Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) unveiled the next iteration of its popular iPad tablet on Wednesday, revealing a faster, thinner and lighter iPad 2. 

The new tablet will sport a dual-core A5 processor with a graphics core that Apple says is nine times faster than the original; and at 0.34 inches (8.8mm) thick, the iPad 2 will be 33 percent thinner than the first version. Its weight was also brought down by about 15 percent, even with the inclusion of a front and back camera operating at 720p and "VGA quality" respectively. And yes, it will be available with a white or black bezel "from day one."

Not everything has changed though. The iPad 2 retains the same 1024x768 resolution display, as well as its illustrious 10-hour battery life. Also, the iPad 2 will be sold using the same price brackets as the original iPad in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB configurations, with or without 3G mobile data capabilities. The price of the original iPad has been lowered in the meantime, and is now pegged at $399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version of the product.

While the upgrades found in the iPad 2 are nice, some detractors have given to naming the new iPad the "iPad 1.5," alluding to its relatively modest improvements. The iPad will be available on March 11 in the United States, and in another 26 countries beginning March 26.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Ars Technica
- check out this article at CNET News
- check out this article at PC Mag

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