Analyst predicts Apple will launch new iPad in April

THE technology world is abuzz over one analyst's prediction that Apple’s next iPad will hit retail shelves in April 2011.

THE technology world is abuzz over one analyst's prediction that AppleÂ’s next iPad will hit retail shelves in April 2011.

uBrian Marshall of Gleacher & Company predicted that the upgraded hand-held computer will makes its debut well after the holiday season in April, Fox News reported.

"I think April is the proper time frame for an iPad 2," Mr Marshall told Computerworld magazine.

"Since I'm projecting that Apple will release a CDMA iPhone in March, both will help to equalize Apple's seasonality."

The prediction ties into a recent report in industry trade magazine DigiTimes, which claimed that the design and suppliers of the iPad 2 had already been chosen.

The Taiwanese tech industry publication reported that Ibiden, Tripod Technology and TTM Technologies were parts suppliers for the iPad’s successor.

The magazine's report also indicated more suppliers would be added to the source list in February, when shipments of the next-generation iPad began ramping up.

Rumored upgrades to Apple’s tablet computer include Facetime video chats and additional memory space, according to pcmag.com.

A recent patent by Apple for a carbon-fibre material has many speculating about the look and feel of the next generation iPad.

The current generation of iPads use an aluminum frame, which adds weight to the gadget. Carbon-fibre would make the case lighter and stronger, and it would allow for improved Wi-Fi and mobile broadband reception.