The iPad 2 was first launched in the US on March 2 and released in 25 more largely European countries on March 25. Tomorrow, it will debut in Japan – the first Asian country to launch it. On Friday, it will arrive in Singapore together with 10 other largely Asian countries. China will only see the iPad 2 with only Wi-Fi on May 6.Compared to the original iPad, the iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter, while sporting the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for faster performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. The iPad 2 promises the same 10 hours of battery life as its predecessor.
Prices and configurations in Singapore
1. Wi-Fi only versions:
- 16GB: S$668
- 32GB: S$798
- 64GB: S$928
2. Wi-Fi/3G devices:
- 16GB: S$848
- 32GB: S$978
- 64GB: S$1108
iMovie and GarageBand for iPad apps are available for US$4.99 each from the App Store on iPad or www.itunes.com/appstore. The Smart Cover is available in a range of colors in vibrant polyurethane for S$54 or rich leather for S$98.
The iPad 2 will be available in Singapore at select Apple Authorised Resellers, and online through the online Apple Store beginning at 1am local time.
The 10 other countries getting the iPad 2 together with Singapore on Friday are: Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey and UAE.
For those interested, the earlier 25 countries who got their iPad 2 on March 25 are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.