Well, I consider myself a 'normal' consumer and I was waiting for an ipad mini and I think you consider that a proof (of sorts). I don't think its much of a leap in logic to work out that a lot (hundreds of thousands...millions even) were waiting off for something like a smaller ipad. I mean it was in practically every technology blog prior to announcement.
Do 'normal' consumers even read technology blogs? And most certainly somebody posting on HN does not qualify as a 'normal consumer' when it comes to technology purchases.
It wasn't even technology blogs per say, they were talking about it in the Guardian and BBC online. It was rumor for months and spreading by word of mouth. My granny was talking about getting one before it was actually released and she doesn't have a clue what a blog is, she found out from friends at the bowls. True story :)
