The new iPad 2 is slimmer and leaner compared to its predecessor. Its new features include a front-facing camera for video chat and a new dual-core A5 “system on a chip” processor, which makes the tablet “dramatically faster” according to Jobs.
The upgraded processor gives the device double the CPU power and nine times the graphics performance of the original iPad, all while keeping its 10-hour battery life.
Apart from the front-facing camera for VGA-quality video chat, the back camera can be used for 720p video recording. Apple does not specify the megapixels of both cameras.
The new 9.7-inch iPad 2 has 1,024 x 768 resolution on its screen, the same as the first iPad. Many observers are frustrated that the new tablet does not have a “retina”-esque display seen in iPhone 4.
The iPad 2 measures 9.5 by 7.3 by 0.34 inches and weighs 1.33 pounds, which makes it a bit smaller and lighter narrower than the iPad.
Other features include a 30-pin dock connector for syncing and charging, as well as a 3.5mm headset jack. No word whether the new iPad has Flash support, but it definitely does not have a microSD slot.
The iPad 2 will go retail on March 11 in the United States and March 25 in 26 other countries. Price remains the same as the first iPad, starting at US$499 for the 16GB version and an additional $130 for 3G-enabled models. It will be available for both AT&T and Verizon.
