iPad 2: What to Expect
As most of you in the tech community have probably been hearing, the iPad 2 is just around the corner. So over the course of the last week I have been hearing a ton of different rumors and it is sometimes hard to decide which are probably and improbable.
So, with that said, here is my take on what this next generation iPad will have up it’s sleeve.
First off, obviously, is that the second generation iPad will have two cameras. One will probably be above 5 megapixels on the back as well as a standard, 1.2 megapixel (VGA) camera on the front. Now, at first I thought it would be incredibly dumb for Apple to put a rear facing camera on the iPad as no one is going to pull out their iPad to take a picture. However, after thinking about the idea in my head, it is a wise decision for apple to do this. Even though you probably won’t take pictures with this, I can definitely see the capabilities of using this with facetime. However, the capabilities of this doesn’t stop there. Because where this feature could really shine is with the applications. Think of the iPad launch back in April, since then developers took complete advantage of this added screen real-estate and made some pretty killer apps. So just imagine what these incredibly creative people can do with another new feature.
The next feature that is sure to be in the iPad 2 is a retina display. There is not really much to say about this feature other than it will make the iPad’s already stunning display into a jaw droppingly beautiful work of art.
Next up is another obvious one which is it will be lighter, thinner, and faster. These are the basic three things we see Apple do with their iPod, Mac, and iPhone lineup year after year. So it is pretty safe to say Apple is going to do it with the iPad. Not to mention a couple of various manufacturing companies have said that they have started to develop thinner and lighter iPad cases, not 3rd party cases but the actual aluminum casing of the iPad. Obviously it will have more ram, a faster processor, and probably, if possible, an even longer battery life.
Lastly, lets talk about size and pricing. I think that there will be a lower priced base model for those who just want some of the iPad experience. Basically, $399 for the first-gen iPad Wifi Only 16gb. However, after that the prices start to become a bit more relatable, and expensive. I think the 32gb will be the new 2nd-gen base model pricing at $499 with Wifi only, along with a 64gb at $599 and lastly, a 128gb behemoth at $750. These will obviously target a wide variety of audiences. From adolescence to business class. The 3g option, or should I say 4g, is going to be priced at around $130 extra with the data fee depending on the service provider. That is right, now I am sure you all have heard that the iPhone on Verizon is going to happen, well, if it does, great! However, we know for a fact Verizon and Apple have some type of negotiation, at least with the iPad. So I think that Verizon will offer iPad customers a 4g bundle deal, with their new SIM technology, and those on At&T will be able to have a cheaper, 3g plan. That is until At&T joins the 4g bandwagon.
So there you go! Those are my basic theories about what the 2nd generation iPad will hold for all of you geeks who are going to rush out and get it. However, me personally, I am going to stick with my first generation iPad and play some Angry Birds.
Dylan Brannigan Dec 10, 2010 at 11:59 PM
Reader Comments (3)
There would be no retina display, not possible on a 9.7" screen.
I am pretty sure it is possible for Apple to have a new display with crisper display renders and a better display resolution. Retina is the term for a layer in the eyeball. I can almost guarantee there will be a higher resolution screen in the 2nd gen. iPad.
I doubt they would put anything higher then retina desplay because then they would basically sell out onenpf the biggest hints for the iPhone 5. The iPad 2 will definitely have retina display.