Apple iPad 2 launches with dual-core 1GHz CPU

After months of speculations and rumors, finally the moment has arrived. Apple has finally unveiled the second generation Apple iPad 2 tablet at the launch event held in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. New Apple iPad 2 is mere 8.8mm thin and sports dual-core 1GHz Apple A5 processor but carries the same 9.7-inch display. Apple announced that iPad 2 would be also be available in White color. 

Apple iPad 2 retains the screen size with 9.7-inch LED-backlit display and the company clearly rubbishes the possibility of any 7-inch tablet. It is said to be 33 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter compared to its predecessor.

Design

Although Apple CEO Steve Jobs couldn't stop emphasizing on the new design, the iPad 2 looks nothing different from the iPad from the front. However, when looked from side, it certainly has shed lot of weight and got the iPod touch 3G like slimmer back panel. Weighing mere 1.3 pounds the new iPad 2 measures mere 8.8mm slim which is just hair thicker than the Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2011.

Processor
Apple has used in-house designed dual-core 1GHz A5 System-on-Chip processor inside the second generation tablet. It's capable enough for multi-tasking, video recording, FaceTime video calls and loads Apps faster. The Graphics core boosts nine times better visual performance compared to the first generation iPad.

Cameras

The iPad 2 gets a megapixel camera at the back panel for clicking images and shooting 720p HD video. The front panel VGA cameras allows FaceTime video chat/call and also gets different camera effects. 

Connectivity

The second generation iPad 2 will have 3G network support along with Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. Apple has shelled out a new HDMI cable connector that promises 1080p HD video output when connected to the proprietary 30-pin dock connector port on the iPad 2.

Other Features

Apple has added three-axis gyrometer along with accelerometer in the iPad 2 that can be used in several innovative Apps and mostly gaming. Even though the The side switch will now offer users two options - Mute or Rotation lock. Several users were unhappy when Apple had changed this function via software update for the first generation iPad. At the back panel lies the speak mesh that seems to promise decent audio out put.

Battery life

Remains the same - 10 hours and a month long stand by time.

Pricing

16GB iPad 2 WiFi - $499

32GB iPad 2 WiFi - $599

64GB iPad 2 WiFi - $699

16GB iPad 2 WiFi+3G - $629

32GB iPad 2 WiFi+3G - $729

64GB iPad 2 WiFi+3G - $829

HDMI Connector Cable - $39

Poly Smart Cover in 5 colors - $39

Leather Smart Cover in 5 colors - $69

Availability
The iPad 2 would be available from Apple Stores, AT&T and Verizon. More 26 countries will get Apple iPad 2 from March 25 onwards. And not surprising that India wasn't listed amongst those 26 countries.

Apple iPad 2 will be available from March 11 in US. Stay tuned to this space for we'll update it with details as and when made available.