Apple's iPad2 Fires a Shot in the Tablet Wars

Apple catapulted into tablet computing with the introduction of the iPad in April 2010.  The iPad has since been one of the faster selling devices in history and has positioned tablets as the future of computing.

Yesterday, Apple unveiled their 2nd generation tablet, the iPad2, in San Francisco.  Ailing Apple chief Steve Jobs was on-hand to unveil the new device which is lighter and thinner. Here's a run down on the iPad 2 features:

• iPad2 available from Apple, Verizon and AT&T on March 11, 2011.
• 15% lighter weighing only 1.35 lbs
• 33% thinner at 0.34 inches
• Same 10-hour battery life as the original iPad
• Includes a thin Smart Cover to protect the display - a variety colors are available
• Powered by the Apple 1GHz dual-core A5 processor - it's twice as fast but same low-power consumption
• Graphics is now 9 times faster
• Display: 1024x768 pixel, 9.7-inch display, fingerprint-resistant coating
• Front facing camera for Facetime video chat
• Rear camera records 720p HD  video; 5x digital zoom for still photos
• Two color choices: black and white
• Supports 3G on Verizon and AT&T networks
• Internal storage options: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB
• New apps bundled with the iPad2 include Photo Booth and Facetime
• From the App Store: GarageBand and iMovie HD movie editor
• Features AirPrint wireless printing and AirPlay video, music and photo streaming
• HDMI output to an HDTV or projector available with optional adapter cable

As for what the iPad2 lacks, there is no provision for 4G support, no Retina display like the iPhone4, no super durable Gorilla Glass on the display, no SD Card slot, and no ability for the iPad2 to be used as wi-fi hotspot.  But with the release of the new iOS 4.3 on March 11, 2011, which was also announced by Apple, the iPhone4 will have wi-fi hotspot capability.  And there is still no Flash support for the iPad2 as to be expected.

The new iPad2 has a lot of great new features and really raises the bar for other tablet computers. It makes a power contender against Motorola's Xoom, HP/Palm TouchPad or Blackberry Playbook.