Apple iPad 2 Specs and Shipping Date

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iPad 2 was unveiled at a special Applepress event by CEO Steve Jobs on Wednesday. Jobs’ appearance was a surprise for those in attendance as he has been away from the company on a self-imposed medical hiatus as of late.

The most notable upgrades in the next generation tablet computer include a new A5 chip, faster CPU, two cameras on the unit (front and rear cameras, which will allow users to activate “FaceTime). The new iPad 2 will also come in either white or black designs, features a gyroscope in it’s latest design (which is 33% thinner than the previous iteration at 8.8 mm), and will feature support for both CDMA and GSM cellular networks (AT&T and Verizon).

Apple also debuted support for two new accessories; an HDMI Mirrored Video Output via dock cable, offering up to 1080p to computer monitors and HD televisions, as well as a new “smart cover” that acts as a protective screen/microfiber cleaner when on the iPad and props up the device when taken off.

Two things that didn’t change: the iPad 2′s battery life remains at 10 hours and the price point begins at $499 for wi-fi only.

The iPad 2 will be available March 11, 2011 with the latest release of the iOS 4.3 software update for other devices. Check out the Apple website for a video preview of all the new features and accessories of the iPad 2.

An Inside Pulse "original", SMS is one of the founding members of Inside Pulse and serves as the Chief Marketing Officer on the Executive Board. Smith is a fan of mixed martial arts and runs two sections of IP as Editor in Chief, RadioExile.com and InsideFights.com. Having covered music festivals around the world as well as conducting interviews with top-class professional wrestlers and musicians, he switched gears from music coverage at Radio Exile to MMA after the first The Ultimate Fighter Finale. He resides with his wife in New York City.