We’ve all seen the new iPad 2 by now, and there were only a few changes made to the second generation version.

1. Front/Rear Facing Camera
2. New Design – Thinner
3. Dual Core A5 Chip
4. Proximity Sensor/Smart Covers
5. 3G Models On Both AT&T & Verizon

All of the fuss has been about not seeing a camera on apples products when they enter the mobile market.  It’s just something that should be standard by now, and I’ll admit I had a camera on my phone in 2003 that was ‘revolutionary’.  Though we’ve had this technology available for quite some time, and the price for a camera in a phone/tablet is only about $16, I think Apple’s approach keeps people talking about their products year-round.  It’s not that big of a deal, but again there is an ongoing speculation that keeps people anticipating something every year.

It’s thinner.  While there is talk about the iPhone 5 having a wider screen, the goal of the tablet is to be as mobile as possible and making it 33% thinner was the approach Apple took.  Also, there will be 2 colors available: Apple’s traditional white and black glossed finishes.  White ships from day one.

Going along with the new design comes the new A5 chip which powers the iPad 2.  The A5 microprocessor based on an ARM design promises better-quality FaceTime videoconferencing, and gaming capabilities.  The chip with dual core runs at 1GHz while a single 1Ghz core A4 processor is used in iPhone 4.  It allows for 1080p capabilities with your HD TV, and works great with Apple TV.  This chipset will most likely be implemented into the iPhone 5 as well to compete with the Motorola Atrix 4G which also runs on a dual-core ARM processor.

Something smart from Apple’s standpoint is the proximity sensor and the smart covers that they will offer with the iPad 2.  With the cover on the iPad goes to sleep, and when you remove the cover it wakes.  What’s even smarter is the fact that the company is offering these covers at $39 & $69 for polyester and leather models respectively.  This means that old covers or cases will not be able to be used with the new iPads, and it will increase revenue through a different category that 3rd party vendors will have to play catch-up on.

Finally there will be models offered on both AT&T and Verizon.  I’ve yet to decide which one I will get, but for now it looks like AT&T since I already have my iPhone on AT&T.  I’m still waiting for the iPhone 5 on Verizon that will, hopefully, be able to function as an Internet browser and phone at the same time.  It’s a small detail, but really is convenient when you need to look something up while talking to someone on your phone.

For a rap up on the full list of features and capabilities check out the iPad 2 here.

Here is a video from TechCrunch going over the differences between the new iPad 2 and the Motorola Xoom.  Note the guy who is critiquing the Xoom is an Android fanboy yet slams the Xoom for its lack of Apps and less than impressive user experience.

Also these are a few apps I think that are noteworthy.

1. Explor
2. TurboTax
3. WHERE
4. News360
5. CoBrowser

Also noteworthy is this camper who has set up shop outside an Apple store in Texas even though it’s not due for another 3 days.  Apple Fanatic.