After months of speculations and expectations, the iPad 2 has finally arrived; however, Apple already confirmed that it will be sold online first. A lot of iPad enthusiasts breathe a sigh of relief as this means they can avoid the expected long lines in gadget stores.

If you do not have the patience to wait a couple days for shipping, the Apple iPad 2 will be available in all Apple stores, AT&T, Walmart, Verizon, Target, and Best Buy one day after its online release. Everyone who purchases the latest iPad in Apple retail stores will be delighted with free services; such as, e-mail set-up, applications, and more.

For those who will opt to order iPad 2 directly from the Apple official website, they will be given free shipping and an online exclusive offer of free iPad engraving.

Apple showcased a thinner, lighter and sleeker iPad 2 with a promise of faster performance. The new iPad also has rear and front camera for video chat; something its predecessor lacked. Tech bloggers especially enjoy the extended battery life, which has now reached 10 hours; and its smart cover.

However, iPad 2 fell short of a few people’s expectations. Some complained that the unit does not have a crisp retina screen like that of an iPhone 4; while others noticed that it was not constructed with Corning Incorporated’s Gorilla Glass Display which is a cause of dismay for many.

The 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 is priced at $499 while the 64GB Wi-Fi with 3G unit is sold for $829. The latest innovation in iPad comes in black and white.

Apple Inc. will hold an invitation-only event next week in San Francisco. Media speculations have appeared Tuesday saying Apple’s March 2nd event will unveil its second-generation iPad.

The multinational company established in Cupertino, California has already sent out invitations for the media event. Suspicions about the nature of the event are held liable by the “double meaning” graphics portrayed in the invitation.

The invitation shows a front calendar page that emphasizes the number “2”. The upper right hand corner of the invitation can be peeled away to reveal an image of the Apple iPad underneath.

Rumors say the large number “2” on the front page can either signify the date of the event or a hint that one of the largest computer companies in the world will release its second iPad product.

Only guests who have received the invitation can attend the event. It will be held at Yerba Buena Center of the Arts Theater located in San Francisco. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m., but the main event will start at 10:00 a.m. Guests are also advised to arrive early.

The actual details of the iPad 2 were not disclosed. However, various rumors have already circulated about the original iPad sequel. According to reports, the new iPad will have a front-face camera that will allow users to carry out video chats using special services such as Skype.

With video chat applications, the iPad’s design would appear closely related to the iPhone 4, which is also built with a front-face camera and installed with FaceTime video chatting software. Others said iPad 2 will look thinner and lighter in comparison to the first Apple tablet.