iPad 2 has finally arrived. Following months of speculation in industry media circles, the second-generation iOS tablet will be in stores on 11 March 2011. In the text below, you will get an idea of the new gadget’s most striking improvements and how it compares to the original.

Lighter and Thinner: Most tech-funds expected that the new tablet from Apple would be thinner and lighter, but only a few reckoned it would be so much trimmer. The new device is 15 percent lighter and 33 percent thinner than the first generation.

iPad 2, at only 8.8 millimeters thick (0.34″), is slimmer even than the new iPhone 4. That makes for an astonishingly thin device. Regarding weight-loss, the new gadget’s Wi-Fi model has shed about 0.17 pounds (2.72 ounces), and other models are also noticeably lighter.

Two Cameras: A big difference between generations is the addition of photo and video capture, with two cameras on the new tablet. Both cameras are capable of stills capture and video recording and have been designed with FaceTime video calling in mind. The front camera records 30 fps, VGA video and takes 640 x 480 stills. The back camera records high definition 720p 30 fps video and has a 5x zoom (digital) when in camera mode.

Apple iPad 2 Has More Powerful Processor and Faster Graphics: The new tablet sports the new dual core A5 processor chip, which is twice the speed and more energy-efficient than the original device’s single-core A4 chip. The boost in processing power makes for a big enhancements in performance, loading times, multitasking and application switching.

Graphics are nine times faster than on the first tablet – giving you an even more impressive media viewing and gaming experience. Video applications and tasks benefit the most from this upgrade. You can even edit the video you shoot using the HD camera in the iMovie app on-device. Animations and transitions in presentations have never looked better.

Use FaceTime to video call friends using Apple mobile devices or computer, using Wi-Fi. You can also switch freely between back- and front cameras while in-call. PhotoBooth is an app that you use to take snapshots of yourself, practically identical to the PhotoBooth application on Mac OS X.

The gorgeous Smart Cover, which was designed, developed and engineered alongside the iPad 2nd Generation, is a remarkable innovation in and of itself. Not only does it snap on (using magnets in both device and cover) to provide a slim, streamlined protective cover for the screen while keeping the overall sleekness of the device, it also has integrated functionality. Wake up the device instantly by simply opening the cover. Create an impromptu viewing or typing stand with a quick fold or two, and choose from ten bright colors.

This new gadget is amazing! Take a look at http://www.ipad2deals.org for more information and find great deals on iPad 2.