The Apple Beat: iPad 2, updated MacBook Pro details emerge

Looks like Apple is readying the release of the iPad 2. A press invite went out today with the above graphic hinting an iPad related event on March 2 and says, "Come see what 2011 will be the year of." There's also news of some new MacBook Pros on the way with some very interesting new features.

We've been anxious to hear about the next iPad, specially in the wake of all the new 10" inch Android and webOS tablets coming to market. If Apple is to maintain market dominance and grow its brand it will be with a new and updated iPad 2 and not with the current version, which will likely be discontinued in the coming monts. So, here's what we predict.

iPad 2 predictions

iPad 2 will be launched on March 2 for a late March or April release. We expect at least a 5 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front-facing camera for FaceTime video calling, a slimmer and less rounded body, possibly a higher resolution screen but its hard to see Apple using a Retina display on iPad 2 without increasing the device's price considerably.

For internals, we expect an updated Apple A4 processor, possibly a dual core 1Ghz model with increased RAM (at least 512MB, hopefully more).

We could see a built-in SD Card slot and possibly a USB port. Other rumoured features that make sense is the use of the iPad 2'a screen border for additional gesture controls.

The usual Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi plus 3G variants are expected as well as a CDMA version to complement the Verizon iPhone 4. Current storage capacities of 16, 32 and 64 GB are expected as well. Apple might surprise us with even longer battery life and maybe, hopefully, a more reader-friendly and less reflective screen.

The video above shows Apple iOS 4.3 beta runnin on a Jailbroken iPad and clearly shows FaceTime app working on the iPad (sans camera on the iPad end). 

iPad 2 mockup next to the current iPad Wi-Fi + 3G -Photo source Macrumors.com

As for the OS, we should see an updated iOS  feaures that enable FaceTime chat as well as support for the new screen resolution. Pricing is expected to remain the same. The iPad's strongest feature right now is that it starts at $500 compared to the $600 and upwards price of some of its upcoming competitors.

New MacBook Pros on the horizon

A leaked spec sheet hints at what's to come in the MacBook Pro line - Source Macrumors.com

The MacBook Pro hasn't been updated in some time  (since April 2010, to be exact) and given that there is a whole new Intel  iCore processor platform line that hasn't made it to the Mac portable line, so the time is now. The MacBook Pro line is expected to be revamped tomorrow, February 24 (which is also CEO Steve Jobs' birthday, he turns 55!).

Whatever Apple adds to its MacBook Pro line needs to be considerable in terms of specs and features.  Quad Core processor options on the high end would be sweet. We expect to see Intel i5 and i7 processors across the line, possible integration of Apple's new SSD solid state memory (introduced in the popular MacBook Air) and maybe thinner unibody enclosures. 

 Photo of supposed MacBook Pro shows a slimmer enclosure and the Thunderbolt port - Photo from Boy Genius Report

Intel and Apple worked on a new high speed optical data transfer platform called LightPeak which is capable of data transfer  speeds of up to 10GB/sec  which is twice as fast as USB 3.0 (or a Blu-Ray movie transferred in 30 seconds) and ideal for replacing FireWire and USB and it can connect to external monitors. Some reports state that Apple will introduce this new I/O, called Thunderbolt, with its new pro notebooks. 

Are you excited about the iPad 2 or in the market for a new Apple MacBook Pros? What features and specifications are you looking forward to?

Sources: Macrumors.com, BGR