Apple sends invitation for Oct. 23 event -- iPad mini to debut?

It looks like the iPad mini is ready to make its debut.

Apple sent out a media invitation for an event to be held next Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the California Theatre in San Jose at 10 a.m.

“We’ve got a little more to show you,� the invite said. Read into that “little� as much as you want.

Apple is widely expected to launch its rumored-for-months iPad mini at the event. The device, to rival Amazon.com’s Kindle and other smaller tablet computers, is likely a 7.85-inch tablet that will start at $249, according to reports.

The iPad mini is also expected to have an aluminum back cover, be relatively thin and come with two speakers. It reportedly will come with Apple’s new Lightning dock connector.

We’ll be live-tweeting and live-blogging the event from San Jose next week to give you the latest updates. Tell us: Will you buy the iPad mini? What features would you like it to have?

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