The months following Apple’s iPad 2 debut have been the source of dozens of rumors. To help Apple Gazette readers better understand the next generation tablet we covered the news, gave our input and created an infographic that built the iPad 2 from the most relevant speculation and rumors. Here’s what we got right and what we didn’t.
What We Got Right
Between our reporting and Infographic that was published in early February, we nailed most of what is the iPad 2. Apple Gazette didn’t receive any tips or sources about the iPad 2 but sifted through the noise to create a more accurate picture of what Apple would be introducing. Here’s what our infographic got right:
FaceTime Cameras:
The iPad 2 has front and rear facing cameras. The front cameras has a 640x 480 resolution and the back is 1280x 720. FaceTime and Photo Booth were included.
A5 CPU And Faster Graphics
Apple doesn’t detail the exact specifications of its mobile devices but heavily promoted the new A5 CPU. We were very sure Apple would update the A4 processor and include PowerVR’s faster SGX543 GPU. The performance increases Apple is showing off line up with our prediction but a complete tear down would give us a definitive answer.
Retina Display
Apple was rumored to introduce a Retina Display on the iPad since the iPhone 4 received the high density display in June. However, the practicality of such a high resolution display and the variations of high pixel density displays led us to predict against against a Retina Display on the iPad 2.
iOS 4.3
It’s no surprise that iOS 4.3 is powering the iPad 2. Included in the OS update is Photo Booth, FaceTime support and the ability to change the iPad’s mute switch to a screen orientation lock.
Improved Speakers And Verizon Support
What many thought was an SD slot turned out to be a larger and improved speaker. Case designs revealed a large opening where the new speaker resides. Verizon support was rumored yet discounted until the carrier announced its intentions to carry the iPhone
Ipad 2 Poster by Infographiclabs
However, Apple Gazette missed the Storage Increase reported in our infographic. Instead of making the jump to 128 GBs, the iPad still maintains its 16, 32 & 64 GB flash storage. While we didn’t predict Apple’s revamped case turned cover, it was not reported by major media outlets until the day of the event.
Predicting Apple’s newest thing is the equivalent of trying to guess next year’s weather. Even prominent analysts have difficulty guessing Apple’s next move from filed patents, close sources and guesses.
