Every time Apple rolls out a new iPad model, potential buyers find themselves with more options to ponder. Before you head off to the Apple circus, let's go over the pros and cons of each model on offer so you can figure out exactly which one is best for you.
Given all of the hype ahead of Wednesday's unveiling, it's surprising to see how right the leading analysts and tech bloggers were in nailing Apple's new iPad. But that doesn't mean there weren't a few surprises out of the Cupertino powerhouse.
Apple unveiled its new iPad with its usual pizzazz, and fans will probably rush to pre-order the snazzy new tablet. But if you don't need the absolute latest bells and whistles, the real news is that you can get an iPad 2 now at a very sweet price.
Earlier this month, Apple's marketing department pitched iPad 2 as a great gift for Valentine's Day. But with the iPad 3 a mere three weeks from release, we have to call foul. A dozen roses may not last that long, but no one's buying a $499 flower arrangement.
Friday's Wall Street Journal featured an article headlined "Measuring the Human Cost of an iPad Made in China," and what followed is a distressingly good example of the dangers of reporting the world from the perspective of revenue-maximizing alone.
Personal computer sales fell 1.1% in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2010, according to industry research firm Gartner, but while its report lists a few possible reasons for the decline, none are compelling, and the drop is unlikely to presage a serious decline in PC sales.
Apple's second version of its popular iPad tablet computer went on sale Friday afternoon, and was greeted by the now-familiar lines of buyers outside Apple stores.
As Apple fans line up to snag an iPad 2 when they go on sale Friday, individual consumers won't be the only ones purchasing them. Analysts explain why corporate America is increasingly adopting the popular tablet computer.
A fall in U.S. applications for unemployment benefits sparked a buying spree in Asia. In Hong Kong the Hang Seng Index gained 1.2%, the Shanghai Composite Index advanced 1.4% and Japan's's Nikkei 225 Index added 1%.
That's because Wednesday's launch is expected to be more of a refresh rather than a totally new product. However, if Steve Jobs were to show up at the launch event, that would get investors excited and likely pump up Apple shares.
Will the iPad 2 be hit by Apple's usual supply-shortage problems when it launches tomorrow as expected? Early reports say yes. But if Apple isn't careful, inventory problems could cost it sales because the market is now full of competitors.
