12/28, 11:00pm
iPad 3 may have two 9.7in models and big battery
Two new rumors have suggested a major break for Apple's iPad 3 strategy if at all accurate. Tipsters for Digitimes ruled out the 7.85-inch mini iPad and instead pointed to two iPad 3 models: both would have the widely rumored 2048x1536, Sharp-made displays with dual-LED backlights. They would also have quad-core A6 processors and, supposedly, five- and eight-megapixel cameras made by Samsung and Sony respectively.
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10/12, 8:05am
Apple leans on Dynapack after Simplo battery flaw
Part supplier sources maintained Wednesday that Apple had recently been pushed into switching battery supply for the iPad 2. Apple moved some of its orders from Simplo to Dynapack at the end of September after Simplo's eastern China plant produced some leak-prone lithium-polymer packs, according to Digitimes. Apple's use of safer lithium-polymer batteries kept them from showstopper fires, but the recharging problems were enough to require replacement batteries.
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09/06, 3:30pm
iPad 3 may have much advanced battery
Apple may get the edge in battery life again with the iPad 3, investors with apparent knowledge said Tuesday. The battery packs would reportedly be lighter and thinner than what's in the iPad 2 but simultaneously get longer battery life. The packs would cost Apple 20 to 30 percent more, the Taiwan Economic News said, although that cost won't necessarily be passed on to end buyers.
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07/28, 5:45pm
Pegatron may have iPad 3 deal locked in
In spite of a seeming loss, Pegatron may have landed a key deal to make the iPad 3, insiders claimed Thursday. The Taiwan contract manufacturer was said to have won a deal to ship some of the tablets alongside Apple's usual manufacturer, Foxconn (Hon Hai). The Taiwan Economic News source had most individual suppliers remaining the same.
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07/01, 7:50am
iPhone 5 and even iPad 3 production starting up
The earliest phases of production for the iPhone 5 and supposedly the iPad 3 are underway, part suppliers maintained Friday. Suppliers are reportedly gathering materials now with the expectation that full-scale assembly and shipments will start in both for August with releases on or before October. Despite rumors, just one completely new iPhone was claimed by Digitimes' sources to be on tap, while the iPad 3 may have a 2048x1536 display that would crest a pixel density of 250DPI, even as it goes thinner and lighter.
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06/23, 8:40am
Apple hurting lithium-polymer supply for rivals
Apple's heavy use of lithium-polymer batteries in MacBooks is making it difficult for other notebook makers to get supply of their own, battery suppliers claimed Thursday. The Mac maker has supposedly secured so much supply that companies hoping to get into ultraportable notebooks in earnest, such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, and HP, are scrambling to find alternate sources. The firms were said by Digitimes to be counting on increased production across southeast Asia.
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05/18, 8:35am
MacBook Air Sandy Bridge put in June or July
Apple's upcoming Sandy Bridge-based MacBook Air has been pegged once more for the early summer. The ultraportable's shipments have been narrowed down to late May for a release in June or July. Apple's practices suggested the launch would be "considerably large" and outpace those with other computer builders, enough that Digitimes understood the supply chain was leaning primarily on Apple for success.
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09/15, 7:50am
Apple tablet part details appear
Apple's frequently rumored tablet received more details on Tuesday with an apparent leak of production plans. Taiwan's Economic News claims the touchscreen hardware is now slated for February and that companies will start shipping parts in December. The publication reiterates the presence of a near 10-inch touch display but now insists the tablet will be based on a custom processor (likely ARM-based) from recent acquisition PA Semi and will use HSDPA for its 3G access, likely putting it on AT&T's network.
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