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The Apple iPad 2 has some notable distinctions from its first iteration. Among significant additions to the iPad is the Face-Time ready front camera and HD ready rear camera. The VGA front camera has 640x 480 resolution at 30fps, and the HD has resolution of 1280×480 at 30fps and digital zoom 5x. The mega pixel capabilities of the rear camera lack any claims about still photography functionality.
The iPad 2 upgrades processor capabilities on two levels. It transitions to a 1.0GHz dual-core Apple A5 chip from a single core A4 chip. It also ramps up graphic processing speed by as much as 9 times. Additionally, it does so without sacrificing battery life. Estimates are that Wi-fi and videos are on battery life support for 10 hours, or 3G data for 9 hours so we can connect internet through mycricket.com.
Added design features include a gyroscope to detect motion, an internal accelerometer and light sensor. Dots positioned above the FaceTime camera permit ambient light sensor visibility through the glass. The Wi-Fi and 3G versions are equipped with the internal compass . The 3G version is also equipped with GPS.
Underside speaker grilles have been changed to a grid hole pattern. The new accessory Apple Digital AV Adapter provides Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It supports 1080p video output resolution, yet the iPad 2 video formats maxes out at 720. The Adapter enables HDTV mirroring at 1024×768 resolution.
The Smart Case accessory shields and secures the device. The Smart Case can autolock or unlock the iPad 2 when closed or opened using its magnetic clasp system. It can be converted into a video or typing stand. The accessory is offered in 5 choices of colors in plastic or aniline leather.
Apple has released the next generation of its digital management software iTunes, iTunes 10.2 for compatibility with iPad 2. Users can sync iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices using iOS 4.3. Home Sharing helpware is introduced into features to enable iOS 4.3 device users to browse iTunes libraries and play music streams.
