What to expect from Apple’s iPad 2 announcement tomorrow

By on Mar 1, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Tablets March 1, 2011

With Apple’s iPad media event only a day away, many people are asking just what Apple is expected to announce tomorrow. We have heard rumors and seen purported next-generation iPad parts leak practically since right after the first iPad launched. Thanks to third-party case manufacturers, we have also been given renders and even physical mockups of the forthcoming iPad 2. We’ve tried to separate the nonsense from the plausible, and here’s what we’re expecting from tomorrow’s event:

  • A much thinner and lighter iPad. We’re talking seriously thin.
  • A slightly thinner bezel around the iPad’s display, making the device’s footprint just a tad bit smaller.
  • A dual-core Apple processor, possibly named A5
  • 512MB of RAM
  • A front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for FaceTime HD
  • A rear-facing 2-megapixel camera
  • Support for AT&T and Verizon Wireless networks out of the box
  • Photo Booth for iPad
  • Availability within 1-2 weeks, new price points starting at $399 for the entry-level Wi-Fi model
  • Announcement and preview of iOS 5 to be released in the summer

We’ll know definitively tomorrow just after 1:00PM ET, but in the meantime, chime in with your own predictions and wishes, alright?

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141 Comments

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  • 1T2dirtnap

    My wifes been wanting one for a while if $399 is true you can bet we’ll be buying an iPad2. Not looking good for Moto if this is true.

  • Justin

    If you’re right on the new $399 price point then the tablet game will be over. Apple certainly has the ability to make that happen given multiple revenue streams that iOS products generate.

    Speaking as an Android fan I still say that IF that happens – goodbye Honeycomb. Seriously, I think with that big IF Google tablets are in jeopardy. Unless of course Google gets into the manufacturing game itself – then all bets are off.

  • YorkvilleChimneySweep

    New reader, love the site. #1 source for me for all things fun in MediaLand. However, you could use a little more Todd, though.

    Definitely not enough Todd right now.

  • Anonymous

    If these specs’ are even remotely actual, I am so getting the XOOOOOOOM.
    I’m waiting for the big announcement tomorrow just to make a spec’ comparison but, if the above rumoured specs’ are true, there is no comparison to be made. I’m also waiting on specs’ for that 10″ Galaxy Tab and 10″ LG but, I don’t really think the latter two are players in this tablet game.

  • http://justinpaine.com xxdesmus

    Let’s actually see if $399 is right.

  • Anonymous

    Why is no one talking about NFC in this new iPad?

  • Just A Guy

    2.0 and 1.3 megpixels !?!? C’mon Apple, you’re supposed to be leading the pack! I can’t believe they wouldn’t put in better cameras. I guess they’re saving that and retina dispay for the iPad 3.

  • Anonymous

    that 399 dollars price point is absolutely falls..

    iPad is still cheapest and it is cheaper than others. Why would they price cut?

  • http://www.bignerdblog.com BigNerd

    $399?

    I think iPad 2 means how many you can buy for one XOOM.

    What’s funny is Apple is usually the more expensive choice… yet not in the tablet market.

  • The One

    All I ask is to add the option to use Adobe Flash so I can have a full web browsing experience, and an sd card slot so that I can add my own memory.

  • Karfrs

    Hm… IF it only has a camera, then I’ll get a cheaper first gen ipad. BUT if it comes with that dual-core processor, and double the ram, then I might change my mind. And if it comes with better resolution (ipad 2? nope. ipad 3? possible), then Ill be sold! Just a few personal opinions…

  • http://www.facebook.com/elleryfamilia Ellery Familia

    I can see an 8GB version of iPad 1 @ $399

  • new_to_boston

    Usually I go for tech specs, but for this release I want thin and light…iPad1 and Zoom are a little on the heavy side for my liking.

  • http://twitter.com/BrSwa Brandon

    I’m not going to hold my breath for a $ 399 price point, however awesome that would be..

  • http://bit.ly/samirsshah समीर शाह

    “Availability within 1-2 weeks, new price points starting at $399 for the entry-level Wi-Fi model”

    This will be a massacre and only very few very strong Honeycombs (Xoom, Samsung etc) and Playbook and Microsoft’s future tablet will survive.

  • boomer

    I am totally against apple in nearly every case (they are an arrogant hype machine…FACT) but the ipad is AWESOME. the software works AWESOMELY. and at 499 for a 32 gig wifi one, (i assume if the 16 gig would be 399 as the speculation states, the 32 would be 499) I honestly think that price effectively DESTROYS the XOOM. I played with the ipad 1 and the xoom for hours several days ago, and the ipad one just WORKED better. netflix is huge for me. I just cant understand why they refuse to put flash in the device, especially with adobe usually getting along so well with macs.

  • objective

    If they hit €399 there are gonna be very upset kids in RIM, Motorola, samsung etc.
    Hope the dont have a rear camera or a hdmi port.

  • PeterJames

    The iPad 2 will have a small 2″ monochrome display on the back panel for displaying stats including internal temperature, CPU and battery power.

  • Jeremyspokeand

    I’ll wait for the playbook thanks

  • http://twitter.com/camdizzle camdizzle

    Apple really needs a “wow” factor with this announcement and in all of the speculation, I do not see it. Still, they have the best tablet on the market and this will make it better.

    No RFID reader yet?

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