iPad 2 leak says production on, two carriers due

Apple has already started production of the next-generation iPad, a leak asserted Tuesday night. The unnamed sources backed views that production would start in February as well as most of the widely leaked hardware details. The WSJ understood it would have a "faster processor," faster graphics and more RAM along with the expected dual cameras, but a similar 1024x768 resolution for the display.

The strategy would also see both AT&T and Verizon get 3G versions, but it didn't clarify whether or not this would require separate HSPA and EVDO versions. Analyst supplier checks have pointed to different versions, but the Verizon iPhone is known to have a dual-mode Gobi chip that supports 3G on both network types and could allow for a single model.

Sprint and T-Mobile weren't part of the plans, the tipsters said. It would also be thinner and lighter, but by how much wasn't mentioned.

More detailed leaks have clarified on the tip. The iPad is expected by many to have a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 chip, possibly at 1.2GHz, that would make it as fast or faster than any other known tablet shipping this year. It might only jump to 512MB of RAM like in the iPhone 4 but would improve the memory speed. Apple is also expected to use Imagination's PowerVR SGX543MP2, a dual-core version of the quad graphics in the Sony NGP, to provide four times the graphics power.

Most expect the new model to ship between March or April.

While the rumor wasn't given direct supporting evidence, the newspaper has historically been accurate with rumors and correctly called the Verizon iPhone months in advance, albeit later than expected. Apple is also widely believed to periodically seed the paper with controlled leaks to stoke anticipation or correct a negative image without an official statement.

By Electronista Staff

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sony, industry, gadgets, Verizon, AT&T, Qualcomm, ARM, Imagination Technologies, PowerVR, Gobi, Apple, iPad, Next Generation Portable, NGP