The rumblings of a smaller iPad have been building quite a bit in recent months, with reports claiming that we could finally see Apple introduce the device later this year. Today a new report from 9to5Mac claims to have some more details on the design of the iPad mini itself. The site claims that the smaller iPad will be similar in looks to a large iPod touch, featuring small bezels on the device's side while in portrait orientation. The device will also reportedly feature separate volume buttons and a microphone on its rear. These details have apparently been backed up by John Gruber of Daring Fireball, who has previously claimed that Apple has had a 7.85-inch iPad in its testing labs. The image you see above is a mockup from 9to5Mac based on today's information.

We've been hearing rumors of a smaller iPad for a couple of years now, but one recent report alleged that the shrunken iOS slate may finally make its first public appearance alongside the new iPhone on September 12. While the device's exact specs are still a mystery, a display that measures 7.85 inches in size has been named as a possibility. With the presence  of 7-inch tablets like the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 on the market, it'll be interesting to see how a iPad in the same size range compares, and also how consumers react to the device. Plus, it'd just be nice to have the thing finally be official considering how long rumors about its existence have been flying. Any of you think you'd be interested in an iPad mini as described in today's report?

Via 9to5Mac