Last month, we saw some mockup images showing what Apple's oft-rumored iPad mini may look like based on the claims surrounding the device. Now the mockups have made the jump from render to reality, as some photos showing a dummy iPad mini unit in a hand have made their way online. Republished by Nowhereelse.fr, the shots offer a look at what the still-unannounced smaller iPad could look while being held. The mockup includes features that we've previously heard could be found on the iPad, including thin side bezels, a camera and separated volume buttons.

While Apple hasn't officially announced anything relating to a smaller version of the iPad, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning at full speed. The device is believed to feature a display that measures in at 7.85 inches, down from the 9.7-inch screen found on the regular iPad. As for how much interested customers will need to pay to get their mitts on a shrunken iOS tablet, it's rumored that the iPad mini could come in at around $200 or $250, which is again a bit of a drop from the new iPad's $499 price of entry. Finally, the iPad mini is currently expected to be introduced at an event in October, preventing it and the iPhone 5 from having to share time in the news spotlight. So what do you all make of the iPad mini as it appears in these photos? Would you consider picking one up if the device is finally, actually made official next month?

Via MacRumors, Nowhereelse.fr