A taste of Apple’s iPad 2

MANILA, Philippines—No less than Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPad 2, returning to the spotlight after a brief medical absence for the unveiling of its updated streamlined tablet.

The anticipation here has not been as strong as it was in the United States, but the introduction of the Apple iPad 2 in the Philippines is still expected to command much attention.

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On March 2, Apple stock value rose to a new high of $352 apiece, up from $78.20 a share on January 20, 2009. This serves to indicate that a lot of confidence has been invested in the technology pacemaker.

Although both the old and new iPads run on 1Ghz processor, the iPad 2 is equipped with a new dual-core processor, A5, iOS 4.3.

It has dual-facing cameras. The rear camera can record High Definition videos with 720p at 30fps. The front camera may be used for non-HD purposes.

At 8.8 mm, the new iPad is 33 percent thinner and smaller than its predecessor. It is also lighter, weighing in 601 grams with Wi-Fi, and 613 grams with Wi-Fi+3G.

There are 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants of the tablet. Its original anodized aluminum metal finish at the back with white or black bezel has been fitted with a magnetic smart cover protector that doubles as a back incliner or a stand for reading or for watching convenience.

Prices range from $499 to $829, depending on the variant. The prices did not stray too far from that of the original when it was first released in January 2010.

The iPad 2 will be available in the United States on March 11. In 25 other countries, the devices will be on the shelves by March 25.

Apple iPad’s closest rival, Google Android’s 3.0 Honeycomb OS, may have a lot of catching up to do if it hopes to become the tablet market’s top dog. Also entering the scene is Research In Motion’s Playbook, which is equipped with Blackberry OS.—Louie T. Bacani, with reports from Reuters