There’s a chance that Apple will be refreshing its iPad line of tablet computers as early as Q1 2011. According to DigiTimes, component manufacturers are already working on parts to hit that time frame:
Component suppliers including touch panel and reinforced glass suppliers for Apple’s iPad are completing validation with Apple for the second-generation 9.7-inch iPad, according to Taiwan-based component suppliers.
Apple is expected to launch the second-generation iPad in the first-quarter of 2011, the suppliers noted.
Although the original iPad has several shortcomings, it has proven to be wildly popular device around the world. Still, it would be very unusual for Apple to introduce a new model less than a year the original was launched. Of course the tablet market is going to be extremely competitive in 2011, so perhaps Apple is wisely reloading its big gun before the competition takes off.
What do you think of DigiTimes report? Will Apple launch a new iPad in Q1 2011? Or is it too soon?
Launch it and I will buy it. I can see that happening since they are pushing iOS update off until late in november. Could be releasing this holiday. I wouldn't mind it incorporating retina display, more RAM, and higher capacity.
I'm kind of regretting getting the 16gig model because it's full now. That won't be the case next go round.
@smartguy What's taking up the most space on your iPad? Video?
One thing the next iPad will almost definitely have is a front-facing camera. Apple is going to go large with FaceTime. I was hoping for a 7" with Retina Display, but this report says it'll still be 9.7". I would like the device to be a little lighter for reading while lounging.
@Ray
Video and pics. I put all of our pics on it since it makes it easier for my gf to show it to our family as opposed to printing them. Videos videos and more videos. Movies, and WoW movies.
Anything Apple puts out will sell. Honestly I don't think there is such a thing as too early for them.
I will buy any tablet that comes out besides an Apple one, for several reasons. 1) I want extra storage, I want a some kind of flash media support on a tablet. 2) I refuse to install iTunes ever again. I cannot stand that program. It always just jacks up my music and wants to convert my 300+Gb of music 3)I hate even more that it wants a credit card from you (of which I don't own), just to use the App store. 4) Inputs. Seriously a mobile media device needs inputs.
Yes i believe it. Apple refreshes mostly everything annually now; with the Galaxy tab coming out in January and being annointed the iPad killer. Apple has to get this new iPad out especially an updated one.
I think an android tablet would be awesome in comparison to an iPad. However, what I will say from having used a lot of touch screens lately is that Apple has the best touchscreen out there. I think it is the easiest to use and responds the best. Too bad it will never appear on an android tablet or phone. haha.
@BSU
The only problem with and Android tablet currently is that Google is adamant about the current version of Android not being compatible with a tablet. The next 2 releases are supposed to do a much better job.
@Slicky
Those tablets that come out with 3.0 (forget what dessert this one will be called) are something to look forward to I think. However, I have to focus on getting a couple other pieces of hardware before I could ever get one. New phone, network drive, a couple random things I am forgetting at the moment but will desperately want when I do remember them. haha.
@bsukenyan Gingerbread! Also, are you still considering getting a BlackBerry? If you are, I might have to write a column to convince you otherwise.
@Ray
Thats it!! My mind went blank.
I am really not too sure at this point. I like the feel of the blackberry bold that I got my fiance, and it functions very well for the few things I would want out of a phone. I still haven't been convinced by any of the phones running android on Verizon's network. And the news that the Windows Mobile 7 OS will not be available on any CDMA phones until sometime next year was disheartening. It will still be out this year on GSM phones though.
@bsukenyan The Droid X is one of the best phones I've used all year. I've been playing with the Fascinate for about a week (more thoughts soon) and I'm pretty impressed.
@Ray
It doesn't seem to bad, and I've heard good things about it. But I am not too convinced about a touchscreen only phone that isn't an iPhone. Not necessarily because I want an iPhone, but because I think Apple has the best touchscreen technology (see my comment on the new iPad's thread). A couple sales people at Verizon tried telling me how much better the touchscreens were on the new phones, but don't feel as smooth or easy to operate as the iPhone (iPod touch).
@Ray
I clicked on your comment up top and didn't even think about which thread I was in. haha.
@bsukenyan The touchscreens on both phone are fine. Like anything else, you just have to get used to it. I find it funny that you have gripes about Android UI, but you're considering a BlackBerry. Don't do it! This isn't 2003.