iPad 2: Successor to success.

Let's start with this: The iPad 2 is not a super departure from the original model to try and 'wow' the crowd.  The iPad 2 is a calculated and carefully designed successor to the most successful computing product ever released(it surpassed the DVD player in first year sales). This year's model, which comes in 18 variations between the size, networking and color choices is poised to take that to the next level. The basic concept of the product is the same. However, there are some big changes.

Let's start with the body. The iPad 2 is now thinner than the iPhone 4-and with it's lighter weight and flat back, it's a joy to hold and use. The color choice is nice as well(I picked up the white model). The screen of the iPad 2, while unchanged resolution-wise, does seem to look better, and of course, the touch response is second to none. The battery life of the new iPad is also consistent with the first, even with the weight loss(10 hours of use, 30 days standby). Now, on the inside, the iPad 2 has had some good changes. The processor is now a dual-core Apple A5 processor, and provides at least twice the power of the original. This is great for your multitasking and for having more windows loaded in Safari. The graphics chip, though, is where things really shine. The iPad 2's graphical powers are 9 times that of the original. Where this is really evident is in games that have been optimized for the new model, such as Infinity Blade. These graphics look great even mirrored with Apple's new AV cable to my HDTV(they look like a launch Xbox 360 title, roughly.) Impressive, coming from a mobile device.

Now, hardware doesn't make a product a success. This is proven by all the incoming tablets that are trying to take the spotlight away from the iPad. I've had the chance to play with some, like the Galaxy Tab, and while nice, hold no candle to the iOS experience. The number of apps for the iPad are skyrocketing, and are currently somewhere in the 65,000 range. That, combined with the ease of use, stability of iOS and the hardware make the iPad 2 quite a winner.
The iPad 2 is available in 18 models (White and Black Wifi 16,32, and 64GB, AT&T 3G and wifi 16,32,and 64GB, and Verizon 3G and wifi 16,32, and 64GB. The wifi models are $499,599, and 699, and the wifi+3G models are $629,729, and 829.