The iPad2 Steve Jobs intrigue

All things Apple are in the spotlight as the company is slated to release the "iPad 2" in San Francisco today.

But there's more going on at the company than just the release of a new product.

Steve Jobs, chief executive officer, who's been on medical leave of absence since January, is also the subject of much speculation. Will he be well enough to appear at the event?

The company known for its secrets is keeping the world buzzing about its products -- and its founder.

"Rumors are he may very well make an appearance and he's contemplating this right now," she said. "He's been sick. He's been out on medical leave three times. He's the heart and soul of Apple. The big question is, because he's been sick and because the company has been very secretive about his health, will he show up today. And also, what is the future of Apple if Steve Jobs isn't at the helm?"

Jarvis continued, "In general, traders say that if he doesn't show up they don't anticipate a major drop in Apple stock. What they see is if he does show up, that apple stock could really rise significantly."

What can consumers expect to learn about the new offering today?

Get ready for iPad 2
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On "The Early Show" Wednesday CBS News Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis said much of the speculation about the product is about the new iPad's look and feel.

"Speculation includes a thinner iPad, a lighter iPad," she said. "Similar, battery life, but something that can do things faster. Also, a camera with video conferencing capabilities. A lot of people think that we might see better speakers, and also that we might see it come in a few additional colors. And lastly, a higher resolution screen. That screen you see right now, it's a decent screen, but some people are clamoring for something even higher resolution -- and you might get it."

But will iPad lovers go for the new edition?

Jarvis noted tech websites are speculating in addition to this edition of the iPad, another is slated for later in the year.

She said, "It may be something where you actually want to hold out and wait and see for the next go-round."

The iPad sales, Jarvis said, are a big part of Apple's sales.

"Fifteen percent of Apple's total sales come from iPad," she said. "They sold 15 million of them since their big unveiling in April. And keep in mind, these things aren't cheap. You know, the average price of an iPad is $600. They can run you anywhere from $500 on the less expensive end to $829 on the more expensive end. So Apple is making some serious money with these."

However, it might be easier, co-anchor Chris Wragge noted, is, with the launch of the iPad 2, the iPad 1 may now be downsized financially so people who haven't gotten in can actually get in.

Jarvis said, "That is something Apple has done in the past. They put out a new model and make the older models less expensive."