Apple's iPad 2 is faster, lighter, thinner and better than its predecessor, adding a host of new features to the 2010 best-seller
A Preview of the Apple iPad 2
The iPad 2 is Apple's second descent into the tablet market, and although thinner and lighter than its older brother, features a host of new features in a bid to compete with Honeycomb rivals.
Under the hood, it packs Apple's latest A5 dual-core 1.2GHz processor, offering double the speed and nine-times the graphics performance of the first-gen tablet. There's also a beefy 2500mAh battery tucked away, promising up to 10 hours of juice on a single charge.
Unlike the original iPad, Apple's second-gen slate features both front and rear-facing cameras. The back-facing snapper can record 720p HD video footage, while the forward-facing camera records at VGA quality. The new iPad is also HDMI-compatible, enabling users to mirror 1080p HD footage between your tablet and HDTV.
With iOS 4.3 onboard, the slate will also come equipped with PhotoBooth and FaceTime, enabling users to make free WiFi video calls between iPad and iPhone 4 devices. Apple's upcoming platform also offers improved Safari performance, iTunes home sharing, the option to toggle the function of the iPad switch and iMovie and GarageBand for the iPad 2.
Despite its wealth of new features, the Apple iPad 2 measures in at 8.8mm thick, 33% thinner than its older brother and skinner than the iPhone 4. It may be smaller, but the iPad 2 still manages to pack a 9.7 inch 1024 x 768 display, complete with Apple's all-new "Smart Covers". These colourful magnetic sleeves not only protect the tablet from tumbles and scratches, but transforms into a make-shift stand for comfortable typing.
Once launched, the iPad 2 will be available in both Black and White, and will come with the option of 16, 32 or 64GB of storage. Like with the original iPad, you'll also be able to choose between a 3G + WiFi version, or a cheaper, WiFi only model.
The Apple iPad 2 will be on sale in the UK from March 25th, and will be available on subsidized pay monthly deals with Orange and T-Mobile from launch.
A full review will be published here once the phone has been released.
Find out more about the Apple iPad 2 at apple.com
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Apple iPad 2 Specifications
Size
214.2mm x 185.7mm x 8.8mm
Weight
601 grams
Display
Full capacitive touch screen
Type: TFT LCD
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Size: 9.7 inches
Resolution: 1024 x 768
Input
Keyboard: On-screen
Operating System
iOS 4.3
Storage
Internal: 16/32/64GB
Miscellaneous
CPU: 1.2GHz Dual core
A-GPS with maps
Internet
Data Speed
Up to 14.4 Mbps download speed
Up to 2 Mbps upload speed
Data Protocols
3G, HSDPA
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Connectivity
Audio: 3.5mm stereo jack
Data: Standard USB
Quad Band
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.1
A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Camera
0.93 megapixel camera
None Flash
720p Video Recording
At 30 fps
Front facing camera with video calling
Power
Battery Capacity: 2500 mAh
Multimedia
Audio supported formats
Playback: MP3, AAC, M4A
Recording: Supported
Video supported formats
Playback: MPEG4, H.264, Motion JPG, MOV
Recording: Supported
Social
Social Networking Features
Twitter and Facebook Widgets
Email Access