The rumors have been flying around about a release date for the iPad 3. Some speculated it would come out February 24th on what would have been Apple co- founder’s, Steve Jobs, 57th birthday. Other sources claimed it would be unveiled at the iWorld this month. However, both theories have proven to be wishful thinking. Reports are now pointing to an unveiling date of March 2012. With all this talk about the iPad , what will the new iPad 3 docking stations look like? Clearly, docking stations in the past have had excellent features, yet we have yet to see one that combines all the best qualities. To go about trying to figure out what to expect from the new docking stations, we should review the pros and cons of older models. This will give us some sense of the direction Apple designers may be headed, while allowing us to make an educated guess on what to expect.

Let’s start with the Altec Lansing MP450 Octiv Stage for example. Known for its convenience, it came with a remote control and was capable of charging iPads, iPhones, and iPods. The problem was its speaker system was low-quality. Customers who used it complained of it speakers sounding “scratchy” when its volume was raised passed 90% capacity.

 The iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube has excellent speaker sound and charged the iPad and the iPhone 4. Its sound quality was a result of its Enhanced jAura Echo Soundrell Technology. One customer suggested making it less bulky and giving the station more features such as an alarm clock.

 Another one is the iSound iPad Power View Pro Charge Station. It can charge two i products at once, including two iPads at the same time! Another unique feature is its horizontal docking capability. This allows users to play Angry Birds, watch the latest viral You Tube video, or tinker with new apps with ease.

 The new docking stations will combine the best features of the previous ones to complement the expected innovations of the iPad 3. Considering the recurring rumor of an HD display on the new tablet, expect the docking station to have horizontal docking capabilities. To fit the visual improvements, the speakers will hopefully be of good quality. So when you use it, you will get the best visual and audio experience possible, what shows us the trend: The iPad 3 docks are developing in the direction of multi media devices.

More iPad 3 rumors:

The Wall Street Journal reported Apple invested a large amount of money in Sharp’s LCD manufacturing facilities. This investment was followed by reports that Sharp has been working on its IGZO (indium, gallium, and zinc oxide) display. The display is capable of 330 dots-per inch resolution and would be compatible for small devices like smartphones and tablets. Many believe this investment is a strategic move to acquire the best resources for Apple products like the iPad 3. The iPad 3’s battery life is expected to be even better than the impressive ten hour batter life in the iPad 1 and 2. According to sources, Dynapack International Technology Corp. will be providing the iPad 3’s battery. Look for it to be thinner and meet the CTIA’s new standards.

Without a doubt, the tablet’s HD picture quality is its most exciting component we have heard of yet. iPad 3 docking stations enhancing a user’s visual experience should be expected. Therefore, anticipate horizontal docking capabilities and speaker quality. It will need to improve the mobile capabilities, as well. Look for a docking station with all these features and fits conveniently on your nightstand. Probably we are not so far away from the day when our iPad will be an even bigger outlet for television viewing and home entertainment. One could infer from Apple’s investment in Sony that it anticipates this new trend, and it is setting itself up to be the pioneer in bringing tablets and smartphones into the television industry.