iPad 2 launches in India today

The new iPad, about 33 percent thinner, 0.2 pounds lighter, featuring twice as much processing power and nine-times better graphics performance, with two cameras and ten hours of battery life will also come in a white model apart from the black.

The device comes with the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen like the previous model. It also includes a dual core A5 processor, video-calling capabilities and 720p video recording in the rear camera.

But the device still does not carry a USB port or a SD card slot and forces users to conform to Apple's quirks of not allowing applications and software that don't get its approval first or, for that matter, freely manage their own files on their own iPad.

The launch comes exactly eight weeks after the device hit store shelves in the United States, rebutting criticism that the tech giant ignores largely India over its eagerly awaited products.

The company had launched the first generation of the iPad on Jan 28 this year, over eight months after it hit U.S. store shelves and allegedly just to dump stale hardware in the run up to iPad 2 which went on sale in the U.S. on Mar 11.

Experts say Apple seems to be waking up from its stupor to take notice of the fledgling Indian tech market, which already is the world's fastest growing cellphone consumer.

In the recent months, Apple's competitors like Samsung and Dell, along with several smaller companies, have flooded the Indian tablet market offering a wide range of devices. BlackBerry-maker RIM too launched its tablet, PlayBook, earlier this month.

The iPad 2 has been priced competitively, close to what other companies are asking for their tablets.

The basic version of the iPad with WiFi connectivity and 16GB storage will be available for a maximum retail price of Rs. 29,500. The 32GB and 64GB models have been priced at Rs. 34,500 and Rs. 39,500 respectively.

Customers will have to shell out more for the Wifi + 3G models. While the 16GB one will come for Rs. 36,900, the 32GB and 64GB models have been priced at Rs. 41,900 and Rs. 46,900 respectively.

While Apple has no official stores in India, they will be available with select Apple Authorized Resellers, the company said in a media release.