Aaron Long: iPad 2 accessories detailed by Steve Jobs

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

iPad 2 accessories detailed by Steve Jobs

Including HDMI out and the Smart Cover
iPad 2 accessories detailed by Steve Jobs

Finished feeling underwhelmed by the iPad 2 launch? It may be all a bit of a let down, but it's still likely to be the best tablet out there for a while, even if it isn't packing the high end features that we'd all hoped for.

And if you do decide to grab one come launch day on 11 March (or 25 March if you don't live in the USA!) you're gonna want to grab yourself a couple of accessories.

Although the two that Jobs showed off at the iPad 2 launch over in Cupertino were almost as much of a damp squib as the tablet sequel - a HDMI out lead (which was much needed, if not entirely revolutionary) and a magical magnetic case that Steve called "Smart Cover".

The HDMI lead costs a substantial $39, and can output up to 1080p, works with all apps, supports iPad rotation, and also still allows you to charge your iPad when you're using it. It will also work with the iPhone 4 and the iPod touch.

The case (although don't call it a case in front of Steve, he was keen to point out that it's much more) is like a fold-able sheet, that you can manipulate to make into a stand.

It stays in place with magnets (auto-aligned) and will automatically wake your iPad 2 up from standby when you open it, and put it to sleep when you close it.

The covers come in polyurethane or leather, and there's 10 different colour options. The leather ones are more pricey at $69, the polyurethane ones (the same material as used in space suits says Steve) are $30 less.

Tags: iPad 2 accessories Tablets Apple iPad 2