Thinner, Lighter, Faster iPad 2

KOMPAS.com - Apple chief executive Steve Jobs made a surprise appearance for the launch of the second generation of the company's 'Jesus Tablet', the iPad 2. The company's inspirational chief executive, who has been gravely ill in recent months was plainly very thin as he took to the stage in San Francisco.

However, he launched into a vigorous presentation, mocking Apple's rivals and the critics who had doubted the wisdom of launching the original iPad a year ago.

Since then the company has sold more than 15million of the tablet computers, despite a high price ranging from $499 to £829 (£400 to almost £700), while rivals have been racing to catch up. Mr Jobs said: 'Today we're here to talk about Apple's third post-PC blockbuster product.

'That's how we think about these things. We started with the iPod, then we added the iPhone, and then the iPad. Every one has been a blockbuster.

'When we said the iPad was magical, people laughed at us. But it's turned out to be magical. And people questioned whether it was an "unbelievable" price - well ask our competitors.'

He said many now consider the iPad the most successful consumer product ever launched with a market share of more than 90per cent and a device that had left rivals 'flummoxed'. However, he said the iPad 2 represents a major step forward with a 'completely new design'.

It is thinner, lighter and dramatically faster than the original, while it has cameras on the front and back for the first time to allow for video conferencing.

Mr Jobs said: 'What is iPad 2. What have we learned? It is an all new design. It's a completely new design. And it's dramatically faster.'

The improvements are built around a completely new computer chip it calls the A5 and a dual core processor, which is the sort of technology found in high performing lap-tops.

The graphics are said to be up to nine times faster than in the original iPad. Despite the many enhancements, the new version is 33per cent thinner - at just 8.8mm, which makes it even slimmer than the latest iPhone 4.

The new version is also lighter at 1.3lbs versus 1.5lbs. Normally, a smaller lighter device would mean a smaller battery, however Apple said the iPad 2 will retain a battery life of up to 10 hours. There is over one month of standby before it needs to be recharged.

In another innovation, the second generation will come in both black and white with both versions available to order immediately. However, like its predecessor, the iPad 2still has no built-in memory card slot or USB port, and no Flash support

Mr Jobs drew cheers from the audience with a promise the new improved iPad will be no more expensive than the original, starting at $499 and going up to $829 in the U.S. The new version will be available in many countries from March 11, while it will go on sale around the world, including the UK and Ireland, on March 25.

The software operating system is being updated while a number of new Apps have been unveiled linked to movie editing and uploading video clips to the internet. It will also allow users to touch and play virtual instruments including grand piano, drums and guitar.

Apple's iPad has been a huge success since being launched a little over a year ago with sales of 15million, which have outstripped even the company's own expectations.

Rival tech firms have launched a host of tablet computers which claim to match - and in some cases surpass - the iPad. The challenge is led by Motorola's Xoom, together with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, while others from the BlackBerry manufacturer RIM and Hewlett Packard are also on the horizon.

Technology analyst at Ovum, Adam Leach, said: 'In such a fast moving market Apple is forced to release new versions of its hardware to stay ahead.

'Apple clearly had first mover advantage, however, its competitors have been hot on its heels with a slew of tablet devices from big brand vendors such as Samsung, Motorola, HP, HTC and RIM, all of which have announced tablet devices which aim to replicate the Apple experience, which is notoriously difficult to match.'