The iPad has been perhaps the most popular tablet computer to have emerged thus far. Techies are anxiously awaiting the release of the iPad 3, which is most likely going to make its appearance on the market in March 2012. Citi analyst Richard Gardner predicts that Apple’s next flagship tablet may launch as early as in February and will feature a retina display and a slightly thicker body.
Gardner stated to Business Insider that “there do not appear to be any significant technical hurdles remaining” in regard to the release of the iPad 3. Generally speaking, the tablet will be a somewhat upgraded version of the iPad 2, with nothing majorly different from its predecessor. The iPad 2 is already an incredible device, so the plan for Apple is to keep all of its best features so that the new model will more than adequately be able to combat the competition from the slew of Android tablets that will emerge next year.
PC World’s Jeff Bertolucci expresses a belief that Apple may actually keep the iPad 2 in its inventory once the iPad 3 hits the market. He states, “Apple may decide to copy its iPhone strategy in the tablet market, and approach that may appeal to price-sensitive buyers unwilling to pay $500 or more for an iPad.” This way of thinking comes about as a result of the high prices of the newest Apple gadgets, which may be too steep for the average consumer, who may not be willing to part with a hard earned $500 to $700, especially in today’s floundering economy. Bertolucci believes that Apple may keep the iPad 2 around and sell it at a reduced price, such as at a minimum of $299.
With the upcoming iPad 3 and its revised and improved features, Android, BlackBerry, Kindle and other tablet competitors will certainly have their work cut out for them. The retina display — which is currently a feature of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S — is going to equate to a 2056 X 1536 screen resolution, which will rival that of the Samsung Galaxy Tab. If Apple indeed releases the new iPad in February or March, which is during Q1, it will be a wise move due to the fact that more consumers will snatch up the iPad 3 before the various new Android tablets are introduced.
It is also being said that the iPad 3 will weight in at as little as 0.6 pounds and an improved battery life that will last up to 10 hours. Wireless connectivity options will remain at Wi-Fi and 3G for AT&T, Verizon Wireless and now also Sprint users. The iPad 3’s storage space is said to be in increments of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, with the prices of the tablets coinciding with the storage amount. The screen will reportedly measure in at 9.7 inches and have a much more fluid touchability, which will give consumers a whole new experience, whether they are playing games, browsing the Internet or using their tablet for business purposes.
Samantha Leary is a dog lover, environmental activisit, and a creative writer. She writes about a plethora of topics including finance, current events, and exotic and domesticated animals like teacup pigs and puppies.