Apple launches thinner, lighter iPad 2

A new, thinner, lighter and more desirable version of iPad is here.

Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs on Wednesday launched iPad 2, saying that the company had spent much time creating the product. It was Jobs's first public appearance since he went on medical leave over a month ago.

iPad 2 has just one-third the thickness of the first version and is 0.2 pounds lighter. It will come in two colours - black and white.

iPad  will be on sale in the US from March 11 and thereafter in 26 countries. It is not clear when it will arrive in India. iPad 2 will have a price range of $499 to $829.

According to Jobs, Apple sold 15 million iPads between April and December last year.