iPad 2 rumored to have flatter backside, smaller bezel, "wide-range" speaker
According to Japanese Mac blog MacOtakara, the next-gen iPad will have a flatter backside and smaller bezel compared to the original iPad. The "iPad 2" will also have a larger "wide-ranged speaker" located behind a mesh speaker grille.
MacOtakara notes that their Chinese source has told them the next iPad will be three millimeters smaller than the original, but the display will stay the same size. That means the bezel surrounding the iPad's display should shrink substantially. The rear case has been flattened to be more like an iPod touch, which should make it easier to lay on a flat surface. Though I didn't mention either of those things in my list of things I'd like to see in the iPad 2, a smaller bezel and flatter rear case would definitely improve the iPad's design, and if this image from MacOtakara accurately represents the revamped speaker, we can expect much better sound out of the next iPad as well.
MacOtakara's source claims production of the iPad 2 has already begun, with orders scheduled to begin shipping to Apple by mid to late January. This aligns well with an earlier iPad 2 shipping date rumor from Digitimes. MacOtakara also notes that, while "unreliable information," the next iPad may have both front- and rear-facing cameras, with the rear-facing camera having the same resolution as the iPhone 4.
[via AppleInsider]
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According to Japanese Mac blog MacOtakara, the next-gen iPad will have a flatter backside and smaller bezel compared to the original iPad....
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You could buy a slightly rounded case to make pickup easier!
December 31 2010 at 10:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply... some predicted "no bazel" and now Apple's going that way with "less bazel." New prediction: bazel will move to Settings with changeable colors/dimensions. In 2011 "soft bazel" versions will be available to auto shows so they can be racked and stacked as humongous big screens...afterwards given away as swag.
December 23 2010 at 3:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySmaller Bezel bad. Already having too many uncommanded commands from unauthorized touching. And while we're at it, why doesn't the little "x" in the address window work properly? Who would want it to do anything other than leave you on the most recent page -- the one thing it never manages to do?
December 23 2010 at 11:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHaving resisted buying the 1st gen mostly because it didn't feel comfortable to hold, I suspect I'll be first in line to pick up one of these bad boys (with 128 Gb please).
December 23 2010 at 11:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDitto on the 128gb model.
Would there be a way to store video and audio files on this device?
I suppose so through the itunes app.
I guess a better question might be accessing Time Capsule from this device (as long as you're on the same network).
I am sold if the inter-connectablity (is that a word?) is there!
I'd like my iPad, HDTV, Time Capsule, and my Macbook Air to all communicate!
Hey it's 2011,,,is that too much to ask for?
Sorry TUAW, a backwards facing speaker would not only be stupid, it would sound like crap. Most idevices already rely on the sound bouncing off your hand or whatever you have it propped on to improve sound...this would negate that totally.
December 23 2010 at 11:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply3mm is not substantial, it's tiny!
To put it in perspective, the little white square in the middle of the sleep switch on the face of the iPad is 4mm across, so the saving in size would not even be as much as that little square.
To put it another way, there are just under 25mm in one inch, so 3mm is about 1/8th of an inch. 20% smaller indeed! ROFLMAO!
Flatter backside?
Smaller bezel?
Louder speaker?
Sounds like my ex-wife......
Why would they make the bezel smaller? The current bezel is exactly the same width as your thumb.
December 23 2010 at 7:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHey, it IS exactly the same size as my thumb, how did they know?
3mm smaller is perfect: not enough to really notice, but enough that we'll all have to buy new cases!
I would personally love a rear facing camera. I won't lug my iPad around as a camera, but often want to email a pic to show someone what I'm talking about, or for craigslist and eBay listings. Currently, I have to either switch to another device or go to the hassle of transferring the photos over.
I don't really have much o an opinion about the flatness or roundness of the back - I think it's easy enough to hold with one hand as is, but it wouldn't cause any problems to go flat if people want it - but I definitely do NOT want a smaller bezel.
Seriously, how would you hold it with a smaller bezel? Your thumbs would end up on the screen. The bezel looked large at first, but once I held an iPad I understood why.
I agree that a sizable bezel is necessary, but I think 3mm off each side would be nice. Still plenty of room for thumbs, but as said in earlier comments, it would be slightly easier to hold.
December 23 2010 at 9:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRounded back = easier to pick up off a table
December 23 2010 at 6:56 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThey could make the back flat but with tapered edges like the iPod touch. Then you could still pick it up off the table with ease.
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TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
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