iPad 3 Could Come as Early as March 2012

Well, that didn't take long.  Not even a year since the release of the iPad 2 and we're already getting rumors of the launch of the iPad 3.  According to sources in the supply chain, the next generation iPads are expected to be available in the next three to four months.  Digitimes has reported that parts and components for hte new tablets are beginning to be shipped to OEM contractors.

"OEM production of iPad 2 will remain high at 14-15 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011 but decline to 4-5 million units in the first quarter of 2012, paving the way for the launch of the new iPads," claimed the unnamed source.

If the sources are correct we could expect the next generation of iPads to be available as early as March 2012.

"Production of the new iPads is expected to reach 9.5-9.8 million units in the first quarter of 2012, estimated sources in the supply chain. Sales of iPad products totaled 25.06 million in the first three quarters of 2011 and are likely to reach 40 million units for all of 2011," the sources estimated.

While Apple hasn't confirmed any specs for the iPad 3, it is rumored to have a 2048×1536 resolution, or quadruple the amount of pixels in the iPad 2.  CNET has also reported rumors of other feautres including an A6 processor, Siri integration, a thicker device, and even a stereoscopic 3D screen.

While Apple fanboys are sure to gobble this up, I'm sure the majority of people who recently bought an iPad 2 aren't very happy to hear this.  At roughly $600, the thought of a new iPad only a year since the iPad 2 can't come as good news for many.  Personally, I'll just continue to hold off on an iPad, until I stop feeling like Apple is stealing my money.  For $600 I could get a brand new, decent computer rig.