iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See (PHOTOS)

Photo: iFixit

1. Retina Display - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

It's pretty much certain that the iPad 3 will include Retina Display with 2048×1536 pixels resolution. Last week, MacRumors examined a purported LCD panel of the new iPad “under a microscope." The site concluded that the panel is indeed an ultra-high resolution Retina display. “When comparing the iPad 3 display to one from an iPad 2 under a microscope, the difference in resolutions becomes readily apparent, with the iPad 3 display's pixels appearing to be one-quarter the size of those on the iPad 2,” the site reported. According to the report, each cluster in the iPad 3 panel was occupied by 16 pixels (4x4), whereas each cluster in the iPad 2's panel comprised of 4 pixels (2x2). This is to say the purported iPad 3 panel boasts of “twice the resolution in each direction.”

Photo: Verizon

2. 4G LTE - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

There are persistent rumors suggesting the iPad will have 4G LTE option for sure, especially after Qualcomm had unveiled its fifth generation Gobi platform last week. The company's press release indicated that the new technology, based on its Gobi 4G LTE wireless baseband modems, MDM9615 and MDM9215, will support LTE, TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA and TDD networks. Besides that, it is also backward compatible with HSPA and Rev. EV-DO networks, along with having GPS capability. Qualcomm said the Gobi will be compatible with top mobile operating systems, including Android, Windows and Apple iOS. Apple always tries its best to secure its leading position in the increasingly competitive tablet market. Especially as some of the rival Android tablets, such as Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, Motorola Droid Xyboard, and more, are already supporting 4G network, there is no reason for Apple to dismiss the new high speed network.

Photo: Weiphone

3. Two processors option - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

The processor of the new tablet is expected to be faster than its predecessor, but there is a big debate raging whether the iPad 3 will run on dual-core A5X or quad-core A6 processor. Some sites such as BGR suggested that the quad-core processor A6 will be packed in Apple's next tablet. However, CNET cited to analysts as saying that four cores might not be in the cards. According to the analysts, Apple will improve the processing speed in iPad 3, but it may not necessarily be quad-core. Last week, the Chinese Weiphone forum leaked a photo, which claimed that the new iPad will sport an A5X chip, instead of A6, since the characters "A5X" were labeled on the processor of the purported iPad 3's motherboard. According to Weiphone, the model number of the iPad 3 is S5L8945X, whereas the A4 model was S5L8930X and the A5 is S5L8940X. If there is a big jump to A6, the new model number should be S5L8950X rather than S5L8945X, the post said. The latest rumor suggests the iPad 3 might have two processors option, including both dual- core A5X and quad-core A6, according to the Verge. 9to5Mac also reported that the newest beta build of iOS 5.1 includes references to the 50X and 45X, which means the tech giant is working on two new SoCs. However, it will be interesting to see what chip iPad 3 will ultimately pack.

Photo: Apple Daily

4. Better Camera - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

The camera system of the new iPad will certainly be improved, because the cameras of the current one have become outmoded. The rear-facing 0.7-megapixel camera and a secondary front-facing VGA camera look shabby compared to the camera systems in several new Android tablets, including Galaxy Tab 10.1V and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, both of which boast of 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. Citing "special channels," Apple Daily has published a photo of the alleged iPad 3, claiming that the new tablet will have an 8-megapixel shooter. However, though most sites agree that the camera of the upcoming iPad will be improved, they don't agree it will be an 8-megapixel shooter. However, March 7 is around the corner, and the answer is not far away.

Photo: Flickr/cote

5. Powerful Battery - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

Apparently, the iPad 3 will have a more powerful battery, if the iPad 3 is equipped with Retina Display, a more powerful processor and 4G LTE, which will certainly need more juice. RepairLabs has also confirmed that "the width of where the logic board sits on the iPad 2 appears much larger than that of the iPad 3," suggesting that the new tablet will accommodate a bigger, better battery.

Photo: Twitter/fiquett

6. Siri - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

An advanced version of the voice-activated personal assistant Siri will be packed in the new tablet for sure. More specifically, not only the iPad 3, most of the future iDevices will boast of the intelligent assistant. Siri has made the iPhone 4S become the hottest iPhone ever, helping it sell in over 90 countries in the world. Meanwhile, Siri is becoming smarter and smarter - it will support Chinese and Japanese languages soon. And other languages such as Korean, Italian, and Spanish will be supported later this year. Not surprisingly, Apple will pack the virtual assistant in the iPad 3 to attract potential customers. Siri is also more useful on the iPad than iPhone, for many corporate executives and students now own the tablet. If the iPad is coupled with Siri, the device will unleash its full potential to improve the productivity of the user.

Photo: Courtesy

7. 9.7-inch Display - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

The design of the new tablet won't be radically different from its predecessor. Both 9.7-inch display and 4:3 aspect ratio will remain the same, Apple.pro. reported. According to the photo of the purported iPad 3's front glass panel, which was posted on the Taiwan-based blog, the component is almost identical with the iPad 2's, except the new one has "a relatively long ribbon cable extending up the side of the display."

Photo: Apple Daily

8. Thickness - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

If you want to have a thinner iPad 3, you might be disappointed, for the new device will be thicker, instead of being thinner. However, the increased thickness will be imperceptible - only by 1 to 1.5 mm. M.I.C. Gadget leaked a photo of a back shell of the iPad 3 (or so it claimed), indicating the tablet will be thicker than its predecessor, and the edges will be rounded off gently. If the tablet has a better display and battery, a little thicker case is acceptable.

Photo: Reuters

9. No Home Button - iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

Rumors are swirling around the Internet, that there is no home button in the iPad 3. The evidence comes from Apple's invite, which only read, "We have something you really have to see. And touch." No pinch, push or other words. Does it mean the users would simply have to touch the iPad, and not push the home button to carry out basic functions? An iPad without home button will not be surprising as Samsung Galaxy Nexus, an Android smartphone, is already devoid of physical buttons. Will the tech giant do the same thing with its new tablet and get rid of home button?

Photo: REUTERS

10. iOS 5.1- iPad 3 March 7 Release Confirmed: Top Features We Want to See

The tech giant generally launches new devices with upgraded software. Hence, the iOS 5.1 is expected to debut with the new tablet. CNET and Macotakara have already claimed that iOS 5.1 beta will be released in March.