Another day, another set of iPad 3 rumors.  While it’s expected the next version of the iPad will feature a Retina Display, a new report claims the display upgrade will cause the iPad to bulk up.

The report comes from iLounge, citing their “most reliable source.”

According to the source:

“The third-generation iPad will become modestly thicker (0.7mm) in order to accommodate the twin light bar system needed for its higher-resolution display. It’s currently on track for a March timeframe release, and according to our source could be publicly shown as early as January, depending on conditions.”

The claim from iLounge supports previous accounts of an iPad with dual-light bars. (more…)

According to a new report from Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes, Apple may sell three different iPads in 2012: the iPad 3, iPad 2S and iPad 2.

Reitzes believes the company’s reasons for doing so are to mimic what they now do with the iPhone, something I’ve speculated is a possibility.

The thought goes the iPad 3 would have the Retina Display, the iPad 2S would be a faster version of the current iPad 2, with the iPad 2 receiving a price cut to entice those looking to get an iPad at a lower price.

Reitzes still expects the iPad 3 to be released in March of 2012, and along with the new display, would feature the Siri voice-recognition system and a faster processor.

The iPad 2S would only include a faster processor and Siri support, and the iPad 2 16GB (presumably the WiFi-only version) price would be reduced to $299. (more…)

When the iPad 3 arrives there will be good and bad news if a new report is to be believed.

The good news is that there will be a new iPad released at some point with new features which may include a Retina Display and a larger battery.

The bad news? According to MacRumors by way of Japanese blog Macotakara, the iPad 3 will have the same dimensions as the iPad 2 and current smart covers will be compatible with the new device. Unfortunately, due to the iPad 3’s increased thickness, cases made for the iPad 2 will not.

iPad 3 parts suppliers in Asia claim the next iPad will have the same screen dimensions, but for reasons not yet clear, the device will be thicker, rendering current iPad cases useless.

Which leads us back to speculating as to why the iPad 3 would be thicker than previous models?

The most likely culprits are the Retina Display, a larger battery, or both.  It’s unlikely the increase has anything to do with Apple releasing a 4G LTE iPad, but having no concrete evidence to dispel the 4G rumor, it could be a possibility.

What do you think about all this, can you come up with a plausible reason as to why the Apple iPad 3 would be a thicker tablet?

The healthcare industry and medical profession have adopted the iPad in a variety of ways from diagnosing concussions to providing excellent customer service to those afflicted with an illness.

Further, with a Retina Display expected on the iPad 3, the device’s usefulness could prove even greater in a variety of ways.

A new story from Wired highlights how Apple aims improve healthcare by using the iPad.

Profiling Afshad Mistri, the the medical market manager for Apple, Wired describes his quest to connect those in the medical profession with technology created by Apple.

According to medical personnel who’ve interacted with Mistri, his pitch involves setting up iPads and other Apple technology in medical establishments, demonstrating its usefulness for both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Mistri’s mission goes continues other marketing initiatives – showing the iPad being used by doctors in its commercials and featuring medical apps in public presentations.

Does your physician use an iPad like so many?  If so, for what purpose?  Share your story with us in the comments below!

[via GigaOm]

Apple device owners are perceived to be elitist snobs by non-owners regardless if the product purchased is a Mac, iPhone or the iPad.

High profile product releases and commercials for devices do little to calm the Apple snob stereotype.

New market data research from BlueKai continues myth with the infographic below concerning what individuals are most likely to purchase an iPad.

They discovered iPad buyers are most likely pet owners, male, and video game purchasers. (more…)