iPad HD

The iPad mini sounds like a knock off product or cheap imitation of the iPad, however according to supply chain mag DigiTimes displays for the rumored device have already been ordered. Apple has placed the 7.85-inch LCD panel orders with AU Optronics and LG Display.

Forhouse, an affiliate of AU Optronics is said to be making matching backlight units for the smaller iPad screen. DigiTimes didn't stop there, with the report also explaining that the assembly contract for the iPad mini will go to Pegatron Technology, not Foxconn, the current producer of the iPad 2. The report follows several back and forth rumors over Apple's plans for a smaller tablet, or lack thereof.

A Chinese website named Apple.pro, leaked a picture of a new Apple part purportedly from the iPad 3.

The internal component shown below, is labeled 821-1259, which is an increase from the iPad 2 part labeled 1180. Apple.pro thinks that this means the iPad 3 will be a brand-new model with a new design, and not the iPad 2 Plus, or iPad HD as previously rumored. The author also noted a white, outward-facing plug, and pointed to this as proof that the next-generation iPad will probably be offered in the same colors as the iPad 2.

According to Apple Insider, Apple.pro has a so-so record when it comes to Apple leaks. The website previously published early photos of the white and black front panels for the iPhone 4, but in 2009, they reported that Apple was working on a certain MacBook that never materialized.

Apple.pro also mentioned that Apple has launched an internal investigation into leaks, possibly meaning there will be far less in the future.

WWAD - What Will Apple Do? That is the question on every Apple fanatics mind. The newest rumor via This Is My Next has a new iPad being launched with a slimmer lighter iPhone 5 this fall.

According to an unnamed source, Apple will release the iPad HD, a "pro" tablet sporting a double 2048 x 1536 resolution screen. This supports an earlier report that developers discovered 2048 x 1536 resolution images in the Twitter and Newsstand.framework of iOS 5.

There have been many rumors about Apple releasing a new iPad this year, but many believe it would be foolish for the company to do so with the iPad 2 selling so well. A new iPad aimed at a higher end market wouldn't render the iPad 2 obsolete, it would just offer an alternative to professionals looking to do more with the device. Like This Is My Next points out -- think MacBook and MacBook Pro.