Dual Core iPad Next?

It is that time of the year again. Everyday, we hear a new story about iPad 2 and iPhone 5. We already know that iPad 2 could have a much better display, 2 cameras, and a more compact design. If the rumors are correct, the next generation iPad will have a dual core A5 chip inside. iPhone 4, iPad, and Apple TV are currently powered by an A4 processor. A more powerful chip is a must for iPad 2 if it indeed has a 2048-by-1536 resolution display.

Dual core handset and tablets are not a revolutionary idea. In fact, the majority of top handhelds coming in 2011 are expected to have dual-core chips inside (that includes devices such as Sony Playstation Portable 2):

Credit: Droid Life

A recent leaked image of an iPad 2 case confirms some of our suspicions. Based on this image, iPad 2 will have a SD card slot too:

Credit: Apple Insider via T3

The next few months are going to be trying times for Apple. While the company has done a marvelous job setting itself up for the near future, it will have to cope with life without Steve Jobs (at least for now). Tim Cook will be taking charge at Apple as Steve Jobs struggles with a mystery health issue.  Apple’s stock has already started dropping as investors react to the news about Steve Jobs taking leave of absence. A successful iPhone 5 and iPad 2 launch will change all that.