iPad 2 Could Be Unveiled March 2

Apple will reportedly unveil the iPad 2 on March 2, giving the world its first glimpse of the successor to the iPad, which has sold more than 15 million units. This leaves the tech world just under a week to rev up even more speculation surrounding the iPad 2 feature set, as well as keep a watchful eye on Android competitors arriving on the market.

Amid reports of iPad 2 delays until June, tech pundits corroborated their sources and believe March 2 to be the date Apple will unveil the new tablet. Kara Swisher at All Things Digital scooped the date, John Gruber of Daring Fireball says this “sounds right on schedule” and Miguel Heft at The New York Times reports next Wednesday is D-Day, too. Expect to hear about press invitations in the next few days, too, if March 2 is indeed the iPad 2 day.

iPad 2 specs ahoy

In Apple’s traditional secretive manner, no official details about the iPad 2 have been unveiled, something that leaves plenty of space for speculation and reports from sources “close to the matter” or “familiar with company plans.” However, by putting together reports on the iPad 2 specs over the past few weeks, a clearer picture emerges.

In a natural evolution, the iPad 2 is expected to be thinner and possibly lighter than its predecessor. It’s possible Apple could opt for a higher-resolution display on the iPad 2, but because of developers’ issues over a new resolution to work on, this could be unlikely. There is, however, the high chance to find a faster processor (maybe dual-core?), more RAM and a better graphics chip in the iPad 2.

Dual cameras have also been on the table for the iPad 2, but most recent reports indicate that the new tablet will have at least a front-facing camera to use with Apple’s FaceTime and other video calling apps like Skype. Dual radio chips are also said to appear in the 3G iPad, allowing people to use the tablet with AT&T or Verizon. Price-wise, the iPad 2 is believed to stay within the same price points as the original, which would be sold alongside the new version at a lower price.

The real competition begins

Apple might have had the tablet market to itself last year (with the notable exception of the Samsung Galaxy Tab), but this year Android is tackling the tablet market, too. Android phones are outselling iPhones worldwide, so could we see a similar behavior in the tablet market also?

Verizon is now selling the 10-inch Motorola Xoom tablet, though at a higher price than the equivalent iPad and without Flash support initially. Samsung, HP and Research In Motion are also on track to launch their tablets this year, something that will make it more difficult for Apple to sell as many iPad 2s as the original model.

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