• March 2, 2011

Following weeks of fevered speculation, Apple Tuesday unveiled the latest version of the iPad -- a faster, slimmer upgrade of its iconic tablet computer offering rumored new features like a front-facing camera and built-in gyroscope. The new model, shipping March 11, will also be available in white as well black, at same $499 entry price as the original. The original iPad sold about 15 million units last year but a horde of manufacturers including Motorola, HTC, Samsung and Research in Motion have launched, or are developing, competing tablets to try to end Apple's early dominance in the category.

Despite taking a medical leave in January, Apple CEO Steve Jobs surprised audience members at the iPad 2 launch event in San Francisco by showing up himself to take the wraps off the company's new tablet model. Appearing as feisty as ever, Jobs suggested 2011 would be the" year of the copycat" in the tablet market.