Sources hint that Foxconn is ramping up production of the iPad 2 for shipment in February 2011. Initial shipments of 400,000-600,000 units are expected to leave Foxconn warehouses within the next 100 days. Inside sources claim Foxconn is preparing component suppliers for this new production run, which is expected to take place in Foxconn’s Shenzen manufacturing facility, since Foxconn’s plants in Chengdu are still in a “pilot production” mode. Officially, Foxconn had no comment. The current manufacturing schedule targets the iPad 2 for an April 2011 launch. This launch date is reportedly later than expected due to the firmware which is still in testing.

Foxconn reportedly shipped 6.1 million iPads in Q3 2010 and is expected to continue production until January. At that point, the Asian manufacturer will slow production of the original Apple tablet and increase production of the iPad 2. Apple is expected to sell through its current inventory as demand for the device is still high. Apple is also expanding the distribution channels for its tablet device by launching the tablet in Target, Walmart and Sam’s Club. And, not to mention the acceptance of iPad’s in Bank’s and Corporate world which definitely help boost sales.

Rumors surrounding the iPad 2 suggest the tablet will be a modest upgrade from the original iPad. The iPad 2 may have a USB port, front and rear-facing camera, retina display, and a three-axis gyroscope for gaming. At least one camera module may be provided by Largan Precision, the world’s largest cell phone camera lens maker. The inclusion of a front-facing and rear-facing camera suggests the tablet will join the growing number of FaceTime compatible devices.

We’ll just have to wait for the first quarter of next year to see what new features Apple decides to include on the 2011 iPad model. Are you an iPad owner, or are planning on getting one for the holidays? Or Are you going to wait for the 2nd generation iPad 2G? Share your thoughts on the new iPad 2 in the comments below. And, as usual, stay tuned for more news and info by following us on Twitter and/or by subscribing to our RSS Feed.

[Source: DigiTimes]

Related Posts:

• New iPad 2 Features Leaked In Recent Report
• Apple Selects Lens Module Supplier For iPad 2G’s Camera
• JPMorgan Embracing iPad As Research In Motion Faces Challenges

Authors: _GadgetNews

to know more click here