iPad 2 to ship March 11

The iPad 2 has been one of the hottest topics of conversation among technophiles and the electronically inclined over the past few months. Rumors have swirled as to when the next generation tablet computer from Apple would launch, but Apple chief executive Steve Jobs put an end to the speculation at an event in San Francisco Tuesday. 

Jobs took to the stage in his signature black mock turtleneck and presented the newest generation iPad to attendees: The iPad 2 will soon ship from manufacturers and will be available for purchase in Apple stores on March 11. The first generation iPad sold nearly 15 million units in 2010 and analysts affirm in 2011 there could be nearly 50 million tablet computers sold as the market for them expands.

The iPad 2 resembles its first generation cousin is many ways, including look and feel; however, the newest iPad has a faster performance chip and both a front- and rear-facing camera for photos and video chats. "We've been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss this day," Jobs said at the event as he showed off his latest gadget.

Along with its faster processing chip and newly added cameras, the iPad 2 is roughly 20 percent lighter than the first generation model and has the ability to plug into flat screen televisions through an HDMI connector.