It’s a little hard to see in some of these pictures, but it appears that the iPad 3 could be marginally thicker than its predecessor. This goes against Apple’s usual way of doing things, but it’s such a marginal difference that I don’t think too many people will notice. What is more noticeable is the slight curvature and more gradual tapering to the tablet that’s different than the iPad 2. In any case, your old cases won’t fit.

The volume rocker and bottom charging port appear similar, but the camera hole on the back is a little bigger. This might be in line with an upgraded camera that is a little bigger too, possibly bumping it up to an 8MP shooter. We’re also hearing of a narrower bezel around the display to address possible light leak issues.

The original rumored launch date was February 24 (Steve Jobs’ birthday), but that has apparently been pushed back to March 7. I imagine a launch on the same day as the unveiling is to be expected.

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There are already tons of rumors about the much anticipated Apple iPad 3 launch circulating. Of course, we know from previous years experience that we can expect something new from Apple, most likely in March again. Since the Cupertino company has scheduled a big media event for the first week of March, AllThingsD says its the iPad 3.

The back panel that you see in the above image is supposed to be that of the iPad 3. And when compared to the rear housing of the iPad 2, the new device appears to be coming with some changes.

According to available info, the new housing has been designed to fit a smaller logic board. The additional space might be there for a larger battery. From the looks of things an updated camera (rumored to be similar to the one on the iPhone 4S) is also coming, and the mystery housing also features a different LCD mounting system.

If indeed this is the iPad 3 rear panel, its arrival at this time suggests that the device is very close to being unveiled. A release in March or April is most likely, especially when considering hints from casing and accessory makers who showed off their products at CES 2012.

You might know that a longer battery life is one of the iPad’s strongest points. So the rumored bigger battery will be much needed if the company fits a 2048×1536 Retina Display, a quad-core processor and 4G LTE support into the next iPad. Customers won’t welcome a device with good specs but poor battery life.

And speaking of the Retina Display, there are rumors that the iPad 3 might feature Sharp’s IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) display. Besides delivering a high resolution of up to 330 dots per inch, these displays cost less to produce and there is no need for LED backlights. The display will also be thinner.

The latest info suggests that Sharp’s factories have increased the production of the IGZO displays. And there haven’t been any reports about the displays being available commercially. So where are they headed? Apple is certainly a possibility.

But there are also rumors about a dual light bar design for supporting high-resolution IPS display from Samsung and LG.

Is your head aching after all these speculations and rumors? Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long to hear an official announcement from Apple. But then the iPad 4 talks will start.

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The rumors and speculations about the Apple iPad 3 will definitely keep on coming till the day it is finally officially announced. The latest info suggests that the much anticipated device will arrive sometime in March equipped with impressive specs.

According to Bloomberg, production of the iPad 3 has already started and Apple’s manufacturing partners will work at full capacity by next month before the release of the tablet in March. Some sources are also claiming that Foxconn’s factories will run round the clock to produce the tablet, although a break is coming for the Lunar New Year holidays.

A launch in March for the iPad 3 has been rumored several times earlier. And rumors are also flying around regarding the October arrival of an iPad 4 from the company.

It is being claimed that the iPad 3 will arrive with a quad-core processor, the long rumored Retina Display and it will feature 4G LTE support as well. But no hints regarding that speculated HD FaceTime camera.

It will be interesting to see how Apple will manage to fit all the above said specs into their upcoming tablet without affecting its battery life. As you might know, the longer battery life is one of the iPad’s strongest points. And all the high-end features also mean a higher price tag.

And what about the device’s thickness, you ask? According to some, Apple has decided to go with Sharp’s IGZO technology for bringing out a thinner display. While some have indicated that they have chosen a dual light bar design which will result in a thicker iPad 3.

Stay tuned for updates.

Concept Photo: Guilherme Schasiepen

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