iPad 2 Shipping Feb 2011 For April Release Tip Insiders

iPad 2 manufacturer Foxconn is tipped to be preparing for shipment of the second-generation iPad "within the next 100 days", putting the new slate shipping in late February 2011 and, according to the sources, on sale in April 2011. That's according to DigiTimes, whose component manufacturer sources are suggesting that firmware development delays have pushed mass production of the iPad 2 back by around a month.

The company apparently intended to begin mass production in January next year, but longer than expected testing of the firmware has meant that schedule had to be pushed back. Initial shipments are tipped to amount to 400,000 – 600,000 units.

As for the hardware itself, there have been various rumors about the iPad 2's functionality, including talk of an iPhone 4-style Retina Display and a carbon fiber frame. The iOS slate is also expected to have a front-facing camera for Face Time video calls.