"iPad Global" CDMA / GSM coming Q1 2011, suppliers revealed [Rumor]

"iPad Global" CDMA / GSM coming Q1 2011, suppliers revealed [Rumor] | WWWery

ccording to analyst Brian Blair (Wedge Partners) Apple is planning to slow down the production of the current iPad (3G), in a move to ramp up the production of the next generation iPad, rumored to be a world edition — iPad 2 or iPad Global or World iPad?? The new iPad is believed to offer support for both the CDMA/GSM networks worldwide, thus offering maximum coverage, alongside packing a new Qualcomm processor.

iPAD 2 SPECS (expected). Front- and rear-facing cameras, a lot more thinner, support for 4G networks and made out of a single piece of metal (thus requiring no pins). "The tablet is expected to be released at some point in Q1 2011 (March or slightly into April?).

According to another source, Ibiden, Tripod Technology and TTM Technologies are going to be the initial suppliers of components and parts for the 2nd generation iPad, at least initially (till Feb. 2011), plus four others later on.

(Update) In related news, word on the street is that, the iPad is now available via TJ Maxx and Marshall stores in the US for an out right $399, while Apple itself is selling the iPad for $499. Well, that’s Black Friday for you!

via [allthingsd.com, digitimes.com] image [ifixit.com]

Apple Readies iPad 2, Report Says - PCWorld

Apple Readies iPad 2, Report Says

By Ian Paul, PCWorld Nov 19, 2010 3:28 pm
Complete PCWorld Coverage
Apple iPad Family

The iPad might be the hot tech gift this holiday season, but prospective iPad buyers may want to wait for January as rumblings about a new iPad are starting to surface.

Apple has sold 7.46 million iPads as of late September, and the company appears to be counting on a big holiday season for its popular tablet device. The iPad is already available through Apple as well as major retail partners such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart. We've also heard that discount department retailer TJ Maxx is carrying limited supplies of the iPad for the holiday season. So deals might be found if Apple wants to reduce inventory in anticipation of iPad 2.0.

We'll probably start hearing more about the next iPad from December to early January, but here's a look at what is being said now about the next-generation iPad.
FaceTime

It's pretty clear that the next iPad should have FaceTime, Apple's mobile video chat standard. FaceTime debuted with the iPhone 4, then it moved to the iPad Touchfacetime icon in September so the next logical move would be to put FaceTime on the iPad.

As early as February, reports surfaced that the current iPad's internal frame had a space for a camera. Then in September, an anonymous source with "knowledge of Apple's future product plans" told Apple Insider the iPad-maker was actively testing a version of FaceTime for the iPad.
The Camera Debate

If the next-generation iPad came with FaceTime, then the device would clearly need a front-facing camera. But it's being debated whether the iPad will come stacked with a rear-facing camera as well. Analysts at investment firm Detwiler Fenton said in late October that, based on research within Apple's supply chain, the next iPad will have a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, according to Barron's.

But does an iPad rear-facing camera make sense for the device? Samsung's recently launched 7-inch Galaxy Tab has a 3.2-megapixel camera; however, many reviews of the device said using the tablet computer as a digital camera was a little awkward. If snapping pictures with a 7-inch screen is awkward, imagine using a nearly 10-inch device to do the same thing.
Mini USB?

Goldman Sachs analysts in September floated the idea that the next iPad 2, aside from being thinner and lighter, would sport a mini USB port, according to Bloomberg. The mini USB would replace the 30-pin dock connector used in the current version of the iPad.

Apple is reportedly getting component manufacturers ready for the iPad 2 and will start ramping up production of the device in February, according to Taiwan-based Digitimes. Although most critics and analysts expect to see a revamped iPad in January, one year after the original iPad launched, very few rumors about the device have surfaced so far.

Apple has sold 7.46 million iPads as of late September, and the company appears to be counting on a big holiday season for its popular tablet device. The iPad is already available through Apple as well as major retail partners such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart. We've also heard that discount department retailer TJ Maxx is carrying limited supplies of the iPad for the holiday season.

Connect with Ian Paul (@ianpaul) and Today@PCWorld on Twitter for the latest tech news and analysis.

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