iPad 3 Rumors: 'iPad HD' and 'iPad Mini' Speculation Ahead of Release Date

An alleged leaked inventory obtained by Gizmodo shows the name iPad HD instead of iPad 3.  While Apple usually goes by a consecutive number model for its gadgets, the name iPad HD could be an effective marketing tool that highlights the tablet's rumored retina display.

The iPad 2 has been heavily criticized for its 1024x768 resolution with owners complaining about unclear fuzzy images. The iPad 3 will undoubtedly come with a better display. It's rumored to quadruple its pixel destiny, but it's most likely just to double that of its predecessor, according to SlashGear.

The DigiTimes, which claims to have received information from Apple's supply chain, says the new display will boast an HD display panel with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels.

'iPad Mini

Another of the latest iPad 3 rumors is that Apple will release an 'iPad Mini' after the iPad 3. According to the Digitimes, the Apple supply chain has started delivering samples of 7.85-inch iPads, with mass production likely to start in the second half of 2012, according to  sources.

The price of the smaller, entry model iPad will likely be $249-$299, according to the tech blog. Apple is also rumored to be releasing an 8GB version of the iPad 2.

Here is a round-up of some of the rumors surrounding the tablet ahead of the upcoming release date:

Faster Processor:

The iPad 3 will likely come with a more powerful chip, perhaps the quad-core A6 chip. The first-generation iPad came with an A4 Chip and the iPad 2 followed with an A5 chip, which suggests the iPad 3 will follow suit and run on the A6 chip.

An A6 chip would double the power of the A5 chip that is currently used in the iPhone 4s and the iPad 2. An unnamed source, who claims to have an iPad 3 prototype, sent Boy Genius Report pictures of a diagnostic tool called iBoot, which states a chip model number that appears to be that of the A6 chip.

Better Camera:

The iPad 2's camera is another feature of the tablet that has come under strong critique, sporting a feeble 0.8 MP. The iPad 3 has a long way to go if it wants to compete with other tablets like the ASUS Transformer Prime, which currently boasts an 8MP, 3264 x2448 pixel, auto-focus, LED flash camera.

The iPad 3 will likely come with a much-improved camera, matching the quality of the 8MP camera of the iPhone 4s or better. The iPhone 4S not only improved its pixel capacity by 60 percent compared with its predecessor, but it also came with a larger custom lens that heralded a 2.4 aperture. More, the camera boasts advanced color accuracy, face detection and reduced motion blur.

Price:

While rumors continue to circulate about the possibility of two iPad 3 models -- one cheaper than the other -- it is likely there will only be one, which will fall under the same price range of its predecessor at $499 for its entry level model. The iPad 2 will likely drop to $399 and if Apple continues to sell the original iPad it will probably start at $199.

The iPad still falls among the more expensive tablets in the industry; the Amazon Kindle Fire is priced at $199, while the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet came in at $249.

Siri:

It's difficult to predict if the iPad 3 will come with Apple's popular voice assistant that debuted in the iPhone 4s, but it seems more likely than not. Siri is undoubtedly the most appreciated feature of iPhone 4s with her ability to understand voice commands, send texts and find local pizza joints. She was the main reason Apple iPhone 4 customers upgraded to the 4s despite there being little difference in the phones design. The implementation of Siri in the iPad 3 could give iPad 2 owners a similar incentive.