Apple’s long-awaited update to its market-leading iPad tablet was revealed today by the company’s CEO Steve Jobs. The iPad 2 is a completely new design, featuring at its heart the company’s new A5 dual-core CPU chip, meaning improved performance up to twice as fast as that of the outgoing model, with graphics performance up to nine times faster.
All of this manages to still draw the same low amount of power as the A4 chip found in the first model. It will be the first Dual Core tablet to ship in high volumes.
Physical specifications
The iPad 2 is not just faster than the old version, it’s thinner too, at just 8.8mm, which is 0.5mm thinner than an iPhone 4, and 33% thinner than the first iPad. It weighs in 0.2 pounds lighter than the first iPad at just 1.3 pounds. Apple claim that the new iPad will have the same 10-hour battery life as the old one, with a claimed standby time of 1 month.
Hardware and software upgrades
The new device features video cameras front and back, enabling compatibility with the new FaceTime and iMovie apps that will be included when iOS4.3 is released on March 11th. The rear camera shoots HD video, and the new device also includes a gyroscope, like the one featured in the iPhone 4, together with an HDMI video out port that will provide a mirrored video output via an optional $39 adaptor.
Pricing and availability
Pricing for the new model remains the same as the previous versions, at $499 for the base 16GB WiFi version, rising to $829 for the 64GB WiFi + 3G model.
- 16GB WiFi $499
- 32GB WiFi $599
- 64GB WiFi $699
- 16GB WiFi + 3G $629
- 32GB WiFi + 3G $729
- 64GB WiFi + 3G $829
Both black and white versions will be available from the launch date, which is March 11th 2011 in the US. Shipping in 26 other countries, including the UK, will begin on March 25th 2011. Pre-orders are possible from the US online Apple Store from today.
Smart Cover
A major accessory Apple have revealed to complement the iPad 2 is a cleverly designed magnetic cover known as the Smart Cover. This consists of a thin, segmented hinged flap that attaches to the device with magnets and can put the iPad to sleep when closed and wake it on opening.
The magnets are used to align the cover and hold it in place, and its segmented design means that it can be folded into a triangular stand. Designed to add minimal extra weight and thickness, the Smart Cover also features a microfibre lining to help keep the iPad 2’s screen clean. They are available in polyurethane and leather finishes, and each finish is available in five colours. Prices will be $39 for plastic and $69 for leather.
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