We have been reporting on many of the rumors surrounding the Apple iPad 2: the screen technology they are employing, many of the hardware components found in it, and even who is making what. Today we have received official confirmation courtesy of the Wall Street Journal confirming specific aspects of the device.
What we do know is that the Apple iPad 2 will feature a slimmer body, a more powerful graphics processor, and more memory. The resolution will stay the same as the original Apple iPad – around 1024×768 – but the screen itself will be slimmer. We also know that the iPad 2 will work out of the box with Verizon and AT&T’s 3G networks but will be incompatible with Sprint or T-Mobile.
Finally, one of the most exciting features that many people have asked for is the addition of two cameras. A front facing 0.3 MP one for video chatting and Skype and a rear facing 1 MP camera for taking photos or video. Considering most smartphones now have 3 to 10 MP rear facing cameras, it is disappointing that the iPad is lacking so profoundly with lower quality cameras.
The tablet PC market is obviously becoming more competitive. We saw at CES close to 50 new tablets be shown off by both new and well established companies. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is currently the very best Android tablet for your money, while the iPad enjoys tremendous popularity.
There are rivals looming on the horizon for Apple to contend with – RIM, HTC, LG and Motorola are releasing tablets during the next few months that have amazing specs and are sure to bite into the market segment. Will the Apple 2 be a slam dunk or will the rivals enjoy their time in the sun? Research firm IHS iSuppli estimates that by 2013, the iPad’s market share will decline to less than 50% of the overall market. Innovative features such as a 3D camera and display on the LG G-Slate sound mighty appealing. As well, Android 3.0 will provide a tablet friendly platform for the future of the next generation of tablets.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
