Two days ago, invitations to an Apple media event in San Jose, Calif. were sent out to journalists and press representatives. The event, which will be held on October 23, is expected to be highlighted by the announcement of Apple’s 7.85-inch iPad mini tablet. This can be inferred by the tag line on the invites, which reads “We’ve got a little more to show you.”

Photo credit: Apple

With all that in mind, the iPad mini could be released on November 2, as suggested by a report from Geeky Gadgets.

This would follow the same launch/release pattern of the iPhone 5 – midweek launch (Wednesday, September 12), Friday release the week after (September 21). As we have seen several leaked images and specifications of the iPad mini since it was first rumored, perhaps the only remaining big question is the device’s price point. Aside from that, there shouldn’t be too many surprises at the Tuesday launch event.

That means the iPad mini could include a 7.85-inch screen without Retina Display, two cameras (a rear camera and one in front for video calls), an A5 processor, iOS 6 and possibly no 4G LTE as well. It should also be another one of the new Apple devices shipping with the new “Lightning” dock connector.

There may be as many as 24 different variants to choose from, with 8 GB to 64 GB internal storage, the choice of black or white and Wi-Fi only or cellular connectivity. In addition to the iPad mini, Apple is expected to unveil a new iMac and a 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro with Retina Display.