The iPad 2 is the second generation iPad, a tablet computer designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It serves primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, presentations and web content. The iPad 2 has a lithium-ion polymer battery that lasts up to 10 hours, a dual core Apple A5 processor and VGA front-facing and 720p rear-facing cameras designed for FaceTime video calling.
The device is available initially with three storage sizes, 16, 32 and 64 GB and two varying connectivity options, Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and cellular. Each variation of the device is available with either a black or white front glass panel. However, upon the release of the 3rd generation iPad, only the 16 GB variation with two connectivity options and two front glass panel options is available.
Apple unveiled the device on March 2, 2011,[6] upon the announcement of the iPad 2, the original model of the iPad was discontinued.[7] Sales of the iPad 2 online and at retail stores began in the United States on March 11.[8] it was then released in 25 other Oceanian, North American and Western European countries on March 25 and released in eleven Asian countries as well as one African country on April 29.[9] Subsequently on May 6 and May 27, the device was released in three South American, six Eastern European and three Asian countries.
The device received mixed reception from various blogs and publications. Although it was praised for its hardware improvement, the software restriction on the iPad 2 and iOS in general drew criticism from various technology commentators.[10][11] The device sold well in its first month of sales with 2.4–2.6 million units sold and 11.12 million units were sold in the third quarter of 2011.[12][13]
History
Apple sent invitations to journalists on February 23, 2011 for a media event on March 2.[14][15] On March 2, 2011, CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the device at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, despite being on medical leave.[6] Upon the announcement of the iPad 2, the original iPad was discontinued from sales online and at Apple authorized retailed stores.[7]
Apple began selling the iPad 2 on its website on March 11,[8] and in its U.S. retail stores at 5 pm local time on that date. Many stores in major cities, such as New York, sold out within hours.[16] Online shipping delays had increased to three to four weeks on Sunday and four to five weeks by Tuesday.[17][18]
The iPad 2 was released internationally in 25 other countries on March 25, 2011. The countries included Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[19]
The March 25 release date for Japan was postponed due to the earthquake and tsunami which struck the nation on March 11, 2011. The iPads were delayed due to the NAND flash storage chip used in the iPads being created by Toshiba, which was affected by the earthquake and tsunami thus resulting in the suspension of operations for an indefinite period of time.[20] The slowdown caused analysts to downgrade Apple's stock.[21]
The iPad 2 was later released in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries including Japan on April 29, 2011.[9] It was then released in numerous other nations which include China, Estonia, Thailand, Brazil, Russia and Taiwan on two major release dates, May 6 and May 27.[22][23]
The 32 and 64 GB models were discontinued on March 7, 2012 upon the introduction of the third generation iPad. The 16 GB Wi-Fi and 16 GB Wi-Fi + 3G models are still in production as of 28 June 2012.[24]
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