Apple Debuts iPad 2.0; More Misery for Competition

Apple launched a new thinner and faster version of its popular iPad tablet today that’s certain to intensify the struggle competitors face in gaining traction for their products.

iPad 2.0 also comes with front and rear cameras, both missing in the original version. The resolution (1024 x 768) of the older version remains unchanged in the upgrade.

Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary
We took a quick look at the specs and couldn’t find any ‘wow’ features in the new version.

Some features like camera and dual-core processor let Apple catch up with other tablets that are already on the market like the Motorola Xoom and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy (10.1-inch) and Blackberry PlayBook.

But the addition of the new capabilities can only serve to entrench Apple’s market-dominating position in the tablet arena.

Here are some of the highlights of iPad 2.0 announcement today:

* Front and rear cameras
– 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
– FaceTime video-calling other iPad, iPhone and iPod touch (supports only newer versions)
* Faster dual-core A5 custom processor
* 33% thinner
– Height: 9.50 inches (241.2 mm)
– Width: 7.31 inches (185.7 mm)
– Depth: 0.34 inch (8.8 mm)
* 15% lighter
– Weight: 1.33 pounds (601 g)
* Stream stuff on the iPad (music, photos, and video) wirelessly to your HDTV and speakers via AirPlay-enabled speakers or Apple TV on a Wi-Fi network
* A new magnetic Smart Cover (sold separately) that puts the iPad to sleep automatically and wakes it up when removed. It doubles as a stand and comes in 10 colors
* Video mirroring via Apple Digital AV Adapter or Apple VGA Adapter (sold separately) and your HDTV or projector becomes a bigger version of iPad
* Two Colors (Black and White)
* 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display
* 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
* Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
* Support for display of multiple languages and characters
* Gyroscope
* Battery – Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
– Built-in 25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
* Storage – 16GB, 32GB and 64GB
* Pricing – Remains unchanged and ranges from $499-$829
* Supports WiFi and 3G
* What’s inside the box?
– iPad
– Dock Connector to USB Cable
– 10W USB Power Adapter
– Documentation

Huge Success
Apple has already sold 15 million units of its first generation iPad that were launched last year.

None of its competitors have even a fraction of Apple’s marketshare.

There are about 65,000 dedicated iPad applications apart from the quarter million apps meant for iPone and iPod touch that can also run on the iPad.

Apple plans to make the new iPad available online and in stores on Friday, March 11 (5:00PM), in the U.S. It should debut on March 25 in the 26 other countries where it’s available.

Let’s now wait and see what the first comprehensive reviews have to say about the new device.

iPad