New iPad 2 Specs are Just Speculation

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December 9, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team

As it is no secret by now, Apple likes to update their devices every year or so. Just when you thought you have the device of the year, out comes a better, faster, thinner version! Now here is the major dilemma, for the holidays, do you go out and buy that iPad that happens to be on the top of most people’s wishlists or do you hold out for the informally named iPad 2 in 2011? How to make this decision requires a little internet investigation. Luckily for you, this is what we do.

Early 2010, speculation about the iPad 2 has been growing almost since the launch of the first iPad. There were different rumors to sift through and all these different reports have led many tech sites, bloggers, and well wishers on a virtual goose chase since then. Collectively, there are some rumors that remain consistent.

Possible Release Date:

DigiTimes released a report that Foxconn, a key maker of iPhones and iPads, has been notified that it should be ready to ship 400,000 to 600,000 units of the next version of the iPad or iPad 2 within the next 100 days. Suspiciously, the 100 days comes just around April 2011 (close to a year after the original went on sale). Many have predicted April/May for an iPad 2 release date however, it could come as early as February and most likely, the public will hear an official product announcement from Apple come January.

Possible New Features:

The iPad has many capabilities from being an ereader to a full on portable entertainment device. iPad 2 may debut at a $100 less than the original for a starting price tag of $499. Users may also see a slimmer version that will weigh much less than the cumbersome weight it sits at now. Drawing inspiration from the iPhone 4, Apple is also expected to add a high-resolution Retina Display, a multi-axis gyroscope, and a dual camera for FaceTime video chat. For more durability a carbon fiber frame is set to encase the internal components as well as a USB connector.

What these new features can mean is that with a lighter model, users can find more ease working the device for an extended period of time-no more physical strain. The change in display can open the tablet to a larger range of people who do not already own one. A high-resolution display and multi-axis gyroscope means more complex and better gaming, movies, and reading. In turn, this upgrade will invite other companies to offer better motioning games, and deliver movies, and ebooks that would compliment the new display.

Increased Competition:

The tablet market for 2010 was pretty heavily dominated by the Apple iPad as they were able to get a leg up first in this market. However 2011, could possibly look different as different companies have worked out their firmware issues and had time to develop a product that is on par or possibly superior. 2011 will see Android Tablets from Motorola, Acer, LG, and countless others, including the Blackberry PlayBook who poses to be highly competitive for the iPad.

And the Rest:

Apparently Qualcomm will provide chips that will allow the iPad 2 to run on both CDMA and GSM networks. AT&T is currently the only mobile carrier that offers the iPad 3G and Verizon currently carries the Wi-Fi Apple iPad bundle with a Mi-Fi hotspot. If the new iPad is equipped with the new chips, CDMA support would eliminate the need for 3G connectivity and this could open the iPad to other carriers.

Considering all the new possibilities, ushering a new iPad in will also make the original iPad less expensive. Whether to buy now or wait later, simply depends on the specs a user prefers and if the possible new ones are even worth waiting for. As for now, Apple has remained tight lipped about any of the iPad 2 rumors, although it is just a matter of time till the truth comes out.