News Flash - Full iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 update details

Apple took the wraps off the long-rumored iPad 2, due March 11 for $500 (16GB WiFi) to $830 (64G 3G) with 3G options for both AT&T and Verizon. Here are the details:

• Faster processor and graphics chip. Hands on reports indicate it doesn't feel laggy like the original iPad and should handle games even better.
• Two cameras. The rear camera is a 720p video camera with 5x digital zoom while the front camera is just VGA quality.
• Gyroscope. This will improve tilt controls, same as with iPhone 4.
• HDMI output. Costs $40 for Apple Digital AV Adapter to connect to your TV for up to 1080p video playback. Mirrored, so you can see it both on the iPad 2 and TV.
• Thinner. By 33 percent, with only an 8.8mm depth and weighing slightly less than the first iPad.
• Battery life. Equivalent to the first iPad, about 10 hours.
• Display. Same as iPad, no "retina display" introduced with iPhone 4.
• Smart Covers. These optional cases cost $40 (plastic) to $70 (leather) and were designed to put the iPad 2 to sleep when closed and wake when opened.
• Available in black and white. Apple promises this time white will be delivered - and at launch.

We'll also see iOS 4.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch on March 11. Here's what to expect:

• Safari update. Improved Web browsing performance thanks to faster JavaScript engine.
• Personal Hotspot. Only on iPhone 4, you'll finally be able to share your 3G connection with other devices. It looks like you'll need to buy an expanded data plan for this from AT&T which includes an extra 2GB of data throughput for $20 per month.
• iTunes home sharing. Stream music and videos from iTunes on your PC or Mac via WiFi to iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch.
• AirPlay improvements for sharing content to Apple TVs (including potential support for third-party apps).
• iPad switch can be changed to mute or lock rotation (your choice).
• FaceTime for iPad and 4th-gen iPod Touch (as well as iPhone 4, which has it now, and the Mac version).
• Photo Booth for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch. For taking and manipulating pictures with the front camera.
• iMovie. Video editing app. Costs $5.
• GarageBand. Audio recording app with touch instruments. Costs $5.

You will need the just released iTunes 10.2 to get this update, so you might want to update now and be ready...