One of the big mysteries of the tablet market at the moment is the iPad 2. We know it's coming, we know Apple are likely to outdo themselves. We just don't know how close it is to coming out. Rumour is though (according to Digitimes anyway) is that the iPad sequel will be released by the end of February 2011.
This rumour has been build out of Apple's trends and habits of releases and announcements, where as we know, Apple tend to announce their various products annually at certain times. June is the iPhone announcement month, September is when they roll on the iPods and January could become the annual iPad announcement month.
When the iPad was announced January this year, we saw the tablet hit the shelves a couple of months later, so although it may be pushing it, a February release is definitely possible.
According to Digitimes, "Taiwan-based component makers" are stating that the iPad will ship within the next 100 days, with the first shipment of tablets being 400,000 – 600,000 units. The iPad 2 is apparently being made at the Foxconn plant in Shezhen.
Digitimes also reported that Apple was intending to release the iPad for January 2011, but there are currently some firmware issues which are unresolved.
Many rumours have already circled around the upcoming tablet from Apple, with features including; a retina display and a front facing camera (for FaceTime calls).
No matter what the iPad 2 has or doesn't have though, we are likely to be seeing sales go through the roof (thanks to their mass following no less). Even with the tablet wars getting into full swing, Apple are still likely to keep a heavy market dominance and the iPad 2 may keep them far ahead.
Via: Pocket Lint