Plenty has changed over the course of the year. The iPad became a bona fide smash, essentially creating the tablet category and triggering a wave of me-too products that are just starting to hit the market.
Now, as rivals Motorola and Research in Motion race to catch up, Apple itself is going through a transformation.
There is as much speculation about whether iconic Chief Executive Jobs will take the stage at Wednesday's event in San Francisco as there is about the new device.
Jobs traditionally launches major products with a pizzazz and style that reflect his eye for detail and design. But he took indefinite medical leave last month and Apple has not given details of the cancer survivor's medical condition.
His absence is bound to spark a fresh round of speculation on his condition. And his presence will be scrutinized equally closely for any signals on his health.
Many in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street doubt he will return to the company he co-founded in 1976.
In his absence, it is a good bet that Tim Cook, the company's operations chief and Jobs' heir apparent, or marketing head Phil Schiller, will lead Wednesday's show.
If Cook does appear, investors will scrutinize his performance. While Wall Street has grown comfortable with Cook's leadership, Wednesday would provide the first major test of his showmanship skills -- a key asset for marketing maestro Apple.
Regardless, the company is in little danger of losing its massive lead in the tablet market in the near term. With a big first-mover advantage, the company is rolling out the second-generation iPad just as most its rivals are bringing their first offerings to consumers.
IPAD, PART DEUX
The new model will sport the same 10-inch screen but should be lighter, thinner and faster, according to a plethora of analyst and blog reports. Apple is expected to add a camera to enable video chat using the FaceTime application.
Shares of some Taiwanese component makers rose in Asian trade on Wednesday ahead of the launch.
Camera module maker Genius Electronic Optical Co Ltd and lens manufacturer Largan Precision Co Ltd were starting new supply deals with Apple, two sources said in December, but neither could confirm for which product the modules were intended.
Genius jumped as much as 5.1 percent before ending 2.5 percent lower, while lens manufacturer Largan edged up 0.2 percent in a broader market down 1.2 percent. Hon Hai Precision, whose parent Foxconn manufactures Apple products, eased 1.8 percent.
source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/02/us-apple-idUSTRE7210W120110302
