All eyes are on just how great the iPad 3 is expected to be when it launches on March 7th, but it appears that Apple is looking towards those with less money (or needs) by launching a budget version of the iPad 2 alongside the new kid on the block.
That's according to DigiTimes which reckons that its sources have nodded towards Cupertino unveiling a smaller 8GB iPad 2 to compete with Android and Windows 8 offerings. Presumably, it'll be much cheaper and also allow people who want to use it for surfing and email rather than storage to join the club.
Alongside that, we're hearing that there'll be two iPad 3 models - a 16GB and 32GB version. A 64GB unit is conspicuous by its absence in the DigiTimes piece though we'd be amazed if Apple didn't launch one since that's been around for the last year in iPad world and even the iPhone now has that bumper storage option.
We're not massively surprised that Apple is apparently considering bringing in a budget version of the iPad 2 - its strategy has long included keeping the flagship on sale as the cheaper device when a new one launches (iPhone 3GS was on sale alongside the iPhone 4 as the iPhone 4 now is alongside the 4S.)
The iPad 3 is expected to have a 9.7-inch Full HD QXGA panel with a resolution of 2048 by 1536 (264dpi). But of course, this being Apple, we just won't know until the day itself. Unless an employee leaves one in a bar, that is!
