A dummy iPad 2 surfaced in Las Vegas last week and speculation is swirling over whether it is based on leaks from the factories, an Apple plant or just a hoax.
The impending release of the original iPad overshadowed last year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and at this year's show, despite around 80 Android- and Windows-based iPad competitors being launched, Apple was once again on everyone's lips.
Several Chinese iPad accessory makers showed off iPad 2 cases and one had a non-working dummy model that is slimmer than the original iPad, has better speakers and built-in cameras. Apple purportedly provided the dummy models to accessory makers so they could build their products ahead of the launch.
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The features on the dummy model, a video of which has made it to YouTube, fit nicely with widespread rumours about the iPad 2, which is expected to be unveiled by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in the coming months.
Apple Australia refused to comment on the matter, saying it did not comment on "rumour and speculation".
If the design is legitimate it would not be the first time an Apple product has leaked ahead of the launch. In April last year, months before the iPhone 4's launch, Gizmodo bought a prototype of the device for $US5000 from someone who had found it in a bar.
Some have speculated that Apple planted the iPad 2 shell at CES in order to steal some of the buzz from its competitors.
But Anthony Agius, founder of Australian Apple community website MacTalk, is not convinced that the cases and dummy models are based on any information provided by the notoriously secretive Apple.
"Apple certainly didn't give these case manufacturers the info. The specs were leaked from the factories that are making or tooling up to make the iPad 2," he said.
"As to if it's what the iPad 2 will look like - I think there's a big chance that those fakes are accurate as to the exterior design and specifications of the iPad 2."
Matthew Powell, editor of MacTheMag, said he was "hesitant to dismiss this out of hand" as while it would seem unlikely for an Apple product to leak, "it does fit with some known data points about the design of iPad 2".
"I remain skeptical about a February release date for iPad 2 (I think late April makes more sense) but I'll be surprised if it doesn't end up looking a bit reminiscent of the model in the video," he said.
Agius said there was no doubt that Apple would unveil the iPad 2 "some time before March and releasing it no later than mid-2011".
Well-known tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose, who started the link sharing site Digg.com, said this week he had it on "good authority" that Apple would be announcing the iPad 2 in the next "3-4 weeks".
"If you're thinking of buying an iPad, hold off for now," he said.
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