By now you will be well aware that Apple has sent out invites to an iPad 3 event as the world waits to hear what Apple will provide this year for the tablet PC. But ahead of the release of Apple’s new device we have some news that may take the iPad 3 further out of reach for some consumers.

The new version of the iPad is thought to feature a highly improved display, but it’s this feature that according to an article on Cnet may add to the cost of the device. An alleged price sheet has been leaked that shows the prices for both the current model and the iPad 3, and seemingly puts the upcoming model at $70 and $80 more.

As usual the alleged prices have to be taken with a pinch of salt, but it hints the iPad 2 will remain close to its current pricing. But its replacement will start at $579 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model, with the 32GB and 64GB models costing $679 and $779 respectively. This is where it gets even more interesting as there are only prices for 3G models, even though there have been a number of rumors suggesting the iPad 3 will feature 4G technology.

The 3G 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models are priced at $699, $799, and $899 respectively. If history repeats itself we should be able to expect Apple to offer discounts on the iPad 2, which was seen last year with the original device. But this year there has been rumors that Apple will keep the iPad 2 going alongside an all new model similar to what is now seen with the iPhone 4 and 4S.

There has been talk that Apple could offer the iPad 2 at a discount to take on the likes of Amazon with the Kindle Fire, which starts at only $199. If the prices are true the top end model of the iPad 3 will only come in at $100 less than the 11-inch entry level MacBook Air. Having the two products so close together price wise could raise some eyebrows amongst industry analysts.

If these guesstimated prices are true some of these invites may be a waste of time as some consumers won’t be able or even want to pay out a higher price. We told you earlier that news of the impending iPad 3 launch has seen an increase in owners trading in old versions of the device.

Would you pay these prices for an iPad 3 if true?