Edible Apple

AppleInsider reports on an investment note from Goldman Sachs who anticipate Apple’s second-gen iPad will come with a camera, a thinner/lighter design, and a mini USB port.

Citing supply chain checks, the analyst duo of Henry King and Kevin Lu said they believe that Hon Hai will remain the sole manufacturer of the new 9.7-inch model, explaining that the Cupertino-based electronics maker remains undecided on a second partner to help build the tablets.

The analysts also said their checks found that “the 7” iPad project has not yet been finalized” and therefore said its “unlikely to be launched ahead of the new 9.7” iPad.”

According to the pair, the new 9.7-inch iPad “is targeted to be thinner and lighter, with an embedded camera and mini USB.” It “could be launched in early” second quarter of 2011, they said.

A camera-equipped second-generation iPad would fall in line with Apple’s plan to ship FaceTime on as many devices as possible. Earlier in September, AppleInsider learned that a FaceTime-enabled iPad had progressed to “advanced testing stages.” Sources indicated that Apple was unlikely to follow its usual 12-month product cycle with the iPad, possibly refreshing it in the first quarter of 2011.