iPad 2 Revealed!

Yesterday was Apple's press event for the iPad 2, and as many had hoped, Steve Jobs did indeed take the stage to a thunderous standing ovation. His first announcement was about Apple's recent successes which included touting the high numbers of iTunes accounts, iPhones sold, iOS apps and number of iBooks sold. He also mentioned that Random House has come to an agreement with Apple and they will soon begin selling their books in the iBooks store.

After showing a video of how the iPad has inspired a nation by becoming integrated within such institutions as schools and in the medical profession, Jobs made the event official by introducing the iPad 2, which will go on sale next week on March 11.

The next generation iPad has been redesigned and upgraded in many aspects, most notably being thinner, faster, having front and rear cameras, and of course coming in black or white. Specifically, the thickness will be only 8.8mm, and 33% thinner than the first iPad. Instead of the A4 processor, Apple is using an A5 dual core processor which makes the CPU 2x faster and the graphics will be an amazing 9x faster. There hasn't been word of how much RAM will be included, but the hope is that there is at least 512MB.

The iPad 2 will supposedly have the same amazing battery life and be the same price as the original iPad. There will be 2 separate 3G models, one for AT&T and one for Verizon... it will also come in non-wifi versions.

As far as accessories, an HDMI video out attachment was shown, as well as the "Smart" Cover, which is a magnetic-connecting, front-only flap that covers the screen. I definitely do not see myself buying one of these because I think the colors of the polyurethan ones just suck, and the leather ones are too expensive. I also think the magnetic connectors would probably scratch the surface eventually, plus it really doesn't protect the iPad much at all if you would accidentally drop it. If I do end up buying an iPad 2, I will be hunting for a third party case that gives me the same functionality as the original Apple Case.

The event was not done yet... iOS 4.3 was the next announcement, and the free update which is going to be available on March 11 as well, will include home sharing, a rebuilt Safari with enhanced performance, and improvements to Air Play, which will now allow video streaming to an AppleTV from websites and third party apps. The iPhone 4 will also have the ability to be a personal hotspot.

The cameras were discussed and of course, FaceTime for the iPad made an appearance. They also demonstrated a highly advanced version of iMovie and Garage Band, and both turn the iPad into much more of a creative tool than just a 'media consumption' device. It appears that you could potentially make a full length movie on this thing, plus compose amazing songs.

All-in-all, I am slightly impressed with Apple's new iPad. I wasn't expecting much, so I'm not disappointed in the least. I think the speed boost, the cameras and the thinner design are worth an upgrade if you can afford it. Personally, I'm debating if I should get one. I'm not in perfect shape financially, so I would have to move some things around in order to get one, plus I am definitely content with my current iPad. Then again, I notice more and more how some web pages load really slow and think about the quickness of iPad 2... plus the mere fact that you own the newest 'toy' is half the fun of actually owning it.

We'll see... I'll keep you posted.