The iPad Mini will have a rounded edge

Like I said yesterday, the latest leaked backplate looks to me as if the device will have more rounded edges than the current iPads and iPod touches. I expect a similar feel to the first generation iPhone – which is actually an aesthetic I personally miss.

The pictures show a number of details of the rear shell, including the opening for Apple’s smaller dock connector expected to debut on the iPhone 5 next week, a rear camera hole, and the interior lip where the display and front panel will be attached.

Ironically, the rendering done by MacRumors that I linked to yesterday was tapered, and today they admit:

The rear shell shows relatively little tapering compared to the current full-size iPad, instead carrying a rounded, almost partial bullnose profile along the sides.

I think that a First-Generation-iPhone-like edges will give it a much better feel when you hold it with one hand. I know it’s true with the Kindle Fire. Either gripping it fingers on one side and thumb on the other like a wide phone, or holding the bottom with hand cupped, the rounded profile will give for less pressure on your fingers than a taper like the last two iPads.

Image Source: MacRumors