SillyDog701

[Antony]

Apple introduced iPad 2 today. iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life that users have come to expect. iPad 2 is available in black or white. Apple also introduces the innovative iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of vibrant polyurethane and rich leather colours.



iPad 2 will come with iOS 4.3, with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay.

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[Antony]

Now, here's the bits we hate about Americans: The lucky Americans will be able to get their iPad 2 on 11th March, 2 weeks ahead of rest of the world (a handful selections of 2nd tier countries, rather).

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on 11th March for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model.

Outside USA, iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on 25th March 2011. No price information for iPad 2 outside USA yet.

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[James]

My wife and I are eyeing the ipad2, Antony. It looks like a winner and a great way replacement for our laptops when we travel.

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[Antony]

I've been travelling with my iPad (original version) since I got it last year. It has been pretty handy in a number of situations.

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[DJGM]

Given the choice, if I wanted to buy one of these tablet/slate devices, I'd go for one of the Android
based ones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Pricewise, they're about the same, so one can't use
the "overpriced Apple stuff" argument that often comes up in Mac vs PC arguments, since most
of the rival tablet/slate devices are technically overpriced to.

The first iPad only had a 4:3 display, and the iPad2 is the same. For watching movies and most TV
shows this is no good, as they're made in a 16:9 aspect ratio, especially HD content. Many films
are even wider than that, using the 21:9 aspect ratio, which look awful on a 4:3 display. It's OK
for the apps and older TV shows to be shown on 4:3 display though.

At least the display is LED backlit, which is a nice upgrade ... a pity it isn't widescreen though.

The other thing that makes me favour Android over iOS is Adobe Flash Player, and Apple's spat
with Adobe, where Apple outright refusal to allow any type of Flash content on any iOS device.
If Apple claims the iPad offer a complete web browsing experience, then that's misleading,
and any such advertisement that says so could potentially be banned in the UK.

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[Antony]

Don't forget to order your Invisivle Shield for iPad 2 to protect your new gadget.

Or better yet, also order ZAGGmate, a stylish case and with a bluetooth keyboard, a great companion for your new iPad 2.



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[Antony]

Apple has official confirmed that iPad 2 will be available in 25 additional countries this Friday (25th March 2011) despite the growing concern of the iPad 2 supply not able to meet the demand. Except Japan which was previously planned, iPad 2 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK on March 25.

Like in the US, iPad 2 will go on sale at Apple retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers at 5 p.m. local time and Apple Online Store at 1 a.m.

In Australia, iPad 2 is cheaper than the original iPad, ranging from AU$ 50 to AU$ 100 depending on the models.

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