Speculation surrounding the iPad mini 2 has created a lot of buzz around the Web since...well since Apple released the original iPad mini last year. Tech lovers are anxious to know more about the iPad mini release date, specs, features, price and release date.

The release date may be the most elusive rumor surrounding the new iPad mini 2. Apple. While some reports contradict each other, Apple insiders point towards an October launch.

A recent statement to investors from Apple CEO Tim Cook:

"Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software, and services that we can't wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014."

The iPad mini 2's screen is more of an update than a true upgrade. For app compatibility purposes, the iPad mini 2 is expected to have the same screen resolution as the iPad mini (1,280 x 800), though some experts believe Apple is building a 7.9-inch screen that supports 2,048 x 536. That would give the iPad mini 2 a ppi of 324, close to the iPhone 5's 326 ppi.

One of the most guaranteed rumors is that the iPad mini 2 will boast a thinner, lighter design. The rumored Sharp IGZO screen is expected to make the iPad mini 2 millimeters thinner, grams lighter and more battery efficient.

The processor rumors are up in the air? Would the new iPad mini get the Apple A6X processor found in the iPad 4 or would Apple unveil the new Apple A7 chip with their new device?

As for price, Apple is usually pretty consistent. For the Wi-Fi models, $350 for the 16GB version, $450 for 32GB, $550 for the 64 GB, and possibly $660 for the expected 128GB storage option.

As with all Apple products, users have access to over 300,000 apps from the App Store, along with some built-in apps like Siri and Apple Maps.