S. prices for the device will start at $250 for an 8-gigabyte model.

Besides the iPad mini, Apple also is expected to announce other new products. Among them could be a new 13-inch MacBook Pro laptop with Retina higher-resolution display, a new Mac mini computer and an updated iMac desktop.

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