What's New With the iPad
Apple's iPad 2 announcement was just about what we expected. The new iPad, launching tomorrow (March 11), is thinner, lighter and faster than its predecessors, with the front- and rear-facing cameras that grumpy photogs have been waiting for. Apple also introduced some new iPad software and features in the iOS 4.3 update, also coming March 11. Let's take a closer look at Apple iPad 2.
iPad 2 launch by Steve JobsVIDEO: Apple iPad 2 Hands On
iPad 2 effect: Apple slashes iPad price in India
iPad 2 launch by Steve JobsVIDEO: Apple iPad 2 Hands On
iPad 2 effect: Apple slashes iPad price in India
Much Thinner, a Little Lighter
The iPad 2 has the same 9.7-inch, 1024-by-768 resolution display as its predecessor -- no retina display this time around -- and the same storage capacities of 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, but it's stuffed inside a tinier package. Compared to the original iPad's 0.5 inches and 1.5 pounds, the new model measures 0.34 inches thick and weighs 1.33 pounds, or a little more for the 3G version.
Dual Core Processor
To compete with incoming tablet competitors, the iPad 2 packs Apple's 1 GHz, dual-core A5 processor. Apple won't say how much RAM is in the iPad 2, but claims that gaming is up to nine times faster, and generally says users will notice smoother multitasking and better performance when surfing the Web, watching movies and loading apps.
Front- and Rear-Facing Cameras
Tech watchers expected a front-facing VGA camera in the iPad 2, but the 720p, 30 frames per second rear-facing camera was a bit of a surprise. Apple's not disclosing the resolution on either camera, but they both support videos and still images.
Sweet Case, Bro
Out goes the big floppy jacket of the original iPad. In comes an optional cover -- $39 for polyurethane, $69 for leather -- that creates a magnetic hinge and rolls out to cover the screen. Rolling the cover into a triangle creates a stand that can either hold the iPad 2 upright for video calls or slightly inclined for typing. It's arguably the most forward-thinking aspect of Apple's iPad 2 announcement.
Video Mirroring
With an optional $39 dongle, users can connect the iPad to a television through HDMI, and the tablet's display will be mirrored on the big screen. It supports portrait and landscape modes, and a secondary 30-pin connector port allows the iPad to charge at the same time.
iPad 2 Software: Photo Booth
The iPad 2 will come bundled with Apple's Photo Booth software for editing and effects. It's not clear whether original iPad owners will get the software as well.
Starting March 11, iMovie will become available for iPad 2 models through the App Store for $5. It's similar to the software that's already available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but with a Precision Editor that allows for more accurate cuts.
iOS 4.3: iTunes Share
It's not the wireless iTunes syncing we've been waiting for, but a new iTunes Share feature in iOS 4.3 allows users to play videos, music and photos from a Mac or PC on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, over a shared Wi-Fi network.
iOS 4.3: Safari Tweaks
Apple promises that Safari's Nitro JavaScript engine can run JavaScript twice as fast as in iOS 4.2.
The iPad 1: Now US$100 Cheaper
The iPad 2 goes on sale tomorrow (March 11) with the same pricing as before: US$ 499 for 16 GB, US$ 599 for 32 GB, US$ 699 for 64 GB and an extra US$ 130 for 3G on all models. But right now, you can get the first-generation iPad for US$ 100 cheaper on all models. How long this offer will last is unclear.
