New iPad rumours

The Internet and media rumour mills are buzzing this week. Pundits and fan boys are speculating about the anticipated next generation iPad.

No less a voice than the Wall Street Journal is helping to spread the rumours. The newspaper cites people “familiar with the matter” reporting that the new iPad will have a faster processor, more memory, and will be thinner and lighter than the first iPad.

Wow, what shocking revelations! Without any insider knowledge whatsoever, I’d be pretty safe in making those predictions of any new iPad, or in fact any new Apple computer or music device.

Industry analysts expect the new iPad to include a webcam. Other rumours suggest two webcams, both front and back mounted, as well as an SD card slot.

The tablet market is hot, hot, hot at the moment, so even just a rumour about the flagship brand attracts attention. However, Apple no longer owns this market. Many competitors announced new tablets at last months Consumer Electronics Show.

In particular, the PlayBook from Canada’s Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry, is expected to be appealing. The PlayBook is light and thin with fast processing, HD cameras, and excellent video display quality.

Both RIM’s PlayBook and the new iPad are expected in the next two months, along with other competitors. If you’re shopping for a tablet, it would be worth waiting.

Apple iPad and RIM PlayBook