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Take Two for the King of the Tablets
Apple's iPad took the crown as the most influential technology product of 2010. It may well define this entire decade. Consider that apart from mobile phones, the iPad is the fastest-selling consumer electronics device in history with Apple moving 15 million units last year. The iPad has sold faster than Apple's own iPhone and iPod not to mention DVD players, which previously held this title. That was 2010. Today Apple announced its encore.
iPad 2 … in One Sentence
Available March 11th, the iPad 2 is Apple's second-generation iOS-based tablet computer.
The Killer Feature
For a company with many fans ("fanboys" as some call them though plenty of women like Apple's products too), Apple sure doesn't care that much about creating enemies by crushing entire industries — like case manufacturers for example.
In addition to the iPad 2, Apple announced the iPad Smart Cover. Though sold separately and though it's not a case, this add-on may inflict pain on case manufacturers because of its tight integration with the iPad 2.
The iPad Smart Cover magnetically attaches to the iPad. When it covers the iPad's screen the iPad goes to sleep. When you roll it back, the iPad awakens. The cover doubles as a stand when rolled back below the iPad. It comes in a variety of colors in two materials — polyurethane ($39) and leather ($69).
Other Notable Features
Thin is always in with Apple products. As expected, the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor — a 0.34 inch depth and a 1.33 pound weight.
Apple has added two cameras to the iPad 2 — one in front for FaceTime videoconferencing and one in back for taking photos and shooting high-definition 720p video. The new dual-core processor and graphics chip boost performance — graphics by nine times over the original iPad. As a result, the iPad supports 1080p mirrored output to a compatible television with an optional HDMI adapter.
What hasn't changed? Ten hours of battery life and the choice of WiFi or WiFi + 3G models with 16, 32, or 64 GB of memory. However, for the 3G version you can now choose between an AT&T or Verizon model. Also, the multi-touch screen still measures 9.7 inches with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels at 132 pixels per inch. Similarly, the prices have not changed, ranging from $499 to $829.
What Else Should You Know?
Alongside the iPad 2, Apple announced iOS 4.3 and some new companion apps (GarageBand, iMovie, Photobooth). iOS 4.3 includes support for a personal WiFi hotspot, WiFi syncing with iTunes, and enhancements to AirPlay (wireless broadcasting from your iPad to your Apple TV) and Safari (the Web browser). Learn more about iPad 2.
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