Gleacher & Co analyst Brian Marshall has said today that he believes the upcoming iPad 2 will hit in April 2011, a year after the launch of the first-generation tablet.
Marshall basis the theory on “new manufacturing information.”
The new device will likely be available for multiple carriers, and include dual cameras, features that should help it outsell its predecessor.
Says Marshall: “I think April is the proper time-frame for an iPad 2. Since I’m projecting that Apple will release a CDMA iPhone in March, both will help to equalize Apple’s seasonality.”
The analyst noted that Apple has commissioned a few Taiwanese companies to “manufacture the iPad 2’s HDI (high density interconnect) boards in early February.”
Finally, Marshall says the new iPad may also have a standard mini-USB connection, instead of its proprietary port.
Result for: predecessor
Although unconfirmed, CNET is reporting today that Barnes & Noble is preparing to unveil a full color version of the Nook e-reader device at an event next Tuesday.
CNET says the source “has proven reliable” in the past year but this should still be treated as a rumor for now.
The new Nook Color will have a 7-inch screen, with a retail price of $250.
Just like its predecessor, the Color will run on the Android mobile OS and offer a multi-touch experience.
B&N will continue to sell its current line of Nooks, which will see a major software update in the near future.
It is still unclear what kind of full color display will be used.
Result for: predecessor
Apple’s recently released quarterly earnings revealed that the company sold 250,000 Apple TV set-top devices as of the end of September, three weeks after its launch.
Says CEO Steve Jobs: “We’re happy with how it’s turned out.”
Jobs says he expects sales to pick up with the release of iOS 4.2, which will allow owners to stream their own content in addition to the content they downloaded from iTunes.
Available for $99, the updated Apple TV drops the hard drive of its predecessor and is now small enough to fit in your hand.
The device streams movies from the Web or from smartphones/tablets directly to your HDTV.
Additionally, the second-generation device streams movies from Netflix’s ever expanding “Watch Instantly” catalog and HD movies purchased through iTunes.
The Apple TV has built-in Wi-Fi and an HDMI output.
