As expected, Apple today announced the iPad 2. It is very much an incremental update from the first generation iPad rather than a complete evolution with the hoped-for higher resolution display.
“With more than 15 million iPads sold, iPad has defined an entirely new category of mobile devices,” said 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.”
Apple iPad 2 specifications:
- Processor: 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 system-on-a-chip
- Operating system: Apple iOS 4.3
- Connectivity: 3G models: Quad-band GSM and UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA or CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (data only)
- Other connectivity: A-GPS (on 3G models), 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- Display: 9.7-inch LED-backlit capacitive touchscreen (1024 x 768 pixels)
- Storage: 16 / 32 / 64GB
- Rear-facing camera: Zoom and 720p HD video capture
- Front-facing camera: VGA
- Connectors: 30-pin dock connector port, 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI-out
- Dimensions / weight: 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 millimeters / 601 grams
- Colours: Black or white
- Other: Three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass
The iPad 2 will be available in the US from both AT&T and Verizon starting on March 11th. Pricing will start at US$499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model and tops out at US$829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi+3G model. In Canada, it will be available starting March 25th from Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless, and TELUS Mobility. Canadian pricing is not yet available but should be in line with US.