MobileTechReview Forum, News and Reviews: Apple Launches the iPad 2

Apple today introduced iPad 2 with dual core CPU, FaceTime, Smart Covers and it's thinner and lighter than the last iPad. Key new features also include HDMI mirroring, WiFi hotspot sharing and a screen rotation lock. Here is more info from today's official release:

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad. It has the same 9.7" LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple's new dual-core A5 processor, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, up to 10 hours of battery life and comes in black or white on AT&T and Verizon 3G networks. Along with the iPad 2, Apple also introduces the iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of vibrant polyurethane and rich leather colors.

iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3 with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio; and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi. Additional iPad 2 features include a built-in gyro for advanced gaming; HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G on AT&T, and HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor.

Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie and GarageBand for iPad, both available on the App Store for just $4.99 each. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe gallery; watch them on their iPod, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV. GarageBand turns your iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing you to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures?even if you don?t play a musical instrument.

Pricing & Availability

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, $699 for the 64GB model.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.

iPad 2 will be sold in the US through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple?s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iMovie and GarageBand for iPad apps will be available on March 11 for $4.99 each from the App Store on iPad or www.itunes.com/appstore

The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos and is available in vibrant polyurethane for $39 or rich leather for $69 in a range of colors, including a (PRODUCT) RED one which helps support the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

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