The iPad 2 is Here!!

On Wednesday, Apple unveiled it's second generation tablet, the "iPad 2"! The new model is thinner, faster, more innovative and has two cameras just as we had suspected. And it ships on March 11th!

The iPad 2 comes packed with a dual core A5 processor running at 1 Ghz. It weighs 1.3 pounds, compared to the original iPad that weighs 1.5 pounds. The new iPad w is also thinner. It is just 8.8mm think, which is even thinner than the iPhone 4! It has front and rear cameras, both capable of taking pictures or movies.



It will be available from the start on both, ATT and Verizon's 3G network, as well as in a WiFi model. The pricing structure will remain the same. The entry level 16gb WiFi model starting at $499 and will come in both Black and White!


Apple says the new A5 processor will perform up to 9 times faster than the A4 in the current iPad, without consuming more power. So the new iPad 2 is supposed to get the same 10 hour battery life as the current model. The next major change, is in Apple's initial offerings for covers. The iPad 2 has available, what is being called the "smart cover". It attaches magnetically and works as the screen protector, stand and apparently, screen cleaner!! Yep! According to Apple, the microfiber on the inside of the "smart cover" will help clean the screen when closed.

Where does the "Smart" part come in? In the magnets of coarse! The lid will auto align itself with the magnets in the iPad 2 for a perfect fit every time. Also, the iPad senses the lid using magnetic sensors. These are like used in the Macbooks, When you close the lid, the iPad will go to sleep. The "smart cover" can also fold up to be used as the iPad's stand, for typing you watching movies, etc. etc. They will come in several colors. The Polycarbonate models will be $39 and the Leather ones will be $69.

The iPad 2 ships on Friday, March 11th in the U.S. Later in the month for the rest of the world.