http://www.t3.com/feature/apple-ipad-2-rum...t-can-we-expectiPad 2: 7-inch display
A dividing issue for many with the current iPad has been the size of the screen, and whether the 9.7-inch screen is as travel-friendly as something like the Galaxy Tab. Taiwanese component suppliers reportedly informed a Wall Street analyst that a smaller 7-inch display is earmaked for the revamped Apple tablet.
Jobs clearly has a different view on things however having told analysts at Apple’s quarterly conference call on the subject of a 7-inch iPad that, “This size isn’t sufficient to create great tablet apps, in our opinion.” Do you side with the suppliers or Jobs? we know who we would pick...
iPad 2: Front-facing camera and FaceTime
Apple has talked a lot of about FaceTime since it was unveiled at the iPhone 4 launch, and while at the time it was only available for the Apple's latest smartphone, it has since arrived for the new iPod Touch, the new MacBook Air and for desktop Macs.
So is the iPad next up for the FaceTime treatment? Well according to reports from Apple’s suppliers in Asia, the display aspects they are set to provide will be designed around a front facing camera. AppleInsider, has also had word from, 'a person with proven knowledge of Apple’s future product plans' that the camera many hoped the current iPad model would have will be added to the next model bringing FaceTime along with it.
iPad 2: Retina display and 128GB storage
The screen technology boasting 800:1 contrast ratio and 960x640p resolution, is currently housed in the smaller surroundings of the iPhone 4, but it could well find itself in the iPad in the not too distant future. The same Taiwanese component suppliers that claim a 7-inch display is one the way for the next iPad, also claims that it will be a high resolution Retina display. Storage capacity is also reported to get ramped up to 128GB while a micro mini USB port will be added on the connectivity front.
iPad 2: Connectivity
Patents are always a good indication for finding out what's on the Apple agenda and one trademark submission that emerged from the Cupertino company to the European Trademarks and Designs Registration Office points to a second 30-pin port. What does this mean for the iPad 2? Well, it could mean that you will be able to dock the tablet device in a horizontal and more traditional workstation position as opposed to the current vertical one.
iPad 2 price
There's been no talk about how much the Apple iPad 2 could cost, but judging from impressive opening sales, and the 3.27m sales Apple revealed in its quarterly results call, it's unlikely to change greatly. Cheaper tablet alternatives could be an argument for driving the price down but most of the budget iPad rivals we've seen so far struggle to match the iPad for all-round performance.
iPad 2 release date
While many suggest a Spring 2011 launch is the most likely time to see the iPad 2, the guys at 9 to 5 Mac claim to have spoken to a participant in trailers filmed for the next iPad ahead of a January 2011 launch. Could Apple buck the trend and change its usual product announcement cycle, especially with an army of tablets seemingly growing by the week? All we imagine will be revealed in the near future...