LTE

One of the new features of the iPad 3 is the ability to utilize high-speed LTE networks and share the connection with up to 5 other devices. As of today it doesn't look like AT&T will be ready to support the iPad's hotspot feature before its March 16 launch. However, Verizon will offer free hotspot support for the 4G models.

When pre-ordering the new iPad you must choose what carrier you would like to use. The model you select is configured to work with either Verizon or AT&T, not both! So you'll have to decide which carrier's 4G LTE network you prefer. You do not need to activate your service right away, and you can choose a monthly data plan at a later date when you need it.

The Japanese website Macotakara claims Apple will not launch the iPad 3 in February as previously suggested. Instead blogger Danbo says Apple will hold a "strange" event this month followed by a product announcement and launch in March. Macotakara previously cited an Asian supplier and a source in the U.S. as saying Apple would announce the iPad 3 in February. Danbo's new report is more in line with other rumors that have suggested the iPad 3 will be released next month.

As for the "strange" event I can only guess Danbo is talking about a similar affair like Apple's iBooks announcement in New York. Perhaps Apple only wants to focus on its next generation iPad in March, instead of boring us with Cards apps like they did at the Let’s Talk iPhone event last year.

Over the weekend, a now notorious group of hackers named Lulzsec, released the quarry from their latest hacking endeavor to the public. One of the released items, a leaked internal document from AT&T, was interpreted by the blog iFans to contain indications that AT&T will be testing an LTE-capable iPad as part of their coming LTE rollout.

It is important to note that the leaked document doesn't specifically mention the iPad 3, or an "LTE iPad". It does, however, include the iPad as a device that will be tested as part of the LTE rollout. The portion of the document in question is specifically related to LTE rollout and LTE testing, and the inclusion of the iPad in this list is what is being interpreted as a hint that the coming iPad 3 will support LTE.