Apple certainly holds the pulse of several enthusiasts and seemingly the company is also well versed with the ways of the tech realm. Whether it comes across as a surprise or an impending announcement, the manufacturer has officially uncovered the iPad 2. Extending the string of abilities knitted together in the original iteration, this new offering has been crafted to flaunt the much anticipated camera feature in a slimmer and crispier outline.
Those who have been lucky enough to lay their hands on the original tablet can expect to immerse in a refined experience with this one. The innovation is plugged to be 33 percent thinner as opposed to the first iPad while being 15 percent lighter and agile. Sporting a 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD display, it seems to be an enhanced computing slate combined with the abilities of an eReader. Touted to render a battery life of up to 10 hours, it will run on AT&T and Verizon’s 3G networks.
“With more than 15 million iPads sold, iPad has defined an entirely new category of mobile devices,†remarked Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “While others have been scrambling to copy the first generation iPad, we’re launching iPad 2, which moves the bar far ahead of the competition and will likely cause them to go back to the drawing boards yet again.â€
Powered by the iOS 4.3, the iPad 2 has been engineered to extend an advanced mobile solution with Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor. Besides fortifying the earlier attributes, the company has presented the tablet with a built-in gyro for rolling out a superior gaming experience. In addition, it comes equipped with HSUPA support and HDMI Video Mirroring. The latter enables users to connect the device with an HDTV through an optional adapter.
The previous version of the device has received quite some flak for the exclusion of the camera facility. This time around, Apple appears ready to take one and all as the upcoming system boasts of two cameras. Users can now make video calls through FaceTime and Photo Booth with the integrated front-facing VGA camera whereas the one on the rear is capable of recording 720p HD video. Phone Booth has been designed to offer eight special effects including Squeeze, Twirl and Kaleidoscope. The electronic giant has also introduced other new applications including iMovie and GarageBand in addition to the existing Safari, iTunes and AirPlay for the device.
Unlike the previous black cloak of its predecessor, this version has been dipped in a white hue as well. To complement the inherent beauty, new iPad 2 Smart Covers have been fashioned with a distinct self-aligning magnetic hinge. Made out of a soft microfiber, these can be employed for easily dressing the device. Tailored from vibrant polyurethane and rich leather, these variants of the enclosure are priced at $39 (approx. Rs. 1,753) and $69 (approx. Rs. 3,102), respectively. Customers who wish to contribute towards the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa can pick a red-colored Smart Cover.
Designed in multiple flavors, the iPad 2 will be available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G models from March 11, 2011 across the US. Available in three capacities, the iPad 2 Wi-Fi 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models will be up for grabs at $499 (approx. Rs. 22,434), $599 (approx. Rs. 26,930) and $699 (approx. Rs. 31,435), respectively. Enthusiasts can purchase the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G version by shelling out $629 (approx. Rs. 28,287), $729 (approx. Rs. 32,784) and $829 (approx. Rs. 37,281) for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB editions, correspondingly.
The iPad 2 has been scheduled to hit other countries across the globe including the UK, Spain, Australia, Belgium and Japan on March 25, 2011. The pricing and availability details of the device in these regions are expected to be announced on a later date.
