As widely anticipated, the Apple iPad 2 was officially revealed. Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the second generation of the tablet device. The iPad 2 will be available on March 11 in the United States, and will expand to other countries on March 25.

After much speculation, the latest version of the iPad was revealed by the company's Chief Executive. Jobs appearance at the event took attendees by surprise. The audience gave the Apple CEO a standing ovation, as Jobs made his first appearance since announcing his medical leave.

The iPad 2 is thinner, faster and sports a more touch-sensitive screen, in comparison to the original tablet. The device features both rear and front facing cameras, high-powered graphics, FaceTime, and even a gyroscope. The tablet will be available on the Verizon Wireless and AT&T networks.

Some current iPad owners may be gnashing their teeth, following the introduction of the latest iPad. But for those who have been waiting on the sidelines for a price discount, Apple's original iPad has been marked down and can be purchased online through the company's clearance store.

At the Apple event, two new apps for its latest tablet device were launched. Tablet versions of Apple's Garage Band and iMovie programs were unveiled. This will bring the company's music creativity application and video editing software to the iPad. The Garage Band and iMovie apps will cost $4.99, each.

For Apple iPad fans, a new tablet related product was also introduced. Jobs spent some time explaining some of the advantages of the new Smart Covers. The nifty accessory is a flexible cover that shields the tablet device, and also props up the iPad for display or for easier typing.

The Smart Covers come in a variety of polyurethane and leather colors. Apparently, the cover comes with a microfiber lining that cleans the surface each time it touches the screen of the iPad. The polyurethane covers come in at $39 each, while the leather covers come in at $69 a pop.