Apple’s March 2nd event has come and gone and as we lie in the wake of some serious announcements it’s time to dish the daily dose of tech. In today’s US Update we’re locked and loaded with iPad 2 news starting with GarageBand and covering everything from turning your iPad into a set top box to breaking down the top five reasons the iPad 2 is the tablet to beat in 2011.
First up, GarageBand for iPad. With the same easy-to-use interface as its desktop counterpart, the iPad version will be the perfect tool for turning your tablet into the ultimate music tool. The app goes on sale March 11 when the iPad 2 launches for $4.99. To take your talents to your living room, Apple has announced a new HDMI adapter, dubbed the “Apple Digital AV Adapter”. Priced at $39.00, this adapter allows up to 1080p output on the iPad 2 or 720p output on the iPhone, iPod touch or original iPad.
In our guide on how to turn your iPad into a full-fledge set top box, we examine all of the possible uses for your iPad. Whether you decide to use an Apple TV and AirPlay or the HDMI adapter, getting your content on the big screen is now easier than ever. Have an original iPad and debating whether to make the switch to the iPad 2? Have no fear, we’ve put together a breakdown of how the next-generation tablet stacks up to its predecessor — you be the judge.
Last up this morning is the top five reasons the iPad 2 is the tablet to beat in 2011. Whether you look at price, resale value, build quality or battery life, the iPad 2 certainly has a leg up on the competition. The question is whether or not these reasons will be enough to battle the Xoom, PlayBook, TouchPad and Tab 10.1 this year.
That wraps up the goods for today. As always I’m Nick Marshall and I’ll see you again tomorrow.
