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I love to get an iPad3 this Sept, but I don't believe it will happen either.

You have to take into account a few things here.

(1) Product cycle (2) Innovations in the iPad3 and iPhone 5/6 (3) Hardware cycle (4) Sales (5) Competition.

In terms of product cycle, it doesn't matter up to Apple's regular routine. Stuff always come either on-time or delayed, never earlier.

In terms of innovation, the iPhone 5/6 and iPad3 will share their innovations to simply supply chain and logistical reasons.

In terms of hardware, having Apple's supply chain ppl go out there and strike deals and ramp up parts production takes time. Those hardware manufacturers have product cycle times as well and it has to be coordinated with Apple.

In terms of sales, there is a sweet spot and/or threshold where they won't release the next big thing until they have saturated the usefulness of the current product. By releasing the iPad3 early, they will cannibalize their sales.

In terms of competition, need I say more? What competition?!?!?!
 
But a 7" iPad wouldn't cannibalize sales of the current iPad. It would just gain market share from the Nook, Kindle, and any other small tablet.
 
While I do agree that I think it's unlikely Apple will release a new iPad model, if it does happen, I will not jump on it. I had the iPad 1, and gave it to my wife. The iPad 2 does everything I definitely need it to do. Would I like a higher-res display? Sure. Would I like way better cameras? Sure. But it's not a necessity for myself. I love Apple Products, they are fantastic. I'm definitely in for the newest iPhone. I still have the 3GS myself.
 
I just c it as being kinda greedy on apples part. They have over 85% of the tablet marketshare. No one is even close in this race so why update prematurely? This will upset many consumers of the iPad 2. Sure I will still enjoy my product, but if I had of waited 3 more months, I could possibly have a better product for the same price.

No one says it will be at the same price. It is totally unlikely that Apple will replace the iPad 2 with an iPad 3 this year. What the rumors are claiming is that Apple might introduce a high end iPad (HD or Pro) later this year. The iPad 2 would still be sold and would be the main seller.

Maybe they will, maybe they won't. We'll know in a few months. The best argument in favor is that a higher resolution display has time value. If they wait till 2013 then they will be catching up with competitors. If they wait till next sprint they might be just a little ahead of the crowd. If they can introduce a double resolution display this year that will be the clear king of all tablets.
 
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Apple follows a pretty regular release structure with iOS devices. If they continue that trend (A release early in the year) then they won't release one for 7-8 months. And all these stories you've been hearing about an iPad 3/iPad HD are just RUMORS. Just because some internet article says it's coming soon doesn't mean it is.
 
iPad3 in September not worrying me. I held onto my iPad1 with this expectation in mind, and frankly never missed the modest differences in iPad2. Reports for Sep. release look credible and am looking forward to a real upgrade of significant benefit.
 
iPad 3 in September not worrying me. I held onto my iPad1 with this expectation in mind, and frankly never missed the modest differences in iPad2. Reports for Sep. release look credible and am looking forward to a real upgrade of significant benefit.

It looks like the iPad 2 HD is going to be out this year, meaning you'll have to wait until next year. Still not a big deal in the scheme of things. The iPad 2 HD is supposed to be just an upgraded display, so still not all the upgrade worthy.
 
if rumors are worrying people, then you had better gird your loins, because you are going to have a tough year. the tablet wars are on!

i think the ipad hd sounds likely, at a higher price point. ipad pro? it may have a gorgeous screen, but the interesting thing will be if it gets more ram. people are going to have a tough time walking past that beauty in the store. and, if it is larger (something i want to see), then many of us (i know some people want it smaller, but not me) will have to leave our credit cards with our wives.

the hardware (ipad2 hd or ipad 3) will surely be fine. but, unless ios5 has a lot more to offer than it seems, apple is going to face stiff competition on the os front (in my opinion). google keeps rolling out better and better stuff. we are getting closer to having a worthy opponent.

of course, android is still a bit messy, especially for people wondering if they are going to get upgrades each time an improved version is released, so as long as google keeps forgetting to do the business equivalent of tying their shoes, they will remain marginal.
 
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