Apple’s iPad 2—Everything You Need to Know

For everyone who got an iPad for Christmas, I have bad news for you and your mom: she should have waited a couple months. The new iPad 2 was announced today during one of Apple’s Steve Jobs–led press conferences (yes, Steve showed up) and will go on sale March 11, rendering your old iPad completely obsolete. Well, it’s not exactly obsolete; the new iPad is similar to its predecessor in many ways. However, the ways in which it differs are pretty drastic. The big changes are not only internal but external as well:

* The iPad 2 is thinner (even thinner than an iPhone 4) and lighter but still maintains the same price and battery life.
* It has a new processor that’s 2x faster.
* It now has a front and rear-facing camera, which is FaceTime compatible and can connect with another iPad, an iPhone/iPod touch, or a Mac.
* Separate HDMI connector compatibility.
* Upgraded Speakers.
* New built-in gyroscope.
* Upgraded operating system with simplified AirPlay.
* Available in black or white “frame.”
* iMovie and Garage Band apps, both only $5.