Apple’s latest gadget gets another update, as the iPad 2 was unveiled March 2 and was available for sale on March 11. Apple sold an estimated 400,000 units in the opening weekend, showing that economic problems haven’t stifled purchases of the new product, which is now stylishly smaller, more portable and completely revamped.
“I bought my mom the iPad last year, and it was boss; I can’t wait to see what the new one can do,” junior Blake Piña said.
The iPad 2 is available with 3G connectivity on either AT&T or Verizon for $849, or with automatic Wi-Fi networking, starting at $499.
“The iPad 2 is incredibly cheap; it’s amazing; I thought it would be so much more expensive with all the amazing apps it has. It is going to be so cool to be able to videochat on it,” junior Alexa Uribe said.
The iPad2 is supposed to be much faster with its new dual-core A5 chip. It also sports a front and a back camera, the front camera to video-chat and the back camera to take HD videos and pictures. Apple still boasts the iOS 4, the operating system of the iPad, which allows for the Multi-Touch interface and extensive app system.
The iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner than the original iPad, measuring 8.8 mm, and is 15 percent lighter. The 9.7 inch screen provides high-resolution photos, movies, internet sites, magazines, etc. with its LED-backlit display and IPS (in-plane switching).
The iPad 2 also has ten hours of battery life, beating all of its competitors including its biggest rival, the Motorola Xoom, which only promises eight hours of battery life, and the much cheaper Dell Streak (starting at $379), which only promises 3 hours of battery life.
According to Tech Research films, the 32GB and 64GB versions cost $325 to produce; the most expensive part being the touch-sensitive display at $127. The markup on price is $198.
“I own one and I don’t think it’s truly a replacement for a computer, but it’s great for traveling and is really convenient when you’re on the go,” junior Adee David said,
The iPad2 is one step further into the future; even though it is not one giant leap for mankind, it is definitely one step forward for the modern man.