Check out everything we know about Apple's newest product.
US, March 2, 2011
The wait is over and the new Apple iPad is here. Today at their press conference Apple announced the iPad 2, and didn't skimp on telling us every single detail that we could possibly want to know about this new exciting piece of hardware. So what exactly did we learn about iPad 2, read on to find out.
It's Smaller
The new iPad will be 33% thinner at 8.8mm - down from 13.4mm. It will also be up to 15% lighter than the original iPad, going from 1.5 pounds to 1.3. These improvements have been added while still maintaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen.
It's Faster
The iPad 2 features Apple's new dual-core A5 processor. The dual-core processors promise to be twice as fast for CPU performance, and nine times faster for graphics.
Cameras
Expect to see a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, as well as a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, which would allow programs such as FaceTime to be used by iPad owners for the first time. FaceTime and the iPad 2's multiple cameras will make it easy for millions of iPhone 4, iPod touch and Mac users to connect with each other anywhere there is Wi-Fi. Additionally, Apple has announced Photo Booth support which lets you apply fun visual effects, including eight photo special effects like Squeeze, Twirl and Kaleidoscope, to photos captured by either camera.
AT&T or Verizon
No need to worry, Apple will feature models that run on AT&T and Verizon's 3G networks. As an added perk for AT&T users, expect to see HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.
iOS 4.3
The iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. This update boasts plenty of exciting new features including: faster Safari mobile browsing performance using the Nitro JavaScript engine, iTunes Home Sharing, enhancements to AirPlay, the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio, and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi.
iPad 2 Smart Cover
The new iPad 2 Smart Cover provides protection for the iPad screen while maintaining its thin and lightweight profile. Designed with a unique self-aligning magnetic hinge that makes it easy to attach and remove, the new iPad 2 Smart Cover automatically wakes iPad 2 when it is opened and puts it to sleep when it's closed, and has a soft microfiber lining to help keep the screen clean. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos and is available in vibrant polyurethane for $39 or rich leather for $69 in a range of colors, including a red one which helps support the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
New Apps
Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie and GarageBand for iPad, both available March 11th on the App Store - for $4.99 each. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe gallery; watch them on their iPod, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV. GarageBand will turn your iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing you to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures - even if you don't play a musical instrument.
Additional Information
There are plenty of new features to be found on the iPad 2. Some of the more significant one's however are: 10 hours of battery life (with 30 days of stand by battery life), a built-in gyro for advanced gaming, HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor, and the system will be available in either black or white.
Pricing & Availability
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, and $699 for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model, and $829 for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model. The iPad 2 will be sold in the US through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
Foreign Markets
iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25; and in many more countries around the world in the coming months. Further international availability and pricing will be announced at a later date.
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Source: http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/115/1153014p1.html
