The new is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor. It is powered by an Apple designed dual-core processor called the A5. The iPad 2 is 33 per cent thinner (8.8mm) than the original, weighs 613g, and will come in both black and white models.

Apple claims the A5 processor doubles the speed of the iPad 2 compared to the original and makes graphics processing up to nine times faster. The screen resolution hasn't changed, and the iPad 2 doesn't get the Thunderbolt connector that was unveiled on the new MacBook Pro range.

Check out our full specification differences between the original iPad and the iPad 2 below:

The Apple iPad 2 will be available in Australia on March 25. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the iPad 2 is expected to cost the same as the original iPad.