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<a  href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http://mashable.com/2011/09/07/ipad-thinner-lighter-battery/&service=bit.ly&source=mashable"><img style="border:none;margin-right:5px;" width="51" height="61" src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http://mashable.com/2011/09/07/ipad-thinner-lighter-battery/" align="right"/></a></div><div style="float:left;margin-bottom:10px;"><img alt="" src="http://5.mshcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ipad2_hero_thumbnail.jpg" title="iPad" class="alignright" width="275"></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div><br/>The <a href="http://mashable.com/follow/topics/ipad/">iPad</a> 2 is already a very thin device - 0.34 inches, to be exact - but the next generation might be even thinner and lighter, thanks to an improved battery pack.

According to Taiwan Economic News, two suppliers of iPad and Macbook batteries, Simplo Technology Co. and Dynapack International Technology Corp., are ready to produce the new pack as early as Q4 2011, with mass production expected in the first quarter of 2012. 

The new batteries will make the iPad thinner and lighter and extend its battery life, but they will also come at a 20 - 30% bigger price point due to the advanced technology used. Hopefully this will not mean a bigger price for the end product as well. 

[via <a href="http://cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_37633.html" >Taiwan Economic News</a>]<p style="margin-top:10px;"><i>For more <a href="http://mashable.com/tech/">Tech &amp; Gadgets</a> coverage:</i><ul style="margin-top:0;" class="xoxo"><li><a href="http://twitter.com/mashabletech"  rel="nofollow">Follow Mashable Tech &amp; Gadgets on Twitter</a></li><li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/mashable.tech"  rel="nofollow">Become a Fan on Facebook</a></li><li><a href="http://feeds.mashable.com/mashable/tech"  rel="nofollow">Subscribe to the Tech &amp; Gadgets channel</a></li><li>Download our free apps for <a href="http://mashable.com/2010/08/02/mashable-android-app/" rel="nofollow">Android</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mashable-for-mac/id412390413?mt=12" rel="nofollow">Mac</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mashable/id356202138?mt=8"  rel="nofollow">iPhone</a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mashable-for-ipad/id370097986?mt=8"  rel="nofollow">iPad</a></li></ul></p><div class="feedflare">
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