3G / CDMA iPad 2 May Come as Standard as First Purported Cases Emerge

Chinese manufacturers are starting to show off purported cases for Apple’s unconfirmed second-generation iPad, featuring easily distinguishable differences between the current iPad’s enclosure and the one Apple allegedly has in mind for the upcoming model.

iLounge points out to Shenzhen MacTop Electronics, a Chinese manufacturer currently advertising a case for “the second-generation iPad.”

The case is dubbed the “Crystal Case for iPad 2nd Generation,” and has slimmer contours than the first-generation model, the site observes.

Indeed, the shape of the case indicates that the speaker opening will be larger on the second generation tablet computer.

A hole for a rear-facing camera can also be spotted in the upper left corner.

The device, if confirmed by Apple, is expected to feature a front-facing camera as well, for Face Time video chatting support.

There’s more. Apparently, the new iPad will also support storage upgrades, via an alleged SD card slot.

A second image posted by a separate source, shows two back shells in white and black for cases also claimed to be for iPad 2, MacRumors reports.

These cases also show an opening for a rear-facing camera in the top left corner, as well as a side opening where the current mute switch and volume rocker are located.

The description makes references to both the aforementioned SD card slot, and FaceTime compatibility.

MacRumors notes the mysterious large opening to the left of the dock as well.

It is believed that the opening will serve the addition of several new connectors (ports), although Apple is not likely to add USB support, analysts and tech pundits have opined.

Interestingly, none the of sources reporting on these findings seem to take into consideration the possibility that said opening could be for a radio-transparent “opening”, facilitating 3G or CDMA networking, which should come as standard on Apple’s second-generation iPad.

The 3G-capable version of Apple’s current iPad features such an opening on its aluminum back shell, albeit a much larger one.

Then again, a third batch of alleged iPad 2 cases made entirely from silicone should do little to obstruct the iPad's ability to talk to wireless operators' towers, yet these too show the same opening just next to where Apple's standard 30-pin dock connector should be located.

So there's just a good a chance it's for new ports, after all.