Apple iPad 2 launch today, online stores closed to ready for latest addition

With Apple's event in California kicking off this morning, the company has taken down its online store, a standard practice ahead of major releases.

As journalists and Apple aficionados gather in Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in downtown San Francisco, speculation is rampant on a possible release date. Digitimes quotes an unnamed source as saying Apple plans to take deliveries of six to 6.5 million iPads, including the iPad 2 in the first quarter of this year. Most of the rumours agree on a number of new features expected on the iPad 2, like a camera, likely two and a slimmed down body. The Washington Post wraps up the latest rumours, with one a very speculative suggestion that the iPad 2 is only an interim measure, to be replaced by a new version in the fall.

Meanwhile Random House began hitting the iBooks Store just ahead of today's announcement.

That can't be good news for RIM that still doesn't have its tablet, the PlayBook, available. While RIM is targeting business users, with an increasing number of companies opting for tablets over laptops, many are going with Apple because it already has a product available. In this story, the Financial Post's Matt Hartley takes a look at whether RIM has missed the window of opportunity.

Apple's events page, where live streams major events is quiet this morning but if Apple doesn't live stream there are a number of options for live coverage including:

CNET News
Macworld
CNET News
All Things Digital
Engadget
Leo Laporte

Posted in: Apple