Apple Ipad 2 Rumours Gather Pace

Posted by Jeff on Feb 8, 2011 in Apple, Technology | 0 comments

Rumours surrounding the Ipad 2 are gathering pace this month, will it launch in Q2? We take a look at what has been floating around the internet.

Trying to keep up with all of the rumours surrounding Apple products is hard work and inevitably the iPad 2 is no different. Indeed, as per Apple’s usual secrecy, the iPad 2 has not even been confirmed as being in development.

It is safe to say though that with the huge success of the first iPad, a second version is most definitely in development.

So we thought we would take a look at some of the more interesting rumours that are circulating and give our opinions on each of them.

Click the down arrow to reveal more.

Front & Back Cameras

The technology is already part of the iPhone 4 so it is inevitable that a front and back camera system is also high on the list for the iPad 2.

The chances must be very high that this will happen especially as Apple has made a prominent feature of it’s ‘Face Time’ software which relies on this technology being in place if it is to be a success.

Our Opinion: Inevitable

Improved Display

With the display of the iPhone 4 being such a jump up from the display of the iPhone 3gs it is obvious that Apple has a handle on improving this area.

For us there doesn’t seem to be any point in an iPad2 if the display isn’t upgraded. If this wasn’t done then it would more of a iPad 1.5 than an iPad 2.

Our Opinion: High

Slimmer, Lighter Case

Again the same argument as with the improved display. Electronics inevitably get smaller as time goes by and it has now been a while since the first incarnation of the iPad was released.

The smaller footprint may have to hold cameras and other hardware but the iPhone 4 showed it can be done.

What is not so clear is the shape, the iPhone 4 had a flat back which looks nicer and fits flat on a surface, but not as nice to hold as the curved back which Apple recently put onto the new iPod Touch. So that one is anyone’s guess really.

Our Opinion: Inevitable – Slimmer, lighter (Flat or Curve – Unknown)

USB Ports

A rumour that has been around for a while but Apple don’t seem to be big fans of the connector.

To me as a consumer it would make alot of sense and it open up the large peripheral market; but with the cloud taking over for storage and with wireless communications in general, I wouldn’t say it is anywhere near as useful as it used to be.

Couple this with Apple’s hesitance in this area we are not sure about this one.

Our Opinion: 50-50

Dual Core Processor

Again this is one that makes sense and, if the iPad wants to forge a lead and then stay current in the market until the next version, one I think it needs.

A dual core processor is old hat to the desktop world but has still not got a foothold in the mobile world although LG have one in their Android phone the Optimus.

But over the life cycle of any iPad 2 it will become common place and is needed for a great multi-tasking user experience.

Our Opinion: High

A Smaller 7 inch Version

A smaller iPad with a 7″ screen instead of the 9.7″ standard version? What would be the point in that?

Perhaps a tiny bit cheaper but I don’t think you should get a screen smaller than 9.7″, just look at Dell’s attempt at a smaller version, more mobile than tablet.

Our Opinion: Pointless

Launch Date

We have heard rumours of factories gearing up for heavy production in February so a quarter 2 launch date would look likely if this is true.

However, Apple also have a big launch for the iPhone 4 as it becomes available on the Verizon network. It’s a big event because Verizon has almost 100 million users who will be invited to upgrade.

This is likely to happen first and any iPad2 launch would be dictated to by this one.

Our Opinion: March/April