Sure, the new iPad will have a considerably sleeker body, but it's what inside that counts: the ability to run on different networks.

Maybe this is why those insanely low iPad prices keep popping up for holiday shoppers – it’s time to make room for the next round. All Things Digital reports that analyst Brian Blair says Apple is busy developing the iPad 2, which could be on shelves early next year. According to AppleInsider, production on the current iPad will end in January to make way for the new model.

As can be expected, the new iPad will feature FaceTime and come equipped with a camera on each side, all in a slimmed down package. But these additions pale in comparison to the real upgrade: a GSM-CDMA radio chip. There’s reason to believe that the tablet will implement this device, enabling it to run on various networks – i.e.,Verizon customers could use the iPad without carrying around the $30-a-month MiFi device. In fact, AT&T(obviously), Verizon, and Sprint customers would all be able to provide connectivity for the iPad 2 (word is still out on T-Mobile, since it uses a different frequency band for 3G than AT&T). Apple is apparently labeling this capability as making the new iPad a “world mode” device.

Blair claims that “Apple is preparing to build approximately 48 million iPads in calendar 2011.” And making the second-generation iPad globally available is a wise choice if Apple wants to onto hold its edge over tablet competition.

Link:http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/the-ipad-2-is-coming-rumored-to-run-on-various-networks/

It has too. Androids' first real tablet OS (v 2.3 or 3.0) is about to launch and the higher end Android tablets out there already, like the Galaxy Tab, out do all the specs on the current iPad.

Mash that with the soon to be released plethora of Win7, WinMobile7, and BB based tablets... Apple won't be king of this market for long.

I'm looking forward to seeing mid to late 2011 Android line up myself.

Whether its windows 7, android or iOS...I am still confused what this things are for.

On the go? Iphone, Win 7 phone or Android phone are more than capable of giving you excellent mobile surfing or media capabilities.

At home? Laptops or desktops are much more capable devices for pretty much any task.

I believe Google should go for the tablet or the phone market, due to their Os being centralized on web browsers.

Isn't Google also making an android based of its os?

I agree that it's pretty silly on the go but around the home and office, it can be handy.  It's a little less cumbersome than a laptop is typing on it is surprisingly easy (according to others, I don't have one).  It makes it handy for note taking and fiddling around on the internet on the couch at home.

I don't think it's worth the $600 price tag, but it's still handy.

Another iPad releasing?

I honestly don't get these tablets' appeal. I just don't get it.

Exactly how I feel. For like 199, its a cool gadget, just like a GP2X wiz handheld or something... but it seems way overpriced for how useful it is.

@those questioning tablets in general...

Tablest are FAR more portable than a normal laptop while potentially giving you the same base experience.

Only difference would be the difference between buying a Droid 2 over the droid X... the physical keyboard.

I personally would rather own a Smartphone, 12" netbook, and my main desktop PC than anything else.

Then I'd have my everyday carry around phone/web device, vacation around the house driving tablet, and gaming main computing programming desktop.

Next year this will be realized with Android phone and tablet.

Apple revising their hardware. Who would've thought.