Covering up the rumors surrounding the launch of iPad 2 for Indians

This time Apple security apparatus has not allowed any type of leaks and what will there be in iPad 2 is totally shrouded in mystery. The result has been that this has given birth to numerous rumors some of which do sound good and other just too farfetched. In this article I have tried to bring them all together with arguments for and against them.

Form Factor of iPad 2 will become more compact

Argument
Case makers for the iPad are reported to have revealed that they have received different dimensions for the new iPad 2 in which major change is in its depth. Moreover going by the trends too, every Apple product has only gone slimmer so there are high chances for this effect to take place here also. There are also rumors that iPhone 5 is going for a full redesign similar to when iPhone 4 went under such changes according to the release of iPad. So expect these changes in iPad 2 as a prelude to changes in iPhone 5.

Objections
Existing cases for iPad won't fit for iPad 2

Judgment
I personally have no doubt that Apple will go for a thinner avatar for iPad 2 because I don't think so that Apple wants old cases to fit.

New size or aspect ratio of iPad 2

Argument
Most of the new tablet releases are highlighted by a larger screen size especially those tablets which are media centric. Such a screen would be more comfortable for video calling with a crisp and sharp screen. I am expecting a 7 inch screen. If you look at other Apple products you would notice that they come in different sizes like small, medium and large so it would be quite Apple thing to have in market iPads of different sizes.

Objections
Apple CEO Jobs had ridiculed 7 inch tablets as "tweeners" so it can be considered a design feature which Apple will not even think about. Moreover most of the apps of iPad as specifically formatted only for a 4:3 aspect ratio and even in the iOS devices there are no multiple devices with different aspect ratio.

Judgment
Very rare chances. Many other companies might be experimenting with new sizes and form factors but Apple will most probably take only the road most travelled

SD card slot in iPad 2

Argument
Mockup designs show a SD card sized port though its purpose has not been revealed. Apple customers have kept this a major demand in their feedbacks and if Apple goes for it then they would surely release their own versions of SD cards too which will open up a brand new market for them.

Objections
No other gadget of Apple has a SD card slot till now and such a change would interrupt the price tiering of these devices based on the storage capacity. This would disturb the Apple PC centered media management like of iPhotos and iTunes. If Apple does bring a SD card in iPad 2 then it will be hindered by number of limitations to keep in line some of Apple's media management policies which might ultimately baffle the users.

Judgment
Honestly, it is quite difficult for me to digest that Apple will introduced a SD memory in its device but this information has been out through none other than Engadget who also said that their source was almost quite certain so it is possible that Apple does seem to have gone a bit flexible in tis restrictions.

New multi-core "A5" processor based on Cortex A9 in iPad 2

Argument
Latest releases of Apple including iPhone 5 are having this processor. This will give a unified operating power for GSM and CDMA signals. Transition from Infineon to Qualcomm will help in dealing with new graphics and media management if the SD card is really introduced. Over the years devices having iOS have always been moving with a improvement in the CPU.

Objection
None, it will be an appreciable improvement.

Judgment
Be sure it will be there

Dual Cameras with flash in iPad 2

Argument
Code in the iPad points to the fact that even then the original plan was to introduce it but due to some reasons it was not implemented and the newer code confirms this fact in addition to the flash. Mockup designs too have holes for dual cameras. As Apple will surely like to include FaceTime in all their latest devices then a dual camera will be necessary.

Objection
iPad is not famous for its photo taking capabilities

Judgment
Quite a chance for this addition

Very high-resolution display (2048×1536) in iPad 2

Arguments
iPhone 4 revealed Apple's intentions of releasing high resolution devices when they kept this feature under wraps for a full year. This step is quite logical and there would be no damage even in a double zoom in if Apple does provide such a resolution. This amount of resolution will wash away any competition in the tablet market.

Objections
This will be typical technology to implement successfully and even if such a screen comes there would be no content which would not be windowed, even a 1080 pixel content.

Judgment
Possible, the problem can be came over with some hardwork and to improve Apple image in making devices for good photography it will be big step.

Marginally increased resolution (1280×960) in iPad 2

Arguments
This resolution is already in use with current technology and with the already available content at 720 pixel resolution it will offer a nice experience.

Objection
It will be very awkward to resize the 1024x768 screen for this resolution. There is also not much need for it because such a resolution is good only when movie playback is to be done and with the 4:3 aspect ratio iPad is in any case not apt for movie playback.

Judgment
Not much likely, either Apple will go for quadrupling the capacity or will stay with the current settings. Anything in between will not do.

Secondary port on side in iPad 2

Argument
This port will allow docking when using the iPad2 in landscape mode. You will also be able to charge the iPad 2 even while using other accessories.

Objections
No way this is possible, Apple would never go for this

Judgment
Just forget it, such a design is anathema for Apple

Improved speakers in iPad 2

Argument
The speaker of iPad is a total waste and changing it does not require thinking twice about the need to do so

Objection
iPad is designed to be used with headphones and the placing of good speakers is also not that simple because of little space there.

Judgment
Most likely Apple would go for it because it is one of the most commonly highlighted backdrop of iPad

iLife for iPad 2

Argument
There are a lot of improvements expected like improved processor, memory and other things which might make the now an impossibility- the iLife on iPad, a possibility. The new iPad can easily support the iLife and Lion-based apps on its fullscreen.

Objections
Like many other apps iLife just does not look like a app for a touch based screen gadget. If they want to put it on the new iPad then they would have to face a number of hurdles like fragmentation, backup options and so on. Also if they do not go for a SD card then a further problem of storage capacity.

Judgment
Nice chances. iPad 1 was the first time for the company and thus some standards were reduced. Now is the time to introduced fully equipped movie and photo editing features for the device.

Covering up the expectations and possibilities I would say that the features we can expect are dual cameras, better graphic processor and a bigger and better screen, a SD slot, a little thinner form factor and better speakers. For Indian customers we can expect at the most an increase of Rs.2000 in the selling price for iPad 2. The media preview has already taken place on 2nd of March this month and in a few days I will be coming up with more information for you. Stay connected!