The iPad 2 goes on sale at 5pm today and die-hard Apple fans are already queuing up to get their hands on the latest tablet.
Hype over the iPad’s successor has been building after Apple’s first tablet sold 15 million units in 12 months. Originally dismissed as nothing more than a “giant iPhone” the tablet went on to be a market-defining product.

So what’s new with the iPad 2?

Front and rear cameras: The iPad 2 features front and rear-facing cameras for taking pictures, clips and video calling. This means that the gadget joins the iPhone 4 and iPod touch in getting FaceTime, Apple’s video chat app.

It’s slimmer and lighter: The iPad 2 is only 100 grams lighter than its predecessor but its creates the illusion that it is lighter still.

Much faster: The new iPad runs up to twice as fast as the iPad and graphics performance is nine-times faster thanks to its A5 dual core processor.

Loads of Apps: There are around 65,000 Apps for the ipad 2, giving Apple a big advantage over the competition.

New Smart Cover: The iPad 2’s new ‘smart cover’ seems to be getting more good press than the tablet itself. The (separately purchased from £35) cover sends the iPad 2 to sleep when closed and also acts as a stand.

Fitted with a gyro: The iPad 2 is fitted with a gyroscope, meaning the tablet can sense your movements. A big plus for gamers.

How much does an iPad 2 cost? The basic model – 16GB and wifi-only – iPad 2 is £399. The 32GB model with wifi and 3G is £579.

What the reviewers are saying about the iPad 2

mirror.co.uk: “Overall, the iPad2 isn’t a huge advance with plenty of room left for an inevitable third version and no truly compelling reason for owners of the original to upgrade.”

telegraph.co.uk: “The iPad 2 does everything that made the original iPad such a revelation but it does them better […] Whichever model you choose, there’s no reason to wait.”

thesun.co.uk: “The new iPad 2 is everything most blokes want to be. Slimmer, better looking, faster, cleverer and more appealing to women, now that it’s available in girlie white.”

Get more info: apple.com/ipad