iPad 3 Launch Date Set For February, Say Reports

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Brace yourselves, folks, because a new analyst report out suggests that we may be seeing the iPad 3 hit shelves much, much sooner than expected, and a bit earlier than normal. According to Citigroup’s Richard Gardner–and several sources he had to back him up, reportedly–the iPad 3 is pretty much ready to go and should be arriving soon.

Basically, Gardner and his sources are saying the launch will arrive in February as there simply aren’t any further technical problems involved in the production of a higher-resolution display. What’s more, Gardner et al is reportedly figuring that the iPad 3′s display will be fully double that of its previous version, the iPad 2.

We’d already heard several reports prior to this one to suggest that Apple was, not to mention its many supply chain elements were, rapidly developing the display hardware ahead of a release in the early going of next year, though there was some debate as to whether that would be a release of the iPad 3, or any of two other possible models including a lower-end model some were calling the iPad 2S, or even a repurposed iPad 2 geared toward the budget user.

This is a somewhat aggressive projected launch schedule besides: the iPad made its appearance in April 2010, and the iPad 2 in March 2011. Some were projecting the iPad 3 would be out in the third quarter of 2012, but February is unusually early, if keeping in the overall trend of releases occurring one month earlier each time. And some have wondered if the completed versions wouldn’t ship in February for March sales, with preorders likely occurring before then.Personally, I don’t find the February launch out of line, but given the delay on the iPhone 5, it’s usually better to bet on a later launch than an earlier one with Apple.

But what do you guys think here? Figure a new iPad is only a couple months away? Or do you think that these reports may be a bit optimistic? No matter what you think, we’re always glad to hear from you, so hit the comments section below and let’s talk iPad 3!