iPad 2 rumored to sport smaller bezel, flat back, and wide-range speakers

The iPad is a raging success, and while competitors are looking to keep up with what Apple released nearly a year ago, Apple is already plotting the second iteration of its immensely popular tablet.

While some rumored and upcoming have already been discussed ad nauseum (dual cameras, retina display), last week brought with it some brand new iPad rumors ready for dissection.

In a story first reported on the Japanese Apple blog Mac Octakara, an anonymous Chinese source relays that the iPad 2 will sport the same 9.7-inch screen but will come equipped with a smaller bezel. More  specifically, the dimensions of the iPad 2 are rumored to measure 239 mm by 186 mm. By way of comparison, the current iPad measures in at 242.8 mm by 189.7 mm.

Another rumored add-on to the next generation iPad is the inclusion of a wide range speaker and a completely flat back, similar in design to the most recent iteration of the iPod Touch.

Interestingly enough, hot on the heels of that report came a report from Electronista detailing a listing for iPad 2 case which includes a spot on the bottom for the aforementioned speaker. Indeed, previously leaked case designs for the iPad 2 have included a space towards the bottom.

Now as for a release date for the iPad 2, that's still up in the air. Many believe Steve Jobs and company will announce a new iPad sometime in January, but it remains to be seen if Apple will wait again until April to finally release it. 

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Altec Lansing ships Octiv Stage docking speakers for iPad

Altec Lansing has announced its new Octiv Stage docking speaker system for the Apple iPad—although it can also accommodate iPhones and iPods through Apple’s 30-pin connector. The speaker system is specifically designed to enhance media playback on the iPad, handling the tablet device in both portrait and landscape orientation while simultaneously offering stereo speakers with an enhanced center channel to make dialog from movies and TV shows clearer—the Octiv Stage can tilt the iPad to a number of viewing angles.

“Users enjoy the iPad’s great versatility for business, entertainment, and sharing audio and video content. Now their experience will be significantly enhanced due to upgraded audio quality and sound distribution,” said Altec Lansing product manager Steve Schlangen, in a statement.

The Octiv Stage’s rotating connecting arm enables users to dock the iPad in either landscape or portrait orientation, enabling users to set up the device for media viewing, Internet surfing, or even (gasp!) getting work done by attaching a keyboard. The docking system charges the iPad while docks, and in a pinch can be used with iPhones and iPods too. The Octiv Stage has an auxiliary line input for non-Apple devices, and a full-features remote control for hands-free management of an iPad from a distance—for instance, kitchen iPad users could flip to the next page of their recipe without getting glop all over their tablet.

The Octiv Stage is available now from Apple Stores and from Altec Lansing for a suggested retail price of $149.95.

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