OK, we can finally stop with all the rumors. The iPad 2 is here. And it looks to be another insanely great product from the Cupertino company.
During a special event held in San Francisco, Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, took the stage amidst a standing ovation in his signature black mock turtleneck and faded jeans. Despite reports of his ailing health, Steve looked to be his usual wise-cracking self, delivering verbal shots to all of Apple's competitors, and calling 2011 the "Year of the copycats". He also fired off some impressive stats: 15 million iPads sold in 2010, $9.5 billion in iPad revenue, and a 90% market share.
Jobs then go to the matter at hand and announced the all-new iPad 2. The new tablet is faster, thinner, and lighter than its predecessor. Here are the specs:
• Dual-core A5 Processor
• 10-hour battery life
• Available in 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB configurations
• 9X faster graphics
• 1.5 pounds
• Front and rear facing camera
The iPad 2 will support both AT&T and Verizon networks when it goes on sale in the U.S. on March 11. The pricing structure is still the same as the original iPad, with the low-end model starting at $499 and the high-end model sporting a $829 sticker price.
And that's not all. Steve also showed off a new, thinner Smart Case for the iPad 2 that features a microfiber interior, and a new HDMI cable that will allow for video mirroring and will only run you $39. The new iPad will run Apple's new iOS 4.3 that will support PhotoBooth and AirPlay in apps as well as websites.
Oh, and one more thing. The iPad 2 will come in black and white. Get excited. apple.com/ipad
