Juicy gossip
Apple will eventually show off its next generation iPad next week at a large media event as it aims to stay ahead in the tablet race.
According to a media invite, the company will host an unveiling on 2 March in the same building, (the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts) where it showed off its first tablet in January of last year, Reuters reported.
The invitation reportedly features a calendar with a big 2 on it and a picture of the iPad, while the caption teases: "Come see what 2011 will be the year of."
It seems rumours of an April release might just ring true, in which case Apple will go head-to-head with HP's TouchPad as well as a number of tablets running Google's Android Honeycomb OS. Indeed it might be crunch time for Apple as while it has dominated the fledgling tablet market so far, competing in a more crowded arena will tests its product's desirability.
While Apple almost had the tablet market to itself in 2010 and sold 15 million iPads, analysts still apparently expect it to double its sales figures in 2011 despite the increased competition. It is thought around 50 million tablets by various manufacturers will be sold this year.
Many commentators expect Apple to show off a slimmer, lighter and faster version of the original iPad next week, which will feature a front-facing camera for FaceTime video chats and there have even been rumours of a sleek aluminium body. Yet most people do not expect the screen to get an upgrade.
However, what is less predictable is who will host the event with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs on medical leave.
The original iPad retailed from $499 and there will be great interest to see whether Apple has lowered the price to broaden the appeal of its slate, holds firm or even puts prices up.
Some major UK retailers have cut the price of the original iPad and have sold out of some models, which sparked rumours of an imminent Apple announcement.
Meanwhile similar supply issues and shipping date clues have hinted at a Mac Book pro refresh and now a handful of sites have leaked pictures of the new notebooks.
A German blog called Fscklog (via MacRumors) posted a picture of what it claims is the box for the 13 inch MacBook Pro and shows off Thunderbolt, Apple's Light Peak product.
Meanwhile, Mac4ever has posted photos that seem to be marketing materials for the new range, again highlighting Thunderbolt.
