iPad 2: available from 25 March
The iPad 2 is no longer a myth, but a reality. An apparently healthier Steve Jobs said so himself. What can you expect?
UK release: 25 March
Cost: $499 (£305 in UK-speak, but they'll probably charge us more)
Specs:
1 GHz A5 dual-core chip: two times faster CPU and nine times faster graphics
Same power consumption as A4 with same 10-hour battery life
Rear and front (shoots 720p HD video) cameras
Sadly, the 9.7-inch screen remains at 1024x768
Gyroscope
33 percent thinner: 13.4mm–8.8mm, making it thinner than the iPhone 4
Lighter: 1.5lbs-1.3lbs
White version available
16GB, 32Gb and 64GB
WiFi or 3G
A new type of case called Smart Covers will be available. They are ribbed to fold in multiple directions and magnetically attach to your iPad. They also wake the iPad when you open it and send it to sleep when you close it. Apple's usual rainbow of colours are available.
iOS 4.3 (free download from 11 March):
Better Safari that runs twice as fast,
Wireless streaming through iTunes Home sharing,
AirPlay improvements to help find your Apple TV with no configuration needed,
PhotoBooth software for the cameras,
FaceTime between most iOS devices (iPhone, Mac, iPad),
New apps:
iMovie for iPad, available 11 March for $4.99. It utilises multi-touch gestures effectively and allows social sharing with a host of mediums including Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo.
Garageband which utilises 250+ loops, features a great analogue look and tonnes of touch-sensitive instruments that react to the pressure at which they are touched – so a piano or drum kit can be played loud or soft like the real thing.
More to follow.
Also...
Cygnett cases swan in for iPad 2
Comments
sdwhyte
2 years ago
Just in time for my trip to Singapore via HK. Duty-free, anyone?
Dare99
2 years ago
Pretty, but I was hoping they'd increase the top memory on this one.
robbiebrown34
2 years ago
Not sure what to do here - I dont have an Ipad yet but will be getting one.
Do I go for the older Ipad because its cheaper and does virtually everything the Ipad 2 does except for the Camera and albeit a bit slower
OR
Do I wait and buy the new Ipad 2? Is it REALLY worth the extra money and waiting for it?
I have a feeling ebay will have some original Ipads going very cheap in the next couple of weeks - What do you all think?
sHo_sTeAL3R
2 years ago
GUIDE TO IMPORTING AN IPAD 2 A WEEK BEFORE OFFICIAL UK RELEASE DATE: 25/03
PREREQUISITE:
1) £428.80 CASH
2) ONE FRIEND IN THE STATES WILLING TO ACT AS A IPAD MULE
READY. LETS GO!
FIRST THINGS FIRST, SEND YOUR BUDDY DOWN TO THE LOCAL APPLE STORE ON FRIDAY 11TH MARCH AND PURCHASE AN IPAD 2 FOR $499 = £306.
THEN HEAD ON OVER TO www.parcel2go.com WHERE I GOT A DHL QUOTE FOR SENDING A PACKAGE WITH THE IPAD2 HEIGHT/WEIGHT DEMENISONS ( iPad 2. Dimensions: 9.5 by 7.31 by 0.34 inches Wieght 1.3 IBS) FOR £35.26 FROM A NEW YORK ZIP CODE TO A MIDLANDS ADDRESS. DON’T FORGET TO ADD ON THE EXTRA COMPENSATION COVER FOR £15.
FINALLY, TO CALCULATE THE IMPORT TAX YOU WILL NEED TO PAY HIT UP www.dutycalculator.com AND ENTER IN ALL YOUR PRICING DETAILS. THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU AN INDICATION TAX AMMOUNT OF £72.54, WHICH YOU WILL NEED TO PAY TO GET YOUR MITS ON THAT BELOVED APPLE TABLET.
TAKING YOUR FINAL COSTS INTO THE REGION OF £428.80 GIVING YOU A SAVING OF £10.20 ONE WEEK AHEAD OF THE OFFICIAL UK RELEASE.
SHo_steAL3R
Dare99
2 years ago
Seems a bit involved for an extra week plus a tenner in your pocket.
sHo_sTeAL3R
2 years ago
Some people are sad and aint got anything better to do though.
steve10307
2 years ago
Prices are still the same, if you want one get one they are the best at what they do (apple) if you haven't got an iPad I would go for the ipad2 same price better additions
cr4ig_bell
2 years ago
A bit thinner, a bit lighter and a bit faster, but now with a cheap looking stand and a camera on the front. I presume you still can't look at Flash websites and it still has no USB? I think I'll just stick to a decent games console and this fully functioning computer. Enjoy spending your money on this overrated & overpriced toy!
Mac_Enthusiast
2 years ago
The iPad 2 is a significant noteworthy improvement over the original iPad but its not exactly ground breaking.
I don't own an original iPad, I'm going to buy an iPad 2 but I have the following reservations:
1 the rear camera is a joke sub 1Megapixel
2 no USB or SD slot.
3 The screen resolution is unchanged.
4 The battery life is unchanged.
5 The storage options are unchanged.
I don't think iPad 1 owners will be rushing to upgrade.