Reuters source backs claims of LTE-capable iPad
updated 12:50 pm EST, Tue March 6, 2012
Dispells adoption rumors
Apple will announce an LTE-equipped iPad tomorrow, a Reuters source says. The person is described only as "familiar with the product," but their statement reinforces other claims that an LTE model is in the cards. Some speculation has held that it might be too early for Apple to introduce LTE devices, particularly as AT&T's LTE network is newer and smaller than Verizon's.
Apple may, however feel a need to give the iPad more distinguishing features in a market with tablets like the Kindle Fire, which costs just $199 versus the iPad's minimum $499. LTE smartphones are also beginning to proliferate, and especially if Apple introduces an LTE iPhone later in the year, it might appear unusual to have the iPad limited to 3G. Moreover, the iPad 2 was often considered an evolutionary upgrade, simply having cameras, a faster processor and a thinner body.
The new tablet's main feature is expected to be a 2048x1536 display, twice as sharp as before. It should also have a faster dual- or quad-core processor, and possibly improved cameras. Still a mystery is what the device will be called, as while it has often been referred to as the iPad 3, more recently the term iPad HD has been used.
