Apple Readies iPad2 for Release

Apple is readying their 2nd generation iPad tablet, the iPad2, for production according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal. If Apple sticks to the tradition of releasing the updates on their one-year anniversary, we can expect the iPad2 to be launched in the first week of April 2011.

UPDATE: There is some speculation that the iPad2 release date may be announced towards the end of February.

Apple's first version of the iPad was released in April 2010 and is one of the best selling products in history.The iPad has revolutionized the way we use computing by unleashed us from the constraints of the desktop computer.  Here are some new features that are rumored to be on the iPad2.

New, Improved iPad2 Features

• Front-facing camera for Facetime video conferencing
• Rear-facing camera for taking digital photos
• CDMA version for Verizon's 3G network
• UMTS version for AT&T's 3G network
• Lighter and thinner
• Higher resolution Retina Display

Click here for a comprehensive list of rumored iPad2 features courtesy of Mashable.

Impact to your Business

The iPad has been readily embraced by the business world.  The iPad and other tablets, such as the Motorola Xoom, leverage the power of Cloud and rely on an Internet connection to access web applications, email, and storage.  Tablet computers are not direct replacements for desktop computers because tablets have limited computing and graphical power for applications such as video editing, CAD design, graphic design. 

But tablets can be the ideal device for executives and sales staff who need a portable computer to keep in touch with the corporate email and calendaring system and provide product presentations or video to customers.