If like me you enjoy a gadget or 2 and have an addiction to anything Apple produce then you will no doubt be excited about the forthcoming announcement on Wednesday (2nd March) about what is expected to be an iPad 2.
In true Apple form, they are as always, being very secretive about the context of the announcement, however, taking a look at the invite (an Apple style calendar icon with the corner peeled away to reveal what is clearly an iPad) and bearing in mind the movements in the tablet market from their competitors, it is fairly obvious that the main theme will be the launch of the next version of the iPad.
As you would expect the rumour mill is in overdrive right now, with many sites claiming to have 'insider sources' revealing the nitty gritty, some have a reputation for getting it right and others clearly just want extra visits to their website.
Here are a few of the expected (and possible) features of the iPad 2:
Likely
- Cameras - Front and rear facing cameras to allow the iPad to use Facetime, a video chat service that iPhone users should be familiar with
- Shrinky Dinky - Smaller and lighter body than the first iteration of the tablet, whilst keeping the same size screen
- More power - A faster processor and extra RAM to allow your games and general procrastination to flow quicker
Possible
- Bright white - Following in the iPhone's footsteps, its rumoured that there may be a white version as well as the normal black
- US network-friendly version - 3 Versions of the iPad, Wifi only, 3G+Wifi and then a version which will allow the user compatibility with both networks in the US (Verizon and AT&T)
- Cheap cheap - with the first version outselling their predictions, this time around the quantities being manufactured will get them better prices, this could mean a reduction in the shelf price or alternatively a massive increase in Mr Jobs's personal wealth and Apples' share value
Unlikely
- No more Home button - The removal of the Home button and introduction of more touch gestures
- iOS 5 - it is now thought that we should expect iOS 4.3 rather than the introduction of a new version of their operating system - iOS 5
- Retina display - it looks like the introduction of the crystal clear Retina Display that is used on the iPhone wont make it to the iPad 2 - for this version at least, probably because of the drain on resources and battery life, iPad 3 maybe!
Impossible
- Flash support - it's never gonna happen!!
Watch this space, if i give in to tempation and buy one (purely for research purposes of course), I will also post a product review.