iPad mini, LG Nexus 4 and Windows 8: get ready for the most exciting 10 days in tech in 2012

As this week draws to a close, we are approaching what will probably be the most exciting week in tech this year. Okay, okay, that depends on the point of view, but let us just mention three products that we’ll finally see in the coming days - the Apple iPad mini, the LG Nexus  4 and Windows 8 devices.

Those are clearly some of the biggest launches for the industry this year. Not only that, the iPad mini will give one huge boost to the affordable smaller tablet niche. The Microsoft Surface on the other hand marks the beginning of a new era at Microsoft, one where the company starts to manufacture its most important hardware itself, hoping it’s not too late to the mobile boom.

Finally, we’re eagerly anticipating Google’s Nexus event on October 29th. With so many companies fighting for the lime light, check out the slideshow below to see who brings what to win.

iPad mini, LG Nexus 4 and Windows 8: get ready for the busiest week in tech in 2012

1. Apple iPad mini

October 23: The Apple iPad mini will be unveiled on October 23. Price will be affordable probably at around $250 for the most basic model. This new smaller iPad will come with a 7.85-inch display, but none of the Retina magic that will remain the thing that would draw you to the 9.7-inch iPad.

2. Microsoft Surface tablet

October 26th: Right in the shadow of the iPad mini unveiling, Microsoft is launching its Microsoft Surface tablet. With prices north of $500, it will be a tough sell against the iPad, but it comes with the new Windows 8/RT operating system, and that’s its biggest advantage.

3. LG Nexus 4

October 29: The biggest question we’re still unclear about is whether Google has one or more Nexus devices up its sleeve. The LG Nexus 4 is a lock, judging from what we’ve seen, but what about the others? We’ll learn on October 29th.

4. Windows Phone 8 announcement

October 29: Wait, what? That’s right, you have one more Microsoft event. The company has a total of four events, but all of them are at terrible times coinciding with either Google and Apple’s launches. In this case, Google is shadowing the official WP8 launch with its Nexus event.

5. Sony Xperia Nexus?

October 29: At that Google event we might well see for the first time the Sony Xperia Nexus. This device has only accidentally leaked once, and by now it seems likely that Google is only bringing one Nexus (the LG Nexus 4), but keep your fingers crossed the company proves us wrong.

6. D: Dive Into Mobile Conference

October 29: To conclude things, we have a two-day D conference. Nokia’s Stephen Elop and Android chief Andy Rubin will be among the guests, so you’ll also get a glimpse of the future plans of both Nokia and Google (hopefully!)