Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes reported on Tuesday that its sources within overseas component makers indicated that Apple plans to launch a second-generation iPad as soon as the fourth quarter of 2010. The new hardware would reportedly use 5.6-inch and 7-inch OLED displays, with Compal Electronics in the running to supply Apple.
The new models would be in addition to Apple’s successful 9.7-inch iPad, which would receive “some minor changes,” the report said. The smaller 5.6-inch and 7-inch iPad models would “mainly target the e-book reader market, separating them from the 9.7-inch model, which mainly targets multimedia entertainment,” the report said.
I think DigiTimes is wrong (yet again) on this one. Both the iPad and the 3.5-inch iPhone 4 use IPS LCD panels. These panels are superior to OLED in many ways, and it just doesn’t make sense for Apple to have a mid-range device with a different display strapped to it.
In fact, I think the whole bit about future 5.6-inch and a 7-inch iPad models is wrong. The iPod touch is still extremely popular. It’s pocketable and a great solution for people who don’t carry an iPhone. On the other hand, the iPad is seen by most as a complimentary product to the iPhone. Something in-between wouldn’t be seen as useful as an iPad or as mobile as an iPod touch.
Having something in-between just doesn’t make sense.