Apple’s newest tablet, the iPad 2, will hit stores Friday. The company debuted the tablet during a special Apple event March 2.
Here are some quick notes about the iPad 2:
It comes in two colors, white and black ,and runs on a new dual-core processor called A5. It now features a gyroscope in its new ultra-thin, light-weight, rounder body.
Some were disappointed when learning that the tablet still lacks a built-in USB port or a card reader.
The new iPad 2 models are available in 16, 32, and 64 GB versions, wireless and non-wireless. Data plans from both AT&T and Verizon are available.
The iPad 2 has the same 10-hour battery life as the original and one month of standby time. It will also cost the same as the first iPad, which starts as low as $499.
Software/Apps: The iPad 2 comes with a new operating system, iOS 4.3 and AirPlay streaming video.
** iMovie for iPad will cost $4.99 and is available Friday.
** Garage Band for iPad has touch instruments so users can play right on the iPad. It also will cost $4.99.
Accessories:
** An accessory cable for HDMI out is available for connecting the iPad to displays. It supports 1080p and rotation and it works with all apps. The $39 cable can also charge the iPad 2.
** Smart Covers — a bendable panel that covers the screen — are available for the iPad 2 from Apple. The magnetic cover can be folded and used to prop the iPad up. It wakes the iPad when it is rolled back and puts it to sleep when you close it.
** Cases: There are two case types — the polyurethane cases are $39 and the leather cases are $69. They come in many colors.
Learn more about the iPad 2 at www.apple.com/ipad.
Net Xpress: iPad2 hits stores Friday
Net buzzz
Amazon Student is a service of Amazon.com that is free of charge to any student. The service offers a free full year of Amazon Prime shipping benefits. This includes unlimited free Two-Day Shipping on textbooks and other items with no minimum order size. For only $3.99 per item, a student can upgrade to one day shipping.
To sign up for an Amazon Student account, visit www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info.
Note: Free Amazon Student accounts do not include the Instant Videos feature that was recently added to Amazon Prime benefits.
Gamers alert
** Game-Debate at www.game-debate.com is a great site for PC gamers. The site compares a users’ computer specs against the system requirements of popular PC games. The site offers game reviews to help PC gamers decide which games they would like to acquire. PC game release dates are also available on the site as well as articles, forums and more.
** PassMark Software (www.passmark.com) has a site full of great resources for computer users. Among those are benchmarks for processors, video cards, hard drives and systems. If you’ve ever wondered where your computer’s hardware falls among the sea of computing, visit the benchmark section of this site for the answers.
Sites to see
March is National Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Our History is Our Strength.” Visit the following sites to learn more about the important rolls that women played throughout our nation’s history:
** The Library of Congress’s Women’s History Month site (womenshistorymonth.gov). This site features historical information, exhibits and collections, photos, audio, videos, resources for teachers and much more.
** The National Women’s History Project (www.nwhp.org). This organization’s goal is to promote the importance of women in history and present times and help people learn more about the project, its mission, and other news and events related to women.
E-mail me at sheila@amnews.com; fax me at (859) 236-9566; or write me snail mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
