Apple Reveals the iPad 2

At this morning's event Apple unveiled the long-rumored and awaited second generation of the iPad. And from the looks of things, just when competitors were just finding their legs in the tablet market they've got even more ground the cover. The most notable changes that the iPad 2 brings are power and size. It's dual-core A5 chip brings twice the processing power to the table and nine times the graphics performance. While this immense boost in performance won't necessarily be very noticeable over the course of regular day-to-day use, apps that are really graphics and processor intensive will really benefit. Then comes the size. Apple has managed to make the iPad one third thinner, while adding in several features and retaining the original's ten hour battery life. That is certainly an achievement.

Also worthy of mention are the front and rear-facing cameras and the smart case. With the front-facing camera, the iPad can now use Facetime much the same as the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the Mac. The Ipad has the real advantage here, being the perfect size to be feel completely comfortable and natural. While you'd think it'd be a little awkward on something so big as the iPad, the rear-facing camera can allow you to capture video and work on it straight on the iPad using the new iMovie iOS app also revealed today. While the iPad 2 is bound to have several great accessories, the best will no doubt be Apple's smart cover. They designed at the same time and alongside the iPad 2 so that it seamlessly integrates with it. The iPad has magnets built inside which instantly and without hassle allow the cover to snap on and align itself. As shown in a demonstration video, it's as easy and simple as slapping it on and off. That isn't all that makes it awesome, though. The iPad can sense when you're lifting the cover off, and it instantly wakes up, not only that the bottom is covered with microfiber cloth which means you really have nothing to worry about when it comes to cleaning the display.

The iPad was certainly revolutionary the first time around, and it's certainly looking to be just as revolutionary the second time around. 2011 will indeed be the year of the iPad 2.