DigiTimes reports that Apple's next generation iPad will become available in about 3-4 months. The publication's supply chain sources indicate that the next generation iPad parts are starting to ramp up while the iPad 2 production is starting to decline.

OEM production of iPad 2 will remain high at 14-15 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011 but decline to 4-5 million units in the first quarter of 2012, paving the way for the launch of the new iPads, the sources noted.

Volume production is expected to start in February and reach 9.5-9.8 million units in the first quarter of 2012.

March or April should come as no surprise to regular Apple followers. While Apple first announced the original iPad in Jan 2010, the company didn't start shipping the first units to customers until April. In 2011, the iPad 2 was announced around the same time of year.

The iPad 3 is widely expected to carry a high resolution "Retina" display.

As expected the iPad 3 will probably make its debut in the first quarter of the year. It should reach our shores by mid to late April, hopefully. Looking forward to the much awaited "retina" display.

I love my iPad, but it saddens me that no worthy opponent has come to the ring after more than a year since the iPad has been in the market. This, despite the lack of flash and a decent camera. Amazing.

All I’m trying to say here is that these iPad competitors should think like television manufacturers. When everyone has a TV the only way to get them to come out and buy another one is by giving them a bigger and better picture. If you’re only giving them a slight twist in a different package people will stick to the brand they know almost always.

I don't think that's going to work with tablets. Tablet companies are pwning the iPad when it comes to specs, but when it comes down to it, no amount of screen resolution or processor power is going to compete with the iPad's usability and app support. Tablet companies should make tablets normal people would want to use, not what gadget nerds see as "better" and "faster". That said, I would see myself using a WebOS tablet.