Rumors are flooding the blogosphere about the possible release of a white iPhone 5 and a white iPad 2 sometime this year. After the delayed and then failed release of the white iPhone 4 due to parts and manufacturing concerns, Apple should be looking to come back strong with a white version of its two most popular devices.

Many online services currently feature iPhone 4 and iPad conversion from black to white, but Apple has yet to make an official white version of its own. For some reason, Apple couldn’t get different colored parts ordered for the same products in the past, but we’ll see very soon whether they have it figured out for its new line of iPhone and iPad.

It’s also rumored the new white iPhone 5 will feature a touch panel from Wintek. It’s said to be awaiting a summer 2011 release in keeping with Apple’s typical launch cycle.

The white iPad 2 is set to be announced very shortly as well, possibly sooner. But as with all things Apple, you never really know before the fact. With an ailing CEO, stock price concerns and a new firestorm of press over its new controversial app subscription policy, it’s likely Apple doesn’t know themselves when exactly we will see these new highly-anticipated products on the market.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Here at Electronic Rehab we try to highlight for you some of the more innovative iPhone and iPad apps and accessories to make their way to the market. The ZAGGmate w/Keyboard is an excellent example of design innovation bridging the gap from laptop design to tablet functionality.

This clever device transforms your iPad from a handheld touch device into a classic laptop. It features a sturdy aluminum shell that holds a full-size keyboard comparable to that of a netbook. It has a folding stand that locks into place and props your iPad up in its slotted groove in either landscape or portrait view. It includes a microUSB cable for charging and a blue indicator light lets you know when charging is complete and when it’s time to recharge.

The keyboard on the ZAGGmate is a step up from previous iPad keyboard models. It has both a right and left shift key, and a full number row at the top. Everything on the keyboard is where you would expect and want it to be. The function keys even perform iPad-specific tasks like home, power, search, slide show and media player functions.

Once you’ve shut down, simply lay your iPad face down over the keyboard like a classic laptop and the ZAGGmate becomes a case as well. The inside edges around the tray have a protective neoprene layer that prevents your iPad from being damaged while lying over the keys. The case, including the iPad, weighs only a little over 2 lbs and has a lithium polymer battery that promises weeks of use on a single charge.

If you’re looking for a classic laptop feel from your iPad, the ZAGGmate has you covered. No other keyboard/case combo out there gives as much functionality and style. What do you think? Leave a comment.

So you’re an iPhone devotee looking to get out of the much-maligned AT&T network and try your luck with the newly released Verizon iPhone plan. Before you do, here’s a summary of what you need to know before making the switch.

If you’re currently under contract with AT&T, it’s going to cost you to terminate early. The standard AT&T termination fee is $325 minus $10 for every completed month of service under the contract. So if you bought a new iPhone 4 when it was released in June, you would have signed a two-year extension as well which would bring your termination fee to $255. But that $255 doesn’t include the (ahem) restocking fee of 10%. That’s just one more little gouge for abandoning AT&T for a rival. This brings your cost of leaving to around $275.

With Verizon’s $35 activation fee, you know you’re going to be down around three bills. But we’ll talk about recouping your losses later. How much are you going to pay for your new Verizon plan?

If you had a grandfathered-in AT&T unlimited plan, there is really no difference in price to the current Verizon unlimited plan. But many iPhone users are on AT&T’s 2GB data plan and no unlimited plan is available. This means for $5 more a month you can get an unlimited data plan for your iPhone with Verizon.

So all this is making sense, but you’re still feeling sore about the roughly $300 you just lost. Not to worry, you can get it back. Verizon will pay you $285 for a 32GB iPhone 4, which covers most of your loss. Another option is selling your old iPhone 4 online. Currently 32GB iPhone 4s are selling for anywhere in the $300-$400 range. Once that mission is accomplished, you can get down to business with your new Verizon iPhone

Is the Verizon iPhone 4 the same as AT&T’s

No, they aren’t exactly the same. The Verizon iPhone 4 has some minor tweaks you should know about. While they are virtually the same device, the Verizon version had to be modified slightly to integrate with its network.

Firstly, the Verizon iPhone version has four break points in its antenna as opposed to AT&T’s three. This is purported to give the Verizon version better reception. That should be a welcome addition to long-suffering AT&T customers complaining of dropped calls and few reception bars in urban areas.

Next the volume and mute buttons on the Verizon model have been moved down slightly. This means that your old iPhone case might not work so well with your Verizon model. iPhone accessory manufacturers are no doubt in a hurry to remedy this problem for you, so be on the lookout for Verizon iPhone cases, or simply get a holster case that doesn’t form fit the iPhone controls.

The Verizon version also has a completely redesigned vibration motor. This makes it quieter and softer when in vibration mode and makes a less irritating sound when left on a desk or table. The Verizon iPhone battery is also the same capacity as the AT&T iPhone, but weighs 1.3 grams less, making the Verizon model slightly lighter.

The only drawback for the Verizon iPhone is that you can’t use data and voice simultaneously. This is important to note if you like to surf the web while talking, but otherwise it won’t matter.

So good luck in your quest for a better iPhone plan.  Let us know how it’s going. Leave a comment below.