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Posted by Alexander Bader on Mar 2, 2011
iPad 2 Officially Introduced

iPad 2 Officially Introduced

At its exclusive event in San Francisco, Apple unveiled the iPad 2, the successor of the original iPad the company released last April. The second iterative launch features a fresh design paired with a multitude of features, ranging from dual cameras to new gyroscope technology.

At the core of the iPad 2 is a 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor, which should provide twice the power as the A4 while maintaining the iPad’s coveted 10 hour battery life.

Performance isn’t the only thing that will benefit from the A5 upgrade. “The graphics on this thing are wonderful,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who made a surprise appearance at the Wednesday event despite being on medical leave.

The iPad 2 offers two cameras, for use with FaceTime video chat and other multimedia apps. FaceTime can be used between two iPad 2s, between the iPad 2 and an iPhone or iPod touch, or between an iPad 2 and a Mac using FaceTime for Mac. Apple also announced a new Photo Booth app for the iPad.

The front camera is capable of recording VGA-resolution video at 30 frames per second with audio. The front camera can also take still photos at 640-by-480. The back camera can record HD video at 720p at 30 frames per second with audio. When in still camera mode, the back camera sports a 5X digital zoom.

Overall, the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, weighing 1.3 pounds and measuring 0.35 inches thick. The original iPad was 1.5 pounds (1.6 pounds for the 3G iPad) and 0.5 inches thick. The iPad 2 is actually thinner than the iPhone 4, which is 0.37 inches thick.

Other new features include a gyroscope, 10 hours of battery life, 1080p video out (using an Apple Digital AV Adapter or Apple VGA Adapter), and a choice between a black or white iPad.

Apple says the iPad 2 will be available on March 11 in the United States, but would not reach other countries until later this month through online and retail Apple Stores.