The iPad 2 isn’t just a speed bump, though.
As rumored, the iPad 2 is getting FaceTime, courtesy of both rear and front facing webcams. This rounds off FaceTime as a ubiquitous feature on all of Apple’s mobile prodiucts.
The iPad 2 is also inheriting the iPhone 4’s gyroscope, allowing for some neat new augmented reality and gaming functions.
The most noticeable change though? Apple has made the iPad a lot thinner. It’s now just 8.8 mm thin, compared to 13.44mm thin last generation. It’s now thinner than the iPhone 4.
As rumored, the iPad 2 will come in both black and white.
Also as rumored, the 3G version will work on both AT&T and Verizon, although you’ll need a different model for both GSM and CDMA.
Prices are also remaining the same: starting at $499 for the 16 GB WiFi version, and ending at $829 for the 64GB 3G version!
The iPad 2 will begin shipping with March 11th, with preorders available starting today.
John Brownlee is a writer for Fast Company, and a contributing writer here at CoM. He has also written for Wired, Playboy, Boing Boing, Popular Mechanics, VentureBeat, and Gizmodo. He lives in Boston with his wife and two parakeets. You can follow him here on Twitter.
14 responses to “iPad 2: Same Great Price, Two Colors, Way Thinner, Far Better Featured”
For heaven’s sake, can we stop using mangled English? The iPad is NOT available for “pre-orders.” You can ORDER one now, for delivery starting March 11 (and I’ve locked up my AMEX to fight the temptation for a few days). Did you order one for later delivery? Good for you! It’s an ORDER, not a pre-order. Did Apple sell you one? Good for them! It’s a SALE, not a pre-sale.
Pre-order should be banned from CultOfMac and the rest of the English speaking world. “Irregardless” of whether you think it’s a real word.
Incorrect info here. You CAN NOT ORDER TODAY. The Apple website says you can order on March 11th, NOT today.
no pre-orders makes me sad, since I am flying to vegas on the 11th I am going to be pissed!
Will the new 3G iPad be SIM unlocked like the original iPad was?
In order to pre-order one must place their order in the correct order in the sorter. It’s the Mac way.
John Brownlee oh John Brownlee
the ipad 2 rocks it’s very awesome