iPad 2 Live: Release Date & Pricing Now Official for the Next-gen Apple Tablet

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The iPad 2 was launched officially in San Francisco today and the device seems to be getting ready to take over both the U.S. and international markets in the following months. We’ve seen Steve Jobs take the stage today to unveil Apple’s latest product and we have already showed you the main specs and features of the device. Naturally you must be wondering when this baby will hit stores and we have release dates and pricing for you right now.

The iPad 2 will be available on March 11 in the USA and on March 25 in 26 other countries (that’s Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzeralnd and UK). We did tell you that the device was going to come out sooner than expected, didn’t we?

How much will it cost you ask? Steve Jobs announced pricing details too today, or, better said, he announced the same prices he did more than a year ago. The new, improved iPad 2 will be priced exactly like its predecessor. And while Apple will not sell it for less, it still made sure those following the live event know that five of its six iPad 2 price tags are lower than Motorola’s $799 Xoom cost.

Without further ado, here’s what you’ll have to pay for the iPad 2:

• 16GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $499
• 32GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $599
• 64GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $699
• 16GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $629
• 32GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $729
• 64GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi $829

What Steve Jobs forgot to mention was whether the current iPad models will sell for less in Apple’s store, but we’re going to find out more details about that soon enough. Although it’s pretty safe to say that “old” iPads will be even more affordable, and I’m sure there are plenty of people that will be more than happy to go for a first-gen device.

Also, in case you’re wondering, both AT&T and Verizon will be selling that tablet this year, so get your cash ready and start making up your mind on what iPad 2 to buy next week.