The staggering success of Apple’s iPad has inevitably spawned a myriad of wannabe devices from a large number of electronics manufacturers. While many of these tablets are yet to really compete with Apple’s tablet, the Cupertino company is still preparing itself for a worthy adversary by “adjusting the cost structure” of the iPad 3.

According to a new report from DigiTimes citing industry sources, Apple has lined up a number of Taiwan-based suppliers for integrated circuits for the iPad 3, which will ensure the device can compete with the growing competition during the second half of this year:

Apple is now more willing to adopt IC solutions from Taiwan-based IC design houses as it is adjusting the cost structure for iPad tablets in order to compete with an array of tablet PCs to be launched by rivals in the second half of 2011, commented the sources.

Whether the use of integrated circuits will mean cheaper iPads or just better specifications for our money is unclear at this point, but I’d like to think it’s a little bit of both.

Recent speculation surrounding Apple’s iPad 3 has been conflicting, with some reports claiming an iPad aimed at professionals will launch later this year with a high-resolution screen, and others suggesting a third device won’t launch until 2012.

via: cult of mac

I just witnessed the iPad 2 presentation over at engadget. It was awesome. The iPad 2 will be a big hit for sure. 2 cameras, dual core cpu, faster graphics and a lot more. More info coming. Oh yeah, same price and the iPad 2 will come in 2 colors, black and white at launch time. It will still have only 3G unfortunately. Also, no light peak technology. There is a wifi only version though. Verizon and AT@T versions too, that’s good. There are a few cool Apple apps that will come out too on the 11th. I’m glad that Steve Jobs showed up for the presentation. The Apple store was down for a while, but it’s back up and ordering will start on March 11th, Friday. I will be ordering for sure, but I have not quite made up my mind whether to order the white or black.

Top Photo: courtesy of Apple

Middle Photo: courtesy of WSJ

(they were spot-on!)

Bottom Photo: Engadget

(Is is me?, or does white look kinda yellowy?, white balance?….hmmm)

It looks like the iPad2 is going to make it’s splash in April of 2011. It’s is predictable. The iPad was voted the “most wanted device” for Christmas. Although, this is just a rumor, it’s a good rumor. The people over at DigiTimes seems to think so. It seems the Apple is still in the midst of firmware testing, but production should start in Jan ’11. With all the Android discussion lately, the iPad is second billing (for now). I do hope they put 2 cameras in it. NFC would be a plus too. Also, I hope the the rotate lock/mute switch becomes user definable. Oh yeah, make it lighter!