Mar 2, 2011 3:19 PM

Gallery: Hands-On With Apple's Skinnier, Faster iPad 2

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ipad-2-2
Apple on Wednesday launched the iPad 2, a thinner, lighter and faster upgrade of the popular tablet. The iPad 2 weighs 1.3 pounds, just 0.2 pounds lighter than the previous iPad. Held in the hands, this minor weight change will make a significant difference, especially when you’re reading books or watching video for long periods of time. It felt much easier on the wrists. For the full details, see our [live blog coverage of the Apple iPad 2 event](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/apple-ipad-liveblog/).
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The iPad 2 ships with iOS 4.3, which includes a faster version of the Safari web browser, some improved interface elements and other new features.

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Apple added two cameras to the iPad 2: a VGA camera on the front for video conferencing and another on the back for shooting photos and high-definition video, similar to the iPhone 4.
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facetime
We tried the FaceTime app for video conferencing, which works just like the app on the iPhone 4. It launched and connected extremely quickly. Also shipping on the iPad 2 is a new PhotoBooth app for taking self-portraits. The app comes with a bunch of goofy effects you can apply to the photos.

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The back of the iPad 2 is flatter than the original iPad. It also includes a bigger speaker. Above is the Wi-Fi-only iPad; the 3G version of the iPad 2 will ship with a black antenna shield.
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smart-cover
Apple designed a cover for the iPad 2 called the Smart Cover. It has a magnetic hinge that clips right onto the side of iPad.

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smart-cover-rear
The cover folds right over the front or the back of the iPad, and it can be bent at an angle to prop up the iPad for typing.
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smart-cover-sitting
The Smart Cover is an optional $50 accessory, and it partly addresses one of the iPad’s key weaknesses: It’s not very easy to type on the device for long periods of time.

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