When the iPad 4 launched last October, most consumers didn't see it coming, since the iPad 3 had launched just 6 months earlier. But, from Apple's point of view, the release was logicial and needed, even if the changes were minor. They were able to upgrade the processor to their already popular A6 and add a Lightning connector like the one on their iPhone 5. Now iPhone 5 users and iPad users can have one charger to rule them all. But, even with these improvments, the iPad 4 didn't get as much press hype as the iPad 3. It makes sense that now, once a new iteration of the iPad is mentioned, that the hype-machine will start to build again. Here are a few things that we know and a few things that we'll guess at:

iPAD 5 RELEASE DATE

As always, Apple is tight-lipped on the release date of the next-gen iPad, issuing cryptic responses to any inquiries about the actual street date of the product. So, we'll just have to guess.The most recent messages from the Apple underworld seem to point to a June 2013 announcement and release. That would be enough time from the release of the iPad 4 to create some space and to identify this new iPad as just that: a new iPad, not just an upgrade or and update.

Now, we can't place too much stock in any rumors or information that we recieve from manufacturers. Case manufacturers, for example, can (and do) build mock-ups for projected product dimensions. Pictures get leaked and everyone gets excited. But case manufacturers don't usually have the inside scoop and "June Release" kind of seems like an arbitrary day that was pulled out of the air. But, it could be more than that. We'll just have to see.

iPAD 5 STORAGE & PRICE

It seems like this might be the year that we actually get the BIG iPad. 128GB of storage. Apple has not ruled out this possibility and usually tries to fit more storage, processor, and battery in the smallest space that they can. It's like a game for them that they always win. This is most likely due to the change in the way that people are using their iPads, preferring to use them for high-memory intensive programs for things like Music and Video Production and CAD software.

We can expect the same variety of iPads in the iPad 5 as we did with the iPad 4. We will most likely see 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. Now, the only question with offereing a 128GB iPad 5 is will they offer the same storage for their smaller products? A 128GB iPhone or iPad Mini could be a game-changer. If they allowed the storage to be used like a regular external hard drive, then consumers could potentially carry around over 100GB or storage with them wherever they go for $200. With a contract, of course.