New iPad release date, specs and price

iPad lovers are waiting the unveiling of the new generation of iPad unofficially termed iPad 2,  for past few weeks.  There are various rumors flying regarding release date, price and specs of iPad 2.

As per the latest news from respected sources like the Wall Street Journal digital network and Reuters, Apple is likely to unveil new iPad  on March 2.  This is contrary to earlier reports that the shipment of Apple’s new version of its iPad tablet PC might be delayed till June 2011, owing to production bottlenecks at one of its manufacturing partners – Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, based in Taipei.  While the iPad 2 launch date is “firm” as quoted by multiple sources, it is not yet known if Apple’s ailing CEO Steve Jobs would attend the launch of iPad 2.

So what are the new features expected in iPad 2?  Though all those aspects are closely guarded secrets, some are inspired guesses and some maybe leaks from Apple, here are a few reputed updates about the features expected in iPad 2.

Faster Processor and More Memory
The new version of iPad will have more powerful graphics processor and more memory.  As per the latest rumors, iPad 2 will have a 2GHz processor, based on ARM’s Cortex A9 dual-core processor used in BlackBerry PlayBook.  This faster processor will allow better pixel management.

The new iPad is expected to have more memory.  The iPhone 4 has 512 MB of memory, twice the memory of the iPad which is just 256 MB.  As iPad does multitasking similar to the iPhone after the release of iOS 4.2, the current memory specs for iPad are relatively low.

Cameras
iPad 2 will have an in-built camera for features like video-conferencing.  Images of iPad 2 appeared online suggest that the iPad 2 will have a rear-facing camera.  Gizmodo says that it will have a front-facing camera similar to the iPhone 4.  And according to BuzzBizzNews,  the new version of iPad will have both the front and rear cameras.

Thinner iPad 2
The next-generation iPad is expected to be thinner and lighter than the existing model of iPad.  The new iPad 2 will have a one piece metal case without any pins, and its design will resemble the unibody design of Macbook.

iPad 2- seven-inch screen?
All Apple rivals are already come up 7-inch display tablets which are lighter than the current model of iPad.  So, iPad is also expected to go for a 7 inch display.  The current iPad targets multimedia entertainment, and the new smaller iPads would target e-books.

Retina display
Would iPad 2 have a retina display with better resolution as in iPhone 4?  Only 10% of positive views are seen in hot discussions about the retina display.  The current iPad display is 1024 × 768, then if iPad will have a 2048 × 1536 display.  As such screen display would extremely raise the number of pixels, and the pixel management will require a more powerful processor and battery. Continue Reading »
Apple to launch iPad 2 on March 2

Technorati Tags: iPad 2, iPad 2 launch

Late last month Apple announced that its Founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, would be taking a medical leave of absence so he could focus on his health.  The reason for his leave was not elaborated upon.  Steve Jobs didn’t disclose the reason, but we know he is suffering from pancreatic cancer and received a liver transplant two years ago.  However, Today, supermarket tabloid – the National Enquirer – released some shocking new pictures of Steve Jobs, which shows a thin and frail Jobs leaving the Stanford Cancer Center in his home town of Palo Alto.

Dr. Samuel Jacobson, who has not treated or even seen Jobs, reportedly told the Enquirer that the photos indicate that he is terminally ill and has just six more weeks to live.  However, Jacobson has no first-hand knowledge about Jobs.

This story, on the other hand, lacks any real authority.  The National Enquirer is not exactly the most reputable publication in the world.  So, needless to say, this particular news should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. Also,  we feel that putting an estimate about someone’s life, just by looking at his pictures, is completely wrong.  They seriously lack social and moral responsibility.  Starting such rumors just to increase the tabloid sales is highly unethical.

Everybody knows Jobs is sick.  He has left his multi-billion dollar company to concentrate on his health, so it is obvious that he’s not especially healthy.  But there are no verifiable medical reasons to believe he is close to death.

Steve Jobs. the man behind the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad  is a computer and business genius, and perhaps the most innovative CEO of modern times.  With Steve Jobs at the top, Apple transformed the personal computer, music and mobile phone industries.  But Jobs is now critically ill.  Having built Apple into the world’s most valuable technology company,  he should now focus his attention to to get well.

Either way, we wish Steve Jobs the best, and hope he has a speedy recovery from whatever ails him – for the sake of Jobs and his family — and potentially the future of Apple Inc.  Fingers crossed.

Technorati Tags: iPad, Steve Jobs, Apple

Review of Sena iPad Keyboard Case

If you are looking for an iPad case that can transform your iPad into a laptop, here is the solution!  Sena iPad Keyboard Folio is a book-style slick leather case with a decent keyboard inside. Sena iPad Keyboard Folio with Bluetooth keyboard transforms your iPad into a netbook.

The most important aspect of the Sena iPad case is its quality.   The Keyboard case is made of Napa leather, with an executive class look. This sturdy case gives lot of attention to the minute details.  The luminous black leather is classy and looks good in professional as well as casual setting.  It gives total front as well as back protection to your iPad when it is closed and not in use.

You can use your iPad in traditional form with its integrated collapsible back stand.  This stand pops up the iPad providing you a comfortable viewing while you are typing.  The stand on the back gives a perfect angle for watching movies.

The Sena iPad case has a soft velvet lining which protects you iPad from scratches and its side-folding feature allows you to access your iPad’s ports while the iPad is in the case.  And, you can access the charging port even when the case is closed.  It has added features of multiple pockets for IDs, checkbooks and cards.

The keyboard is of standard layout and its buttons are actually covered with a molded silicone sheet.   So as there is no actual gap in this silicone keys there is no question of getting dust, dirt or liquid inside the keys.  You can type without taking any help of the desktop word processor.  This Keyboard Folio is best low-profile portable version and provides good typing experience as if you are typing on a full-sized regular keyboard except with some key compromises.

The other important feature of this iPad Folio is that you can pull you keyboard from the case and place it on the separate surface which increases its flexibility.  This means your iPad and keyboard need not have to be on the same desktop level.  This element of Sena’s Folio makes it unique. Built-in bluetooth keyboard of this case features with function keys and music /sound control keys.  The Lithium battery provides standby time of fifty five hours and can be used for 45 hours before its replacement.

Folio has some limitations like sometimes there is a drop in bluetooth connection with any warning, but generally it happens when there is a short pause in typing.  Sena’ Folio is a great way to turn your iPad into a mobile workstation!

The Keyboard Folio is available in four colors – red, tan, black and brown – each packaged with a USB recharging cable and one of Sena’s red drawstring fabric bags.  It is definitely one of the must have iPad accessories.  It is available for $130

Technorati Tags: iPad case, iPad accessories