Next generation iPad (iPad 2) to be immediately available after announcement next week

While there are reports suggesting that Apple might not be able to produce next generation iPad (iPad 2) in mass quantities until summer, AppleInsider reports that the new iPad will be available just after its announcement next week.

While media reports have shed considerable doubt on Apple’s capacity to facilitate a full-scale launch of its second-generation iPad in the short term, AppleInsider has reason to believe that customers could be holding the new tablet device in their hands shortly after next Wednesday’s press event.

According to people familiar with the matter, Apple is preparing several of its operating segments to perform functions during the second half of next week that are representative of nothing short of a large scale, consumer-oriented product roll out (not just an announcement). And with official invitations to next Wednesday’s press briefing clearly indicating a focus on iPad, these people believe at least one version of the refreshed device will be in transit to retail outlets during that briefing.

Apple will unveil the next iPad on a scheduled event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on March 2nd at 10.00a EST. According to reports the new device will be thinner, lighter and will come with a faster processor, more memory and a more powerful graphics processor. It will have a front-facing camera for features like video-conferencing, but the resolution of the new iPad’s display is expected to be similar to the first iPad contrary to reports suggesting a 2048 x 1536 screen.

Source: AppleInsider