The big question mark over when it will be released maybe answered as Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes reports that Apple has more than doubled the number of iPad 2 printed circuit board suppliers and plans to begin "mass shipments" of the next-generation iPad in April.
So its looking like release on early April in US and probably a few months later for the Rest of the World on Apple Store. Can the Rest of the World wait so long this time? Maybe a Worldwide Launch?
Hows it going to look?
From the photos flying around the net, we'll be looking forward to a sleek silver aluminum IPad with a flat back, sporting tapered edges.
IPad 2 will be a thinner design with what seems to be a large speaker on the back. Flip to the front and the most obvious difference maybe the missing home button.
What about the hardware?
Resolution
The rumor that the resolution will be 2048 by 1536 pixels maybe premature though as it is now reported that maybe targeted for the IPad 3.
Cameras
It seems like that the front and rear facing cameras are all but confirmed but at a lower resolution than many are hoping. The rear facing camera is rumored to be only 1 mega pixel.
Other stuff
Apple's move away from Infineon to Qualcomm as its chipset maker will be evident in the IPad 2, featuring a dual GSM / CDMA chipset.
We maybe looking at three versions of iPad 2, supporting either or a combination of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA
Additionally, a SD Card Slot has been strongly suggested and in my view a flexible way to add memory to the IPad. Earlier rumors of a USB slot seems unfounded and it is now reported that there will not be a USB slot on the new IPad.
So whens the announcement?
Hopefully soon, but your guess is as good as mine. It does seem that every tech company is announcing their own tablet Ipad killer these days but I expect Apple to come through again with at least one feature that will take us by surprise.
Personally, I will be waiting patiently for the IPad 2 and it would make my day if we could have a Worldwide release.
Are you waiting for the IPad 2 or will you be trying out one of the other tablets? Keep this article alive with any new rumors flying around.
