The iPad 2 has a dual-core A5 chip (compared to its predecessor's single-core A4 processor), which Apple claims can pump out nine times the graphics performance of the original iPad. It also packs an iPhone 4-style gyroscope for more sensitive tilt controls.
The Hardware Specs
On stage, Jobs touted the new design for the iPad 2:
It's 33% thinner and 15% lighter than the original iPad, but the screen size remains the same.
Apple says the battery life will be unchanged up to 10 hours.
It will feature a dual-core A5 processor.
The iPad 2 will have two cameras. The front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and a rear-facing camera that will capture 720p HD video.
The new device will come in 2 colors. Oh yes. The mythical white iPad will be available on the first day of sales, says Jobs.
The iPad 2 will run on both AT&T and Verizon's 3G networks.
It includes a new Smart Cover that offers screen protection and doubles as a stand.
A built-in gyro.
HDMI video mirroring, which will let you mirror your iPad screen on an HDTV.
The Operating System
The iPad 2 will come with iOS 4.3, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. Its features include:
Faster Safari mobile browsing performance.
iTunes Home Sharing (finally).
Better AirPlay.
The choice to use the side switch as either a mute button or to lock the screen rotation.
A personal hotspot to share an iPhone 4s data connection over Wi-Fi (provided it's supported by your carrier, of course).
The Infinity Blade test
One of the biggest problems that iPad faced was the definite lag in the Infinity Blade application. So does iPad 2 pass the Infinity Blade test? Yes and with flying colours.
"Infinity Blade was a real test for the iPad original, but the discernible lag that affected it is definitely much reduced on the iPad 2. That makes for a completely different feel to the game - it's spritely and impressive,
The tablet market does continue to heat up, but it is difficult to declare a winner at this point. Apple is controlling the market so far and it will be hard to chip away at their market share.
