Is this the Apple iPad 2? (Updated)

"BGR updated its post with the following "Though it is highly likely that the image above will end up being a good representation of the iPad 2, it's looking like this image was created by an Apple fan and is not an official render."

Time to eat your own words, fools.

My prediction is that the next ipad body looks a lot like the back of a macbook pro screen (flat back with very nicely curved sides)...similar to this, but much nicer looking.

It wont look anything like this. For a start, the size of the iPad means it requires some sort of chassis inside it. The current generation has an almost Unibody structure to it, which this iPod touch like design would not lend well to. Plus to keep the massive battery the iPad currently has there is no way they will make it this thin. Plus rounded edges might make it look a bit iPhone 2G like, which isn't like Apple to step backwards in terms of design. Also rounded edges waste space, henc the iPhone 4's design, inside the components go right up to the edge of the phone, maximising the space.

not the coolest successor. might not feel as soft or comfortable as the current ipad in hands.

It's sort of like an iPad 1G made love to an iPod Touch 4G and it's offspring got none of the former's good looks.

Almost 100% sure its fake. Notice the ugly egdes and corners. See how unpleasant the light reflects? Thats because those are tangent edges. These fillets are common in mechanical design, and easy for a "comp-wiz" to make at home. Apple NEVER used any ugly tangent fillets, ever.

Look at this on the other hand: http://www.apple.com/ipad/gallery/#hardware02 The back surface is a surface with "continous curvature", a high quality surface which is pleasant to look at because of the reflections. It then transitions to a hard edge. I dont think Apple would change this "esthetic philosophy" if you like, by suddenly introducing lower quality tangent surfaces in their designs.

Is this the left-handed version or has Apple switched the buttons to the same side as the iPhone? Most previously-leaked images kept the buttons on the right side of the device like the first iPad.

That looks about right, to be honest. But I don't REALLY like it :/ the aluminium doesn't suit the iPad

The buttons are on the wrong side.

If it is the new iPad (BTW I'm all for Apple's designs 9 times out of 10) it looks like a bit of an ugly beast from behind... But if it is twinned with the superb thinness of last weeks post then it could go well go together...