<p> The launch of a new, smaller iPad would expand the iPhone and Macintosh computer maker’s portfolio of tablet gadgets that has made waves across the global technology landscape and threatens the laptop market.<br /><br />Makers of parts of the new iPad are gearing up for a new round of production in the first quarter. A smaller iPad would be a departure as Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs has publicly rejected the idea of such a device in October. <br /><br />Apple’s iPad resurrected the market for tablet computers since its introduction in January, with nearly 13 million units expected to ship this year. That total could almost triple next year, providing a much-needed boost for a global technology sector struggling with patchy demand. <br /><br />Touchscreen chip designer Wintek Corp, battery maker Simplo Technology Co Ltd and AVY Precision, a privately held maker of covers for electronic products, are among suppliers for the next batch of iPads, four people familiar with the situation said.<br /></p>
<p> The launch of a new, smaller iPad would expand the iPhone and Macintosh computer maker’s portfolio of tablet gadgets that has made waves across the global technology landscape and threatens the laptop market.<br /><br />Makers of parts of the new iPad are gearing up for a new round of production in the first quarter. A smaller iPad would be a departure as Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs has publicly rejected the idea of such a device in October. <br /><br />Apple’s iPad resurrected the market for tablet computers since its introduction in January, with nearly 13 million units expected to ship this year. That total could almost triple next year, providing a much-needed boost for a global technology sector struggling with patchy demand. <br /><br />Touchscreen chip designer Wintek Corp, battery maker Simplo Technology Co Ltd and AVY Precision, a privately held maker of covers for electronic products, are among suppliers for the next batch of iPads, four people familiar with the situation said.<br /></p>