Apple opens pre-orders for iPad 2

Apple is now taking online pre-orders for the iPad 2 in the US, as the firm gears up to launch the second-generation tablet in stores later today.

The cheapest model is the entry-level 16GB Wi-Fi only model, which is priced at $499. Users wishing to purchase a 3G version will be offered the choice of AT&T or Verizon, and will have to splash out a minimum of $629 for the 16GB version. This rises to $829 for the 64GB model.

UK pricing has yet to be released, but the iPad 2 is expected to retail for the same price as the original model.

Customers can choose between a black or white version, but will have to wait five to seven days before the tablet is shipped, Apple said.

The iPad 2 features significant upgrades from the original. These include an all-new dual-core A5 processor, which delivers twice the CPU performance and nine times the graphics performance of the original iPad, according to Apple.

With a thickness of 8.8mm and a weight of 590g, the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Apple also claims that the tablet will have 10 hours of battery life.

The original iPad proved to be a huge success when it was launched last year and single handedly revived the tablet market.

Apple sold three million iPads just 80 days after its debut in the US and less than a month after its UK launch.

The iPad 2 is expected to be a highly sought-after device, and could set a new record for sales.

V3.co.uk will be at Apple's flagship store in San Francisco to bring you the latest happenings live from the queue.

A first look and video review will also be posted on Friday.

UPDATE:
The iPad 2 is proving popular as Apple has changed the shipping date hours after it opened online pre-orders. All models on offer will now be dispatached in "two to three weeks".