Today, Apple announced the latest generation iPad. Steve Jobs got a standing ovation when he surprised everyone by showing up on stage, this is because we learned back in January that he would be on medical leave for an unspecified amount of time, but it was nice to see him make the announcement.
Now, you're probably wondering bout the new tablet. Let's see what's going on with Apple's latest iPad after the jump:
1) Is it really called the iPad 2?
Yup. Apple has officially named it the iPad 2. It all seemed like a name used just as a placeholder, so that we could know the different when referring to the at the time unnamed device. However, it seems that Apple chose to make the iPad 2 the official name of the second-generation iPad.
2) When is it coming?
The iPad 2 is due Friday, March 11th, 2011. This will be all models.
3) What about the 3G?
Yup, that is coming the same day.
4) Is the iPad 2 3G limited to AT&T?
Nope. The iPad 2 3G will be available on both AT&T and Verizon.
5) Can I pre-order now?
Unfortunately, Apple does not seem to be doing pre-orders at this time. Going to their store and clicking on the iPad 2 only takes you to a feature page.
6) So When Can I Order?
Apple's online store says you can start ordering on March 11th.
7) And how much is the iPad 2going to cost me. I heard it may be more expensive?
Worry not. Apple announced that the iPad 2 will cost the same amount as the original. It breaks down like this:
wifi:
$499 – 16GB
$599 – 32GB
$699 – 64GB
wifi+3G:
$629 – 16GB
$729 – 32GB
$829 – 64GB
So about the camera?
The iPad 2 has both front- and rear-facing cameras. Here are their specs according to Apple:
- Back camera: Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still camera with 5x digital zoom
- Front camera: Video recording, VGA up to 30 frames per second with audio; VGA-quality still camera
- Tap to control exposure for video or stills
- Photo and video geotagging over Wi-Fi
9) And the Processor?
That's the A5
The iPad 2 comes with a 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor. It's has low power-consumption according to Apple and is a good deal faster than the original.
Here's some more details on that:
- Dual-core processors
- Up to 2x faster CPU
- Up to 9x faster graphics
- Same low power as A4
- First dual core tablet to ship in volume
Our artist's render wasn't too far off
10) Will that have an effect on the battery life?
Apple claims the same 10-hour battery life for the iPad 2.
11) How about ports and plugs?
Most of the same stuff here: 30-pin connector (Apple standard), 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack,built-in speaker, microphone. There will also be a connector to allow for HDMI out, this will plug into the 30-pin connector jack.
12) So this one comes in two colors?
Yup, the iPad 2 comes in Black and White.
13) What are the dimensions and weight? (for comparison's sake, we've included the original iPad specs as well)
iPad 2: 9.50"(h) 7.31"(w) .34"(d) - 1.33 pounds (wifi), 1.35 (3G), 1.34 (Verizon 3G)
iPad 1: 9.56"(h) 7.47"(w) .50"(d) – 1.50 pounds (wifi), 1.60 (3G)
14) Wait, there are separate 3G configurations?
Yup. Looks like it based on Apple's official weight specs. The Verizon model weighs just a bit less, too (but the amount is probably insignificant). Here's more on that.
15) What version of iOS does the iPad 2 ship with?
The iPad 2 is coming with iOS 4.3.
16) Any important Apps?
The iPad 2 is coming with FaceTime and PhotoBooth, thanks to the camera. Coming to the iPad are some of the iLife applications as well. They aren't exclusive to the second-generation tablet, but they launch on the same day, and are no doubt optimized for the device: iMovie and GarageBand
17) How about those weird magnet jackets?
Dude, those things are wicked! Sorry…but the idea is pretty interesting. It's a magnetic cover, but it only goes over the front of the tablet, leaving the back exposed. It grips on the tablet perfectly, and while the iPad is being used with this cover, it's in sleep mode. When you open it up, the tablet automatically wakes up.
18) Any additional bells and whistles?
With the optional HDMI jack, you can send full 1080p video to an HDTV and it will support mirroring. This means you can play your games and use apps on the big screen.
This model also has a gyroscope (like the iPhone 4 and the iPod Touch 4G), enhancing some of the functions for gameplay and other tilt features.
More to Come
There is more to come with all the iPad 2 news and roundups. We hope that this guide will get you through the basic thoughts and questions about the iPad 2.
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Legacy iTunes Download Archive
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iPhone and Android Resale Value Charts
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Complete iPhone Jailbreaking Guide 
Complete iPhone Specification Matrix 
19) How much RAM is onboard? 256/512/1024?
unfortunately, Apple doesn’t mention that spec with their products. We will probably have to wait until iFixit does a teardown (that will probably happen on or around launch day) and posts their findings online.
Would it be possible to buy a 16GB and upgrade it later to 64GB? If so, would the upgrade be a lot more expensive than buying a 64 in the first place?
You cannot upgrade storage on iOS devices
I would like to know if a data plan is required on the 3G model in order to use cellular location, or is the data plan only necessary if you are using internet services?
You won’t need a data plan or a contract for this one (as is the case with the original iPad).
For for example, you could use 3G one month, then decide not to use it the next, and you are charged on a per-month basis.
Here’s a snippet from Apple’s website:
When you decide to activate 3G data service, you can choose the amount of data per month you want to buy — with no long-term contract. So if you have a business trip or vacation approaching, just sign up for the month you’ll be traveling and cancel when you get back.
More details here: http://www.apple.com/ipad/3g/
Hope that helps.
Thank you for the helpful response, but I am more interested in whether or not you have to have an ACTIVE 3G plan in order to use the iPad’s “cellular location” function. Or does the iPad just use the regular signals constantly broadcast from cell towers for location information?
Sorry, I may have misunderstood the first time.
You mean like you would need for location-based Apps, right?
Yes, that’s what I meant. I believe with Co-pilot live HD, the maps, streets and directions are part of the app on the iPad, so you don’t need to pay for real-time updating.
I know the iPad wants to use satellite information first, but will use cellular signals as a backup source for location. I doubt I will ever use a data plan, so if “cellular location” doesn’t work without it, I may be rethinking my purchase.
We are going based on an educated guess here, but my editor says the same thing.
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Assuming you were out with your iPad 3G and it didn’t find a satellite, you would be out of luck unless you paid up for the 3G service. Still that sounds like something Apple would know much better than we do. (just so you know, we’re not affiliated with them, we just like gadgets
If I find out anything from my other ongoing conversations, I’ll let you know. Thanks again.
Thanks for dropping by. Feel free to stop by anytime.
Can I create a web on ipad2?
Well, Apple doesn’t appear to answer questions unless you have an Apple product (which I don’t, yet). So I’ll have to wait until I get the iPad 2, and test that function. I’ll post what I find out, Jacob.
Thanks, William. Very appreciated.
It’s kind of a dumb policy that they won’t answer something like that, especially since it’s a deciding factor for some users. Though I’m sure that asking around some forums could be helpful as well since you are likely to run into someone who will have hands-on time by then.
Hey man, looks like someone else had the same question and a dude in the thread was able to answer it:
David said…
Does anyone know if the assisted gps works if you dont have service?
Reply March 10, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Marco said in reply to David…
It won’t work, GPS needs access to the network so it can adjust and sync the information as you need it
how do I down load music from my i touch to my i pad 2?
can you print from i pad 2
take a look at this
http://ismashphone.com/2011/08/how-to-print-from-an-ios-device-to-any-printer.html
1. Can the iPad play streaming internet radio? None of my stations (whatever the type of file winamp etc.) plays, but they all play on PC.
2. Why do not subsequent windows open in Safari? I use groupwise email, and the initial window opens, but empty. No emails show.
3. Websites with videos inside, do not play the videos. HELP PLEASE
Hi I would like to know I am planning to buy ipad2 and I need to know as I am working inside warehouse it has very weak WiFi connection I used usb antenna for laptop to near WiFi office so does Ipad2 have download for usb antenna ?? let me know thank you
Brett
if you can wait a month or so for Ipad 3. In your situation, I would recommend to share internet from your computer if possible, if not then install Wifi repeater (booster) or just another wifi router.
Explain how I can put a “favorites” list and/or “bookmark” a particular page on my I-Pad II I can’t seem to locate this anywhere. We are retired and need SIMPLE instructions. Thanks so much.