The new iPad2

33% thinner, 15% lighter, 9x the performance... with the same battery life of 10 hours!!! These were the point that caught my attention. I wasn't the fan of the first iPad (will explain more on this), however, after watching Steve Job launching the iPad2 (Youtube after the jump), I GOTTA HAVE ONE... (will explain too) 

Features and official videos : http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/ 

Why the first iPad never caught my attention... much... 

1. Too big, thick, heavy. 
   I don't like carrying things around in my hands. The last time I did that, I lost a Nokia Banana Phone... :( I tried reading and watching movie on it, and after a while, my hands ache... How am I traveling with this?
2. Never understood iOS
   That time, I did not have my iMac yet and also never actually played with the iPhone. My only i-product that time was my classic iPod and iPod Nano 2G. I always thought multi tasking is a pain and customization is super limited (still true). Software options for the iPad at that time was also limited.
3. Freedom and Customization
   Am an Android (1.6,2.1,2.2) user and previously, Windows Mobile (CE2,3,4,5,6 - PPC2002, 2003, WM5,6,6.7). I love platforms that allows me to hack, mod, customize. Don't like to be the same as any other users. 
4. Price tag
   Before the revised pricing, the iPad is kinda pricey. I rather get loads of other stuff such as netbook, android phones... 
5. Connectivity
   Microsim Sim card or Wifi. Before Yes4G came into the picture. I don't find any convenience using a mobile device without much mobility in connectivity. 
6. Usage
   Can't find much use for it. Gaming? I have my PSP and Android phone which does better job at lesser weight and size. Document processing? like how? (Again, this was before I understood cloud processing and mobile gaming such as Angry Birds :P)

Why am interested in the iPad2

1. iOS
   Multitasking and flexibility. After having my first iMac, iPhone4 for my wife and iPod touch experiences, I now understand iOS better. Multitasking is possible (although most background services are not) customization to a certain limit and best of all, the stability of the OS on the hardware itself. (I grew tired of unstable Android versions crashing all the time)
2. The new A5 chip & dual camera
   Garage band and iMovie are 2 of the reasons why I got my iMac. Now it is available on a tablet! Imagine doing video editing and song arrangement on the move. The size and battery life is also a big selling point (comparing to other competitors) 
3. Usage + Connectivity
   These was made possible recently by my company - YTL Communications. Mobile connectivity via Yes 4G via a Huddle gives the ability for a truly mobile internet experience. And... my company believes in cross platform, giving employees the flexibility to access work documents and emails via any means. Meaning, I can work from an iPad. (Which I have been doing it from my Android phone)
4. Mobile Gaming
   I am shooting myself in the foot. These days, mobile gamings are getting very popular on Phone/Tablet platform rather than portable console. I have a PSP which I seldom use unless I am on a long journey. Reason is, too many gadgets to carry. I played and completed more games on my Android phone than my PSP. And, you can get most of the coolest games on iOS comparing to PSP. e.g Plants VS Zombies, Airport Madness, Fruit Ninja... 
5. The i-compatibility
   Once you get your first iProduct, you are doomed. Not really doomed, but it is like a standard. All the iProducts worked well together, software, simplicity, connectivity. Just by using iTunes, I can sync all the data, songs, software. And using 1 account, I can purchase the app I want and use it in all the iProducts. So... in a long run, you save more by getting MORE iProducts (excuse) 

Well, March 11th is the launch date in the US and March 25th in the other 25 countries... Singapore/Malaysia would probably only get it around late this year... Hence... I am gonna import mine from US :P nyeh nyeh nyeh... stay tuned...