Gallery: Hands-On With Apple's Skinnier, Faster iPad 2
01ipad-2-2
Apple on Wednesday launched the iPad 2, a thinner, lighter and faster upgrade of the popular tablet. The iPad 2 weighs 1.3 pounds, just 0.2 pounds lighter than the previous iPad. Held in the hands, this minor weight change will make a significant difference, especially when you’re reading books or watching video for long periods of time. It felt much easier on the wrists. For the full details, see our [live blog coverage of the Apple iPad 2 event](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/apple-ipad-liveblog/).
02ipad-2-home-screen
The iPad 2 ships with iOS 4.3, which includes a faster version of the Safari web browser, some improved interface elements and other new features.
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Apple added two cameras to the iPad 2: a VGA camera on the front for video conferencing and another on the back for shooting photos and high-definition video, similar to the iPhone 4.
04facetime
We tried the FaceTime app for video conferencing, which works just like the app on the iPhone 4. It launched and connected extremely quickly. Also shipping on the iPad 2 is a new PhotoBooth app for taking self-portraits. The app comes with a bunch of goofy effects you can apply to the photos.
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The back of the iPad 2 is flatter than the original iPad. It also includes a bigger speaker. Above is the Wi-Fi-only iPad; the 3G version of the iPad 2 will ship with a black antenna shield.
06smart-cover
Apple designed a cover for the iPad 2 called the Smart Cover. It has a magnetic hinge that clips right onto the side of iPad.
07smart-cover-rear
The cover folds right over the front or the back of the iPad, and it can be bent at an angle to prop up the iPad for typing.
08smart-cover-sitting
The Smart Cover is an optional $50 accessory, and it partly addresses one of the iPad’s key weaknesses: It’s not very easy to type on the device for long periods of time.
