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The first iPad in the post-Jobs era is almost here. While Apple does not have any special events planned for February, the company is expected to make the iPad 3 official in the first week of March. Sources close to the matter claim the event will be held in San Francisco (most likely at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts). This means the next iPad could start shipping as early as the second week of March.

We have heard all kind of rumors about the iPad 3. For a long time, we have assumed that it will have a quad core A6 processor. A new report now suggests that the chip will be a dual core one with more power to handle graphics. Apple has decided to keep the same form factor. The iPad 3 is expected to deliver a retina display (2048 * 1536 resolution).

There are rumors that Apple is in “crunch mode” to line up apps to demonstrate on-stage and show off in new advertisements for the new tablet. Not every app has a chance to get picked though. Apple has a long history of showcasing apps that make the case for its devices. The Next Web’s sources suggest the selection process is going on at an increased pace as we get closer to the announcement event.

While many of us are excited about the upcoming iPad 3, it may not be the only iTablet that will be released in 2012. Erza Gottheil, analyst of Technology Business Research, has suggested that a 7 inch iPad could debut in 2012 as well. Rumor has it that Siri integration will be offered on these new tablets. Not all these rumors will turn out to be true. But this already sounds like a huge year for Apple.

Are you excited about the iPad 3?