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.

SD card slot and a USB port
According to BuzzBizzNews, the new iPad will have a USB port, which will enable users to upload photos, movies and documents.  However, it may not be as Apple is increasingly moving to wireless.  The iPad streams media and prints wirelessly.  Then it is not likely that the new iPad version will have USB port.  It is more likely that iPad 2 may have a Micro USB port or adapter which will satisfy the new EU regulations for mobile chargers.

CDMA and GSM
The new iPad may use both CDMA and GSM networks, that would enable its users to get online anywhere in the world. The current models of iPad use CDMA technology for US versions.

Find My Friends
Apple seems to have a Find My Friends tool which is location-based tool that works for iOS 4.3 iPhone.  This may be made available in iPad 2.

iPad 2 Price
iPad 2 will have to face a stiff competition from many other tablet PCs being launched in the market by technology giants like Dell, Samsung, RIM and Motorola.  However, it is not likely that Apple would cut prices to increase its share in the tablet PC market.

Technorati Tags: iPad 2, iPad 2 launch

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

More than 750,000 people voted in 19 categories at the T3 Gadget event to declare the winners.  Apple, the US electronics giant bagged five top honors at the T3 Gadget Awards 2010 in London.  Its touchscreen tablet PC iPad was judged as the Innovation of the Year, while iPhone 4 won in the Commuter Gadget category.  Apple Store was judged as the Best Retailer and the MacBook Pro laptop won the honor of the Best Computer.  Apple iPad emerged the clear winner in spite of tough competition from HTC Desire, Sky+ HD and even iPhone 4 from Apple.

iPad was declared as the ‘the best thing that’s happened this year in the tech world, hands down’ and it was also crowned Innovation Of The Year fending off competition from rivals like Microsoft Xbox Kinect and Toshiba Cell TV.

Technorati Tags: Apple iPad, iPad

Customers began arriving from midnight in anticipation of their tablet computer to the Apple stores.  And they were rewarded with free cartons of coffee from Apple Workers in the  morning.  The customers have seemed to love the new device.

In terms of the product launch, the  marketing departments and analysts are using sales numbers to estimate success of the iPad launch.  Going by estimates from ‘Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster’, iPad has managed to sell close to 300,000 iPad’s in the United States on its launch day .

Apple has not said anything about the launch day sales figure for iPad. Munster found these numbers by calling all the stores.  His research says that 19 of 20 Apple stores were sold out at seven thirty pm for iPad on its launch day.  If the figures are correct then this is nothing short of incredible!

The worldwide sale of iPad is anticipated to touch 7.1 million by the year end.  Sales are expected to double next year and then to reach  20.1 the year after that, as per research firm predictions.

The press reviews of iPad are favorable.  The iPad’s design, multi touch interface and applications compensate for perceived limitations.  And it should be in huge demand for early adopters.

Growth should soar in the years ahead because more iPad Apps would be available in the market.  Also, the Apple is expected to improve the iPad’s functionality.  Sales figures would also greatly change if Apple reconsiders its inability to support Flash.

Without support for Adobe Flash the users of Ipad will be unable to enjoy a sizable amount of Websites which promote web based video and games.

The iPad was well received by local developers writing programs known as Apps for iPod touch and the iPhone.  Many users compared the tablet device  to the kindle and felt that it does everything a Kindle does and even more!

Nevertheless, Apple also needs to be ready to handle competition.  Many new vendors are going to be uncovering their own tablets with stronger features.  But as of now the Apple has the first mover’s advantage!

Analysts feel that iPad will be the driving force in the tablet PC industry.  Apple has already revolutionized the smart phone and mp3 market.  The same can be expected with tablet PCs.  Researchers at ‘iSuppli’ estimate world wide sales of iPad to reach 7.10 million in 2010 and 20.10 million units in 2012.

The touch screen design of the iPad will convince customers that one does not need a keyboard for data entry and computing;  that you can actually use a tablet PC for data entry rather than a paper or pen.

Customers from construction sites are having a renewed interest in tablets. They feel that Apple is legitimizing the potential of tablet PCs.  It is also raising the bar on all that tablet customers expect.

iPad truly is the’ next big thing’ as it is one such  computer that does not require training.  No extra folders and final icons floating around, no inexplicable setup screens.  Its appearance will allow people to accomplish tasks with ease from enjoying to creating content and from playing to communicating.

Change is inevitable and it is happening now!  The iPad embraces solutions.  It puts music, photos, movies and documents into specialized task oriented databases along with a task oriented fully modal interface of iPhone.  This along with fabulous applications lets you do everything for pleasure and work.  It is a realization of ‘universal information appliance’.

Many people still find it baffling to manage Windows and Mac OS.  The iPhone interface works splendid with your kids and your grandma alike.  These people who find PCs to be cumbersome and complicated are embracing the iPhone.  Everyone will soon dive  into this new epoch of computing. T he iPhone invasion has started this transition.  The iPad will continue it.

Yes it will not happen overnight nevertheless it will pick up fast.  In a years time we are expecting Google to come out with something almost similar to iPad and sure enough you can expect I Mac and MacBook Pro to come out with something resembling iPad OS in the coming years.  We can look forward to smart instant search databases with the ability to store all documents with metadata.

No syncing, no complications, no hassles.  That’s the future with tablet PCs like the iPad.

Recently, speaking at Goldman Sachs annual technology conference, San Francisco, Apples Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook announced that iPad would launch in online education, retail & other direct sales but might also include Apple assisted sales by partners such as Best Buy. So as per the Apple sales strategy, they want to restrict the sale of the Apple iPad to Apple’s online store during the short honeymoon period. After the honeymoon period is over, Best Buy will carry Apple iPad and accessories, just like other Apple products.

This left room for suggestion that iPad sales could be offered by AT&T stores too who are the wireless partner for Apple in United States.  The iPad will also be offered by Apple’s premium resellers.

Cook revealed that he had been personally using iPad for close to 6 months and felt that once consumers experience iPad for the first time they will find it hard to buy a Netbook. He denigrated the Netbook calling them merely cheap laptops.

He claims the experience of using an iPad to be absolutely incredible adding that Apple can’t wait to start shipping the device He also claims the browsing, photo and email display of the iPad are the best available today!

Cook is not too concerned that iPad sales would cannibalize sales of other products of Apple like Mac or iPod touch.

We wonder if this selling strategy will leave third party sellers like Amazon, Small Dog, Power Max and Mac Mall to sell only iPad accessories and the add-ons. Will Apple be able to mass market iPad without third party channels is a question on everybody’s mind.  Meanwhile, Cook believes that the $499 iPad is at an incredible value!