iPad 2: New details emerge

[Sunny]

With Apple stuff (and most other electronics), I always skip one gen. I don't have previous gen Ipad, so I might this, but if I did, I would definitely skip it.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I'm a bit underwhelmed, haven't really seen anything that makes me want to upgrade.

Honestly, if I currently had an iPad I wouldn't upgrade. I always believe in waiting a few generations before upgrading.

On the other hand, I don't have a iPad so this one is fine with me.

 

[Michael]

Right, I skipped the first iPad because I thought that facetime was essential. Now it has it. I was expecting to be blown away. I was impressed, but not blow away. I think the tipping point for me would have been a better screen resolution. Now, I am pretty sure the next iPad will have great resolution and upgraded camera, keeping the same processor and a very much improved iOS.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

iPad 2 vs. original iPad: what's changed?

- iPad 2 vs. original iPad: what's changed? -- Engadget

 

[HighestOfHigh]

The iPad 2 - Press Release

Apple Launches iPad 2

All New Design is Thinner, Lighter & Faster with FaceTime, Smart Covers & 10 Hour Battery

SAN FRANCISCO-March 2, 2011-Apple® today introduced iPad™ 2, the next generation of its magical device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks and much more. iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple's new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life* that users have come to expect. iPad 2 is available in black or white, features models that run on AT&T's and Verizon's 3G networks, and introduces the innovative iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of vibrant polyurethane and rich leather colors.

"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."

With the new front and rear cameras, iPad 2 users can now make FaceTime calls to millions of iPhone® 4, iPod touch® and Mac® users so they can see family and friends anywhere there is Wi-Fi. Photo Booth lets you apply fun visual effects, including eight photo special effects like Squeeze, Twirl and Kaleidoscope, to photos captured by either camera.

iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, the latest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system, with new features including faster Safari® mobile browsing performance; iTunes® Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay®;** the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio; and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi.*** Additional iPad 2 features include a built-in gyro for advanced gaming; HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G on AT&T, and HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor.

The innovative new iPad 2 Smart Cover provides protection for the iPad screen while maintaining its thin and lightweight profile. Designed with a unique self-aligning magnetic hinge that makes it easy to attach and remove, the new iPad 2 Smart Cover automatically wakes iPad 2 when it's opened and puts it to sleep when it's closed, and has a soft microfiber lining to help keep the screen clean. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos and is available in vibrant polyurethane for $39 or rich leather for $69 in a range of colors, including a (PRODUCT) RED one which helps support the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie® and GarageBand® for iPad, both available on the App Store℠ for just $4.99 each. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe℠ gallery; watch them on their iPod®, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV®. GarageBand turns your iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing you to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures–even if you don't play a musical instrument.

iPad 2 runs almost all of the over 350,000 apps available on the App Store and there are more than 65,000 native iPad apps available from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The iTunes Store gives iPad users access to the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 14 million songs, over 50,000 TV episodes and over 10,000 films including over 3,500 in stunning high definition video. The iBooks® app for iPad includes Apple's iBookstore℠, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device.

Pricing & Availability
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (Apple), Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iMovie and GarageBand for iPad apps will be available on March 11 for $4.99 each from the App Store on iPad or Connecting to the iTunes Store..

iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25; and in many more countries around the world in the coming months. Further international availability and pricing will be announced at a later date.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

**AirPlay video requires second generation Apple TV running the latest software.

***Personal Hotspot requires supporting data plan. Customers should check with their carrier for availability.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
​

- The iPad 2 -- Engadget

 

[klier]

I'm a bit underwhelmed, haven't really seen anything that makes me want to upgrade.


Best regards,
south

Understand, and it makes sense.
I don't have one yet, so iPad 2 is going to be great for me I will definitely buy one! Smallest memory is fine for me too, since I don't need all that much...

 

[klier]

BTW...Someone needs to bring Klier to this thread immediately. He is going to flip when he sees this.

Hahaha! I am very happy indeed man!

Also, I really love it. FaceTime included.

And one more thing:

Amazingly, the iPad 2 launches in Europe on the very same day as the Nintendo 3DS Now I am going to have to choose. Both is going to be too expensive. Such a coincidence....

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Also, I really love it. FaceTime included.

Yep..I think I'm going to get the white one. Still might get the 64GB.

 

[Michael]

I can't decide whether I want white or black. I am pretty sure the white is going to be very popular.

 

[klier]

In my opinion, white is nice for girls.

Black no doubt!

BTW, I read that iOS 4.3 is going to make Safari like 50% faster than it already is. Good news.
And I do not miss flash at all. Hardly notice it's not there.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

In my opinion, white is nice for girls.

Lol...Oh come on Klier! If you remember the original ipod was only available in white.

I could see if it was in Pink or something.

 

[ACE]

the cameras are VGA and not that impressive

The rear facing camera shoots HD video in 720p. It cannot be VGA.

Ipad2 looks good to me, I will order one as soon as it becomes available on the Apple website.

 

[klier]

Lol...Oh come on Klier! If you remember the original ipod was only available in white.

I could see if it was in Pink or something.

Yeah I remember. But still, if there is a choice between black and white, ......

Anyways.....I can't find the text anymore (I think Apple.com, but the site is in overdrive now and it's hard to access), but do I read the screen size went to 9.5" instead of 9.7" on the old iPad??

Edit;

never mind, it's still 9.7"

 

[Michael]

The rear facing camera shoots HD video in 720p. It cannot be VGA.

Ipad2 looks good to me, I will order one as soon as it becomes available on the Apple website.

I meant the front-facing one.

 

[klier]

^ It's sort of weird, because didn't I read FaceTime on the new MacBook Pro is in HD now, full screen??
Would have been nice if iPad 2 could connect FaceTime in HD to the new MacBook Pro...

 

[footie]

I don't have one but the brother does and he is definitely upgrading because of the FaceTime ability as we use it regularly on our iPhones and find it much better than skype.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

How the iPad 2 stacks up against the competition

Apple iPad 2
Dimensions: 9.5 by 7.31 by 0.34 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 9.7 inches, 1,024 by 768
Weight: 1.3 pounds (Wi-Fi-only), 1.33 pounds (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Apple A5
Cameras: VGA in front, 720p video capture-capable in back
Battery: 10 hours of Wi-Fi surfing
Ports: 30-pin dock connector
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: iOS 4.3
Price: $499 (for 16GB Wi-Fi version) up to $829 (for 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G model)
Release date: March 11 (U.S.), March 25 (additional countries)

Dell Streak 7
Dimensions: 7.9 by 4.7 by 0.5 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 800 by 480
Weight: 1 pound
Processor: Dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 2780 mAh, four hours video playback
Ports: microUSB, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 2.2
Price: $449 (no contract, T-Mobile), $199 (with two-year T-Mobile contract)
Release date: Available now

HP TouchPad
Dimensions: 9.45 by 7.48 by 0.54 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 9.7 inches, 1,024 by 768
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060
Camera: 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 6300 mAh
Ports: microUSB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: WebOS
Price: Unknown
Release date: Summer

LG G-Slate
Dimensions: Unknown
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 8.9 inches, resolution unknown, 3D (anaglyph) capable
Weight: Unknown
Processor: Dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear, dual-lens stereoscopic), front-facing lens (unknown resolution)
Battery: Unknown
Ports: Unknown
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: Unknown
Release date: Spring 2011 (T-Mobile)

Motorola Xoom
Dimensions: 9.8 by 6.6 by 0.5 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 10.1 inches, 1,280 by 800
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 2MP (front)
Battery: 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing
Ports: MicroUSB, mini-HDMI, microSD (not enabled yet)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G later this year (must be shipped to carrier for upgrade)
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: $800 (32GB), or $600 with a two-year Verizon Wireless contract
Release date: Available now

Samsung Galaxy Tab
Dimensions: 7.48 by 4.74 by 0.47 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 1,024 by 600
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Processor: 1GHz Cortex A8 "Hummingbird"
Cameras: 3MP (rear), 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 7 hours
Ports: microUSB, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: Android 2.2
Price: $249 with two-year contact on T-Mobile, $299 with two-year Sprint contract, $549 on AT&T, no contract, $599 on Verizon, no-contract, or $299 with two-year Verizon contract.
Release date: Available now

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Dimensions: 0.43 inches thick
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 10.1 inches, 1,280 by 800
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 8MP (rear), 2MP (front)
Battery: 6860 mAh
Ports: microUSB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: Unknown
Release date: Spring (Europe), unknown (U.S.)

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook
Dimensions: 7.6 by 5.1 by 0.4 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 1024 by 600
Weight: 0.9 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Cortex A9
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 3MP (front)
Battery: 8 hours (or so RIM is promising)
Ports: microUSB, mini-HDMI
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G (summer, through Sprint)
Platform: QNX
Price: Unknown (but expected to be $500 or less)
Release date: Q1 2011

​

- How the iPad 2 stacks up against the competition - Yahoo! News

 

[klier]

^^ Very nice HoH!!!!!

I don't have one but the brother does and he is definitely upgrading because of the FaceTime ability as we use it regularly on our iPhones and find it much better than skype.

Eats battery life like crazy though. But yeah it's awesome. Everyone I show it to goes wild when they see it!

 

[Potential]

I'll probably upgrade as soon as it comes out as I've used my 1st gen iPad more and more over the past few months. The camera will be helpful for work situations.

 

[Cashmere]

dont know how credible this news is but.......

iPad3 worth getting excited about – not the iPad2, Apple staffer claims

* MobileMe is being revamped with cloud storage features.
* The iPad 2 is a ho-hum update. It’s more of a speed bump than a redesign.
* The iPad 3 is the one to get excited about, and it’s on track for release later this year.

The Apple staffer, who asked to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, said the new MobileMe service will store music, TV shows, and films that were purchased from the iTunes store. The staffer also said that there was talk inside Apple of being able to upload all your music and videos to the cloud whether it was purchased from iTunes or not. However, they couldn’t confirm whether this will be rolled out or not. Before Apple bought it, the LaLa music service allowed users to upload music to an online locker for streaming to any device. There has been a lot of speculation that Apple would roll LaLa’s service into iTunes to create a streaming music service.

The Apple staffer declined to give details about the iPad 2 or 3, but said:

“For the iPad 2 don’t get your hopes up too high. That’s all I’m going to say. They’ve had a number of problems along the way, and the third-generation iPad is the one to make a song and a dance about.”