Today, Apple officially unveiled its iPad 2. Boasting that it’s faster, thinner, and lighter than its predecessor, the iPad2 is loaded with new additions including a faster processor, built-in cameras, and longer battery life.
The iPad 2 features a 1.2 GHz dual core A5 chip, which is an upgrade from the previous iPad (sporting a 1 GHz A4 processor). According to Apple, this upgrade makes the processor two times faster and the graphics performance nine times faster than the original.
Another new feature is the addition of two built-in cameras, similar to the iPhone 4, in which the cameras can be found on the front and back of the device. The rear facing camera will feature 720p video recording at 30 fps with a 5x digital zoom, while the front facing camera will record at a lower resolution still at 30 fps.
The iPad 2 is also lighter and thinner, weighing 1.3 pounds and measuring .35 inches thick as opposed to the previous iPad, which weighs 1.5 pounds and measured.5 inches thick.
Apple will offer six different models of the iPad 2, which will be available in either black or white. There will be three Wi-Fi-only models available upon release:
- $499 Wi-Fi version with 16GB of flash storage
- $599 Wi-Fi version with 32GB of flash storage
- $699 Wi-Fi version with 64GB of flash storage
Also available are three 3G-equipped models, which are compatible with carriers AT&T and Verizon:
- $629 3G version with 16GB of flash storage
- $729 3G version with 32GB if flash storage
- $829 3G version with 64GB of flash storage
Apple also introduced its iPad Smart Cover, which magnetically attaches into place on the iPad. It also puts your iPad to sleep when you cover it and wakes it up once the cover is removed without the push of a button. The iPad Smart Cover can also fold into a video stand for video chatting as well as into a keyboard stand.
The Apple iPad 2 is set to hit stores March 11.