Here Comes the Thinner, Lighter iPad?

A full-size iPad that gets closer to the lean design of the iPad Mini may finally be on the way. Production of the fifth-generation iPad is slated to begin in July, according to a report from Taipei-based Digitimes. The new 9.7-inch iPad will be 25 percent to 33 percent lighter than the iPad 4, Digitimes said.  Specifically, the 2,048x1,536 pixel-density Retina display (same pixel density as the iPad 4) will have thinner glass - achieved by using new touch sensor technology - and, most importantly, a less bulky backlight apparatus, according to them.

The third- and fourth-generation iPads gained heft and thickness - compared with the iPad 2 - due mostly to technologies supporting the Retina display, including a relatively large backlight assembly. Monthly shipments of the "iPad 5" are expected to ramp up to 2 million to 3 million units by September, said Digitimes, citing sources in the supply chain.