I decided to take some brief time to closely look at every single detail of the iPad 2 event invitation. Why? Because I know that Apple likes to put some hidden messages in their iconic product announcement invitations. I have found that this invitation is no exception. First, let's start off with what we already know.

As you can see above, the calendar icon for March 2nd just barely hides what will almost certainly be a front facing camera. One could also argue that since the Maps icon is partially showing, there will be new location features coming soon. This might be true, but the Maps icon has always been on the top right even in the current-generation iPad.

Now for the juicy details I myself have observed. I have noticed that on the screen being shown, there's that diagonal line going across to make it look glossy. On the current iPad, that is not there. There is only a subtle gradient. This means the iPad will in fact be getting the same chemically-strengthened glass display that the iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 currently have. See the image of the iPhone 4 as compared to the iPhone 3GS on the right. The same effects are applied here on the new display.

Next, the buttons. The only buttons on the iPad revealed in this image are the lock button on the top, screen orientation lock/mute switch, and volume buttons. All three are noticeably sticking out on the device the same amount as the current-generation iPad images. This leads me to believe that the sides of the new iPad will not be tapered like many, many rumors have said.

Finally, it's possible that the iPad 2 just might have a retina display. This is only because of the very large calendar icon. It might hint at a retina display since graphics have to be enlarged to fully support it. I also could just be over-thinking it though.

So there are my observations on the event invitation. In a perfect world, we will all give the rumors a rest and just wait one week for everything to be confirmed, but that won't happen. I did notice one more thing though. On the top left, the calendar icon is rounded. On the right, the fold indicates that it is a sharp edge. Tsk tsk, graphic designers.