After significant hype and discussion, Apple introduced the world to the iPad 2 on March 2nd, 2011. The next generation of the highly successful, original iPad, will go on sale March 11th, 2011 and includes almost all of the features that were not included on the original model. Apple beats fellow tablet competitors to market by what is expected to be a number of months with the improved tablet features, and is expecting sales of the iPad 2 to meet or exceed those of the original model.

10 Impressive Features of the Apple iPad 2

#1 iPad 2 Feature – Slender Design
The first impressive feature of the iPad 2 is that even though Apple incorporated almost all of the additions consumers wanted on the original model, the size of the tablet is actually 15 percent lighter and 33 percent thinner than the original model. A number of pundits had predicted that in order to accommodate multiple cameras, a faster processors, and to have a decent battery life that the unit would have to be larger than the legacy iPad which is not the case.

#2 iPad 2 Feature – Faster Processor
Apple significantly updates the processor speed in the iPad 2 with the A5 processor. Combined with the operating system improvements, the Safari web browser and iTunes performance are significantly increased as compared to the original tablet design.

#3 iPad 2 Feature – Sensor Improvements
The iPad has ambient light sensors, a three-axis gyroscope, and accelerometer that are updated and designed to synchronize with the other sensors. Developers also have improved access to API functions that leverage these sensors for app development.

#4 iPad 2 Feature – Smart Cover
Apple includes a “Smart Cover” with the iPad 2 designed to protect the screen when the device is “asleep.” The cover automatically opens when the tablet is on, and closed when put asleep and can also be used as a stand for the iPad similar to off-the-shelf iPad covers for the original model.

#5 iPad 2 Feature – Built-in 3G on AT&T and Verizon
The iPad 2 3G feature is designed to connect to either the Verizon or AT&T 3G network without having to purchase an additional product as required with the original iPad. Seems like a small feature, but was one of those annoying “Features” in the original iPad for many consumers.

#6 iPad 2 Feature – iOS 4.3
iPad 2 is shipping with iOS 4.3 which offers FaceTime functionality, improved web browsing, and personal hot spot functionality. iOS 4.3 is significantly improved over the legacy build of the iOS included on the original iPad.

#7 iPad 2 Feature – White Body Color
The “White” iPhone and iPad has been on of the “Tech Unicorns” on the Apple market over the past year. There has not been a white iPhone 4 sold to date, however, the iPad 2 will go on sale on March 11th with both a black or white tablet color.

#8 iPad 2 Feature – Dual Cameras
A significant complaint with the original iPad was the lack of cameras. The iPad 2 includes a front and rear-facing camera, and lets customers have access to FaceTime video conference with users that make use of the iPod Touch, iPhone 4, and other iPad 2 users.

#9 iPad 2 Feature – Affordable Price
One of the more popular features of the iPad 2 is that Apple kept the cost of the device equivalent to the original model. By maintaining the price that consumers are used to with the original tablet, Apple expects that consumers will purchase the updated model at the historical rates seen with the original model.

#10 iPad 2 Feature – Entertainment Options
The iPad 2 now supports HMDI output which lets users have a mirrored output of up to 1080p resolution on a television set. The iOS 4.3 includes an improved AirPlay function that lets users project a slide showw function as well as the iMovie application to editvideoo and/or audio which were not available on the original model.