On March 2, Steve Jobs took to the stage in California and announced the introduction of the iPad 2 to the media and the world.
After having been speculated over for months, the announcement brought with it the much desired features that consumers had been demanding from the iPad, and, hence, opened up the flood gates for further debate in the tablet market.
Featuring a 9.7” display, a front and rear facing camera, numerous capacity sizes and an updated processor, the iPad 2 promised to bring with it a new wave of iPad users, along with applications specifically designed to use the new cameras.
Apple has also included old favorites for the iPad 2, including the ever popular Photo Booth, FaceTime, GarageBand and iMovie.
PhotoBooth has some of the same amazing but time-consuming effects that will keep even the most experienced user in awe for ages.
FaceTime, Apple’s video chat client, made it’s debut on the iPad and is compatible with any other iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4 generation and Mac computer on the market.
Probably most touted by Steve Jobs was the development of GarageBand and iMovie for the iPad.
GarageBand comes preloaded with instruments like drums, guitars and a piano all using the multi-touch screen to compose to your heart’s content.
iMovie takes advantage of the front and rear facing camera, and comes with preloaded themes that will integrate with any video content on the iPad.
Apple also introduced a new case, known as the Smart Cover.
The Smart Cover, available in 10 different colors, has the ability to lock and unlock your iPad immediately upon lifting up the flap.
It uses magnets to attach to your iPad 2, protecting the screen, and acting as a typing stand and an angled stand for FaceTime or movie watching.
Apple has kept the same pricing for the new iPad and even added a new color, white. The 16GB iPad 2 is $499, 32GB is $599, and the 64GB is $699. Adding the 3G capability will add $130 bucks to the base price but now the 3G service is available through either AT&T or Verizon.
Currently, the iPad 2 is sold out around the country, but it will be available at the Apple Online Store, Apple Store, Best Buy, Target, AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
At the time this article was written, online shipments for the iPad 2 from Apple were scheduled for 3-4 weeks.
Todd Sanborn can be reached at todd.sanborn@spartans.ut.edu.