Apple (AAPL) May Introduce Lower-Cost iPad 2 at March 7th Event

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) is expected to release its next-generation iPad next week during an event in New York, but there may be more news than simply an iPad 3.

First, a new version of Apple TV will debut, integrating the device more wholly with the iPad.

In addition, Apple may show off both a 16-gigabyte (GB) and 32-GB version of its next iPad.

Finally, an 8-GB iPad 2 might make an appearance. This might lower the cost of ownership for an iPad, with the lowest memory available on the current iPad 2 model at 16-GB and a selling price of $499.

Digitimes says the new, lower-memory version will be aimed at competing with Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) upcoming Windows 8 tablets.

Here's a few metrics Digitimes thinks the next-generation iPad will have: "...a 9.7-inch Full HD QXGA panel with a resolution of 2048 by 1536 (264dpi) and its backlight module will adopt two LED light bars."

Due to an expected increase in sales, shipments of the new tablet device are expected to double in the first quarter of 2012.

Shares of Apple are indicated higher Thursday morning.

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