A smaller iPad would be a departure, as Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs has publicly rejected the idea of such a device in October.

Apple’s iPad resurrected the market for tablet computers since its introduction in January, with nearly 13 million shipments expected units this year. That total could almost triple next year, providing a much needed boost for a global technology sector still struggling with patchy demand…

One source said the revamped model would feature cameras on the front and and back of the device, enabling Apple’s Facetime video conferencing service. Another source said it would be slimmer, lighter and have a better resolution display than the first iPad.