The first generation iPad has been well received by consumer’s everywhere, leaving a lot to live up to. Additionally, some major competition is threatening Apple’s hold on the tablet market. Apple is set to release the iPad2 in March, and there are many new features to delve into. These include, but are not limited to, better hardware, graphics, connectivity, and price.
Better hardware and graphics go hand in hand. Addressing these together, the major contributor is the A5 dual-core processor. It has been reported to be twice as fast that previously seen in iPads. Other hardware goodies include the addition of a gyroscope, bringing the iPad ever closer to the Microsoft Kinect, and two more camera’s for video conferencing. One camera in the front, so you can take pictures and edit them a la DS photo type games. The other camera is located in the back, and is capable of recording video at 720p.
Connectivity is more external. Featuring a HDMI out for HD video display. Yes, we will have to invest some more money to buy an adapter, but in the long run it is worth it to spend the $39 to get your iPad viewable onto your TV. This feature also transmits sound, so we can transfer that onto our amazing sound setups that come with most standard TVs.
The iPad is looking to corner the market price wise as well. Expected to give more value for your money then the competitors’ releases this year, Apple has gone one step further and also lowered the price of the original iPad. Prices range from $500 to $830 for the new iPad 2, and $400, to $730 for the iPad.
Now some things were just fine, and didn’t need to be changed. The display will be remaining at the 9.7” measurements. Continuing on with a 1024 x 768 resolution display for that screen with backlit LED. The storage size options are also remaining the same, at 16, 32, and 64GB.
To top it all off though, the iPad2 will be lighter, and smaller. Cutting nearly 100grams off the weight across the board. The thickness was also adjusted to be smaller. Going from13.4mm down to 8.8mm. So we get all these cool and awesome new features, and somehow the folk’s at Apple managed to re-arrange and squish them in to this smaller package. Overall the design hasn’t changed from the original iPad, though there will be a new color option available. All in all great things to look forward to!
Macworld did a great video on the first day at the conference, check it out.