Apple May Unveil iPad2 Next Week

After more than a week of tech industry buzz that a new iPad was in the works, Apple has announced a media event for March 2. There's growing conjecture it will take the wraps off a new version of its popular iPad tablet computer.

Apple Insider reports the invitation to media outlets included an iOS calendar icon with the date March 2. The calendar peels away to show an iPad screen in the background

Apple tends to update its product line every 12 months. The iPhone, for example, was introduced in June 2007 and each new version of the phone has been rolled out in that month.

Big seller

The iPad was introduced last January and has sold around 15 million of the devices. According to Apple Insider, the iPad2 is expected to feature a faster processor and come with a FaceTime camera. It quotes an analyst as saying the new device will have an upgraded display and better anti-reflection capabilities. It's expected to be thinner and lighter than the original.

Apple was the target of a class action lawsuit in July last year by consumers who complained the iPad quickly overheats in "normal environmental conditions."

The suit, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, said that the iPad "turns off, sometimes after just a few minutes of use," when exposed to direct sunlight.

Indoors only?

"The iPad does not live up to the reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple insofar as the iPad overheats so quickly under common weather conditions that it does not function for prolonged use outdoors, or in many other warm conditions," according to the complaint.

Consumers who sunbathe with their iPads are quickly greeted by a yellow warning sign and the caption "iPad needs to cool down before you can use it."

The suit was dismissed earlier this month, with the judge citing a lack of evidence.

The iPad can be purchased as a wi-fi connect only device, or models are available that can access the Internet through both AT&T's and Verizon's networks.