iPad 2 On Course to Outsell Original

The iPad 2 is on pace to outsell and (already) out-demand the original iPad. On Apple’s website, iPad 2’s estimated shipping time has recently been downgraded to 2-3 weeks. Despite that news though, DigiTimes is reporting that Apple’s suppliers have reported shipped between 2.4 and 2.6 million iPad 2 tablets, and virtually every outlet that gets stock sells out almost as quickly as they arrive.

If that’s true, shipments of the iPad 2 are significantly outpacing the original iPad with further guesstimations that over 4 million additional units are expected to be shipped each month between April and June this year. If you’re doing the math, that’s over 12 million units for the second quarter of this year!

The iPad 2 has seen tremendous demand in the U.S. and globally, having sold out in nearly every retail location that made the tablet available. Lines continue to form as new inventory arrives at retail locations abroad, and strong sales have kept stock low at U.S. retailers as well. Shipping estimates for online orders placed on Apple’s website improved to 2-3 weeks last month but that is where they have remained ever since, suggesting supply still hasn’t caught up with demand. Apple’s iPad 2 launched on March 11th in the U.S., and we said in our review that it pushed Apple’s already huge lead in the tablet space even further.

When the iPad 2 was unveiled back on March 2nd and the only ‘new’ features were dualing cameras and slightly quicker processor, I recall all the Apple-haters chiming in about how silly it was to release a second generation of the SAME tablet. “It would never do well” and “Won’t sell”. All along I’ve thought that the upgrades, though minor, would be enough to make the iPad 2 a success. I’m happy to see that so far – I was right.

What should/could Apple have done to better maximize this launch? (BTW, I’m on the waiting list for mine – sigh)

Apple will hold the iPad 2 event on March 2

Speculation is swirling today that the next media event planned for Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011 (a little over a week away) will unveil the next-generation iPad.

The venue has not been named, according to Kara Swisher or All Things D, but is expected to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, where previous Apple events have been held.

Apple is expected to be sending out invitations to the event soon. No details of the “iPad 2” were given or further details on the event.

The original iPad was unveiled in January 2010 and was launched in the US by April (wi-fi model) and the 3G version launched over the following weeks worldwide selling over 15 million units in a calendar year.

As I posted in the past, the iPad 2 would be lighter and thinner with a faster processor, more RAM and duelling cameras. Additional rumours reported a USB port, FaceTime capabilities and will allow playback of HD video with 3D graphics.

As we wait for the release of the iPad 2, there’s already new speculation that another variable of the iPad could unveil for the holiday season later this year. Although two major hardware changes to the iPad would seem highly unlikely, there’s firm evidence to suggest that an ‘iPad 3″ would align with the revamped release of the iPods.

What do you think?

iPad 2G on February 1st?

Kevin Rose, creator of Digg (social news site) believe thats the iPad 2G (second generation) could be unveiled as soon as February 1st, according to this blog post.

Right now it’s just a rumour, but one that many people believe could be true because of how connected Rose is when it comes to the inside scoop of what’s happening at Apple.

Mock Up of iPad 2G

Some rumoured features to be part of the second generation iPad include:

• a lighter and thinner housinng
• retina display with higher DPI screen resolution
• a USB port
• dual cameras for FaceTime
• louder speaker system

No on knows for sure when the iPad 2 will be unveiled, except for Apple, but this is a pretty good source.

I have a blank cheque sitting on the desk made payable to Apple ready and waiting.