Apple is preparing to announce an iPad Mini, as it and rivals get ready for what's sure to be a busy holiday season for tablets. Media reports speculate that Apple (AAPL) will hold a press event on Oct. 17 to unveil its smaller tablet. It's likely to send out invitations to reporters on Oct. 10, Fortune and Mashable reported. Apple has not confirmed that it's building a smaller iPad. This holiday season promises to be big for