iPad Mini Release Date, Rumored October 10 Launch; Video Shows Lightning Connector, New Volume Toggle

New video of the iPad Mini is stirring up buzz about the potential new iPad next month. The video from Giz China shows a 7-inch dummy iPad Mini, with a lightning connector, 3g or 4g antenna, micro SIM card, and a new volume toggle.

Gizchina writes: "This is a world exclusive hands on video with the new iPad mini dummy model bought from an electronics market in China. While this dummy doesn't function it does give us some hints and ideas as to what the new iPad mini will feature once launched."

"The mockup device has a thinner bezel than the regular iPad and features a black strip across the top signifying the inclusion of a cellular radio.

"On the right side are the expected volume buttons and mute/rotation lock switch. The volume buttons have a new design on the dummy device, featuring two separate buttons rather than the rocker style found on the full-size iPad.

"The left side of the dummy device has a micro-SIM slot, but not a nano-SIM slot. The iPhone 5 features a new nano-SIM slot, allowing the device to be thinner and lighter than its predecessor."

Just last week, tech blog Gizmodo published pictures recently of someone holding a working iPad Mini in their hand. The iPad Mini in the photo looks very similar to the iPad Mini in the Giz China video.

"By Oct. 10, Misek said he predicts an invitation for an iPad Mini launch event will be mailed out to the media, followed by the formal announcement of the device by mid-October and culminating with the launch of the iPad Mini at the end of that month," eWeek reported. This prediction was made by Jefferies analyst Peter Misek.

According to Forbes.com, pricing could be starting at $299 for a 16 GB model, $399 for a 32 GB model and $499 for a 64 GB model.