IPad 2 to Drop in February? Opinions Vary on What the New Tablet Might Include

(Dec. 7) -- Start up the Apple rumor mill!

According to a report from Digitimes, the iPad 2 could be coming to stores as early as February. The tech blog seems to have a report from the Chinese electronics manufacturer Foxconn saying that they will be shipping a new version of the tablet computer in just two months, but the manufacturer declined to comment.

Never one to wait around to update its electronics, Apple has yet to make any kind of formal announcement, but, if true, the presumed February release of the iPad 2 does break from a regular schedule of updating products before the holidays.

The blogosphere is alight with speculation about what features a next-generation iPad might include. Most blogs agree that the iPad's basic form and function are likely to remain untouched, but that a second generation should include many of the features that the iPhone 4 already has: facetime video chat and an updated retina display. Some are also hoping for gyroscopic control and a USB port, the lack of which was criticized as a shortcoming in the first generation of iPads.

Whatever design Apple has settled upon, it seems probable that people will buy it. IPad sales have been strong so far and don't seem like they will slow down before the holiday s. With Apple likely to release its second-generation tablet before most companies even release their first, its seems to be angling for the kind of control over the tablet market it established over MP3 players years ago.

Here are some other thoughts about the iPad 2 form around the Web:

From Computer World:

The final slice of speculation from out of Apple's supply chain is one I've rejected until now -- that Apple will deploy mini-USB for connection and sync of the device. This will be good for users as it means we won't be tied to Apple's proprietary cable technology. The one rationale for Apple to make a move to this may be Europe, where regulators are preparing to make it a legal requirement that products sold use standard interconnects.

From Gigaom:

You can be sure that Apple's Retina Display, or something very close, will make its way to iPad. More and more iPhone 4 users are telling me that they use the iPhone over iPad because of the beautiful screen and how the iPad just feels empty and flat. This is an inevitable upgrade that is going to force us early adopters who own an iPad and iPhone 4 to jump in line. That screen is addictive and we want it.

From PC Magazine:

It has been suggested that the iPad 2, which is not the official name, will include features like a dual-camera setup that would support Facetime video chats. Gamers are hopeful that the updated device will have a gyroscopic setup for motion control. The iPad's 30-pin dock connector could be replaced with a mini-USB report, and a Cortex A9 CPU and additional memory could be added to give the new tablet more power.

Follow Surge Desk on Twitter.