The New iPad for 2011: What's in Store for the iPad 2

Apple has made some pretty significant improvements to the new iPad for 2011. From its lighter, thinner size to a great improvement in accessories, the new model seems to be worth the money. Let's have a look at what you'll get with the new iPad.

Accessories

Two accessories really stand out with the new iPad for 2011. The first is the HDMI output cable. What's this do?

Well, when you hook the HDMI cable between your iPad and your TV, anything that you're viewing on the iPad is now visible on the TV. It doesn't matter if it's a new movie, a slideshow of your vacation photos, an application or the web browser that you're using to surf on the iPad. It all goes to the TV output for friends and family to see.

The HDMI cable runs about $39 retail. It might sound expensive at first, but with as much as you're likely to use it, it's definitely worth the investment.

The second accessory that I really love about the new iPad is the Smart Cover. The Smart Cover attaches to the iPad magnetically on the outer sides of the screen. It's called a "Smart" cover because it brings it to life when it's opened and puts it to sleep when you close it.

And if you want to stand the iPad up on its own, you can do so with the help of the Smart Cover. It actually folds while standing to create its own stand. Pretty sweet, right?

The case doesn't come with the iPad though, unfortunately. It also costs around $39 like the HDMI cable. Again, though, it's a useful accessory, so I wouldn't consider it a waste of money to buy it.

Now on Verizon

You no longer have to use only AT&T as a carrier for your iPad's 3G wireless access. You can purchase one of three new iPad for 2011 models: The Wifi-only version, the AT&T version or the Verizon version. Each of the cellular carrier versions come with Wifi access as well, so you can always use your home network 100% for free.

New Weight

You've probably heard that the new iPad for 2011 is lighter. That's true. It weighs just over one pound, so it's definitely less weight than the old iPad.

It's also less thick. You notice how the old one looked like a boxy picture frame when you looked at it from the side view? It kind of looked like an iPhone, times three. Not anymore. Its slim design now makes it look like an iPod touch, which is tapered at the edges instead of big and boxy.

There are two more things about the new iPad for 2011 model that you NEED to know before you purchase it, but since I didn't have room to write them here, I provided everything you need to know right here at http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-new/. But don't waste time checking it out - the new iPads won't last long, and pretty soon they'll be back ordered. So get yours now!

Have a Look at What's Inside the New iPad 2

The new iPad features more built-in apps than its predecessor, which in and of itself makes it more worthy of your $600 than the original version. But did you also know that it comes in three different models?

PhotoBooth

Those who have a Mac already know what PhotoBooth does. You can take pictures of yourself with the webcam on the Mac. It works pretty much the same way on the new iPad.

PhotoBooth has all sorts of different gradients and filters to put on the photo to make it unique. It's super easy to make a new Facebook profile pic with PhotoBooth, as it's kind of hard with regular cameras. Besides, oftentimes you won't even have to crop your PhotoBooth ones.

Wifi and Wifi+Cellular Versions

That's right. No longer are you locked into a data contract with AT&T. With the new iPad 2, you can choose between three different models:

Wifi-only: If you don't ever want to pay for a data plan, get the Wifi-only version of the new iPad. This is ideal if you go to internet cafes with free wireless internet or if you have your own Wifi network at home.
Wifi + AT&T: If you like the idea of having your iPad tied to an AT&T network, get the AT&T version of the new iPad. Although AT&T doesn't service many small and medium-size towns, some people feel better about linking into its global GSM network.
Wifi + Verizon: The new iPad finally came to Verizon, just like the iPhone. But you still pay a pretty penny for the data plan. Fortunately, you can purchase monthly data plans, not two years' worth of a cellular contract, which means you can also cancel at anytime. Verizon generally offers better service within the US, so if you don't plan to take the iPad overseas, I would highly recommend getting the Verizon version.

Find My iPad Application

The new iPad comes with a pet-like tracking application that allows you to look up your iPad's whereabouts if you lose it. How does it work?

Here's how. You must have Find My iPad enabled on your Settings on the device itself. Then, if you lose it, you can use iTunes, iPod touch 4G or an iPhone to find your iPad. The device will display a map where your iPad is located.

You can retrieve it yourself once you find it, or you can remotely put a message on the iPad detailing how to get back to you if someone finds it. You can also protect it with a password or wipe off all the data. But I recommend only doing this if you left it somewhere really crowded, like an airport or the subway.

There are two more things about the new iPad model that you NEED to know before you purchase it, but since I didn't have room to write them here, I provided everything you need to know right here at http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-new/. But don't waste time checking it out - the new iPads won't last long, and pretty soon they'll be back ordered. So get yours now!