Three (smudge-proof) versions of the iPad 2 rumored to be released in spring

December 28, 2010 By Molly McHugh

In the latest iPad 2 rumor, we're hearing that Apple could release multiple versions of the tablet and that users will see an improved screen.

How well the iPad compares to the Kindle as an e-reader has already been assessed, and from most sources, traditionally in the Kindle’s favor. The screen doesn’t get as streaky, it’s much better in outdoor light, and of course, it resists fingerprints much better than the iPad. But word is Apple has taken note and the forthcoming iPad 2 will have feature a smudge-proof screen that also holds up against outdoor glare.

Inside sources revealed to Digitimes that Apple is working on the improvements for the tablet upgrade. The site also claims that three different versions of the new iPad are in development and that Apple plans to release all three when the device hits the market this spring. Digitimes’ source claims that one will be Wi-FI only, another will feature both Wi-Fi and UTMS capability (the 3G technology that AT&T and T-Mobile carry), and a third will include CDMA (the 3G technology Verizon and Sprint use) access in addition to Wi-Fi.

If this is true, it could confirm earlier rumors about the iPad 2 being available on various networks. The report also pinned a launch sometime in March or April 2011, a push back from original speculation that said the device would be introduced as early as February.

Showing 14 comments

NewGuy at 8:42pm 28th December 2010 I use IE8 and came to this site for the first time and had absolutely no problem with Ads. I'm not sure why so many people are complaining and encouraging people to install yet more software on the computers.
1. Jordan Eilbert at 8:56pm 28th December 2010 I do have to agree... I sort of like FF for the simple purpose that it's.. well.. simple. I've never installed a single add-on sans flash player and I turned on the Firefox skins - the less I have in a browser the better.
MMM at 7:57pm 28th December 2010 AdBlock is literally the web's hidden secret. Been using it for years. Everyone should have it. and/or switch to FF or Chrome for it. I pity the ignorant.
Jordan Eilbert at 7:57pm 28th December 2010 I don't see the benefit of making different sku's here for Apple - The massive amount of inside space the iPad has is by far and away the most of any "compact" device I've ever seen - it actually made me wonder why no bigger better battery or other useful add-ons (SD-card... camera... a friggin' USB??) the idea I'm posing is quite simple: CDMA or GSM - both radios are tiny, and it's simple to kill the device via simple software: ie. why not just make ONE SKU that can work on either device - has a built in sim for both, and either it's turned on by the hardware control when in CDMA mode or turned the other way when in GSM mode - they can even physically connect to the same antenna line as it's just a wire wrapped around the edges (I'd hope it's not in the back where the apple signal is because Glass kills wifi/cell signal better than any substance due to it's density... that's why it's used as insulation, no air gets through glass.) Honestly it would SLIGHTLY raise the per-unit cost but it would sure as heck save them from having to pump out two different sku's worth of iPad - that and it would also make it so they would be exchangeable between carriers - cause I'll be honest the iPad is something I'll live with being "Wifi only" vs dumping another $499 on a device just because it uses XYZ network vs ABC network... but then again this is Apple and it's Apple base - they'll buy anything.
1. tate at 9:28pm 28th December 2010 its always nice to find somone commenting who knos what hes talking about and not complaing about every thing
RJH at 7:47pm 28th December 2010 Mozilla Firefox with the add-on AdBlock Plus makes for an ad-free experience on this and other sites with annoying ads. No pop-overs, no bubbles - no ads. I am sure the fine people at Digital Trends do not approve....
wtf at 7:02pm 28th December 2010 All I really want is more ads on this site. Landing on the page brings up animated pop overs, simple links bring up bubbles....what an amateur site.
1. ypk at 7:14pm 28th December 2010 I am glad i am not the only one who gets annoyed with this pop up crap. Geez!
  1. TJJ at 7:35pm 28th December 2010 I agree. First time to the site and it will be the last. You can't force people to look at ads. If you paid to advertise on this site, pay attention to what people are saying. You are hurting your company.
TiredOfRumours at 6:44pm 28th December 2010 who cares about rumors, please stick with facts this is really getting old with people that are spending more time guessing than acually doing legwork of research and fact checking
1. Jason at 7:27pm 28th December 2010 You're so right!!! I'm also tired of people saying there is going to be a 7 inch version come out when Jobs did nothing but bash it saying its too small for a tablet and too big for a phone! Where's the Apple employee that can leave a device at a bar around oh, say noon? lol
  1. Jordan Eilbert at 8:14pm 28th December 2010 Jobs also bashed netbooks before he released the iPad, and bashed video on MP3 players before releasing the iPod with Video support... so... he tends to bash something just before he releases his own imagination of that exact thing he's bashing.... not trying to fuel the fires of rumor hear but using the "Steve Bashed XX so it COULDN'T be on the way!" is a failure of an argument.
2. Guest at 8:06pm 28th December 2010 nobody is forcing you to read.
3. Chris at 9:28pm 28th December 2010 True dat!