The Cell Phone Junkie

Apple CEO Steve Jobs Wednesday announced the iPad 2, bringing with it redesigned hardware and new features.  The second generation tablet features include

• 1GHz dual-core A5 chip, twice as fast as the first generation iPad and iPhone 4′s A4
• 9 times graphic speed increase
• Front and rear facing cameras
• Gyroscope
• 33% thinner than the original iPad at 8.8mm.  This iPad is thinner than the iPhone 4
• Weight has been reduced from 1.5 to 1.3 pounds
• Available for either AT&T or Verizon
• Wi-Fi + 3G model: UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
• Wi-Fi + 3G for Verizon model: CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
• Shipping with version 4.3 of iOS
• White or Black bezel options
• Same batter life as the original iPad, 10 hours of usage or 30 days of standby
• 1080p video through an HDMI-out adapter. (New adapter also works with the original iPad, iPhone 5 and 4th gen iPod touch)
• “Smart Covers” – a screen cover that uses magnets to attach and auto-align to the iPad.  The cover has a micro-fiber lining to clean the screen and will automatically put your iPad to sleep when closed and it will wake when opened.
• FaceTime built in, with iMovie and Garage Band available for $5

The pricing remains the same for 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models at $499, $599, and $699 respectively. The iPad Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for $130 more for each model.  The device will be on sale starting March 11th online, or after 5pm in Apple retail stores.

Verizon Wireless updated its website to reflect that it will begin selling Apple’s new iPad 2 on March 11th as well. Details on the launch have not been released, though it is expected to occur at 5pm local time to coincide with the Apple retail store launch.

If you’re in the market for an iPad, but don’t want to spend full price, both Apple and AT&T have dropped the starting price of the original tablet to $400, with each unit $100 off the MSRP.  Those that purchased the iPad within the last 14 days can present a receipt at any Apple store for a $100 refund.

Finally, if you currently have the 1st generation iPad with 3G, and are looking to upgrade to the dos, AT&T says you’ll be able to keep your unlimited plan.  New users though will be required to choose either the 250MB or 2GB per month plans.

iPad 2 Promo Video

iPad 2 Smart Cover

Source: Apple