So What All Is Inside The New iPad?

Apple CEO Tim Cook began today’s unveiling of the new iPad by talking about what he has dubbed the “Post-PC Revolution,” i.e., the explosion of electronics devices that go beyond the traditional uses of computing. Between the various iterations of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, Cook says post-PC devices now account for 76% of the company’s revenue.

Cook called iPad the “poster child” for the post-PC world and that the new version is “redefining the category,” which is all well and good but what about the features?

First, there’s the new display, which has a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, a million more than an HD TV. It’s also powered by an A5X chip which effectively doubles the graphics power of the iPad 2.

It also includes a 5 megapixel camera with image stabilization. It can also record video at 1080p.

And the big news for iPad owners who take their devices outside of WiFi networks — the new device will indeed support 4G LTE networks, along with HSPA+ and HSDPA. Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to have 4G coverage for the iPad to work but if/when you do, the iPad will be able to access the higher-speed network.

But the iPad will not be a dual-band device, meaning there will once again be separate versions for Verizon and AT&T.

On the battery life front, Apple says the new iPad will give you the same 9 hours for use on a 3G network; no word on how quickly you’d chew through the battery on a 4G LTE network.

It weighs 1.4 lbs and is 9.4 millimeters thick.

So what about the price?

The new iPad will go on sale at the same rates as the iPad 2 did at launch — 16GB version for $499; 32GB for $599; 64GB for $699. Add $130 to each of these prices for the 4G wireless versions.

And it looks like prices on iPad 2 will be slashed $100.

Apple will start taking orders today with an expected street date of March 16.

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