So there you have it. A thinner, lighter, more powerful iPad is on the way. And not months into the future – March 11th in the US, March 25th for 26 other countries (Ireland presumably included). And not only that but an updated iOS and iPad apps for iMovie and Garage Band are also on the way.

Apple really knows how to put on a show. The appearance of Steve Jobs on stage kicked off the event, and as usual, there was little modesty to be found.

But why should there be? The iPad has sold 15 million units in nine months. It’s generated $9.5 billion for the company in revenue. And it’s prettying wiped the memory of the previous generation of tablets out.

So what does the iPad 2 give us? Dual core processor for a start – faster operation, but the battery life remains the same. Graphics power has also been improved.

There are also two cameras – front and rear facing – for video conferencing, FaceTime calls, etc.

The iPhone 4′s gyroscope is also in there too.

It’s a third thinner – making it thinner than the iPhone 4 – and will be available in black and white from launch.

New accessories include the HDMI output and the smart case (magnets, fits itself to the iPad etc).

When iOS 4.3 comes, you’ll be able to share tour iPhone’s mobile Internet connection wirelessly with other devices.

What didn’t we get? The rumours that didn’t materialise:

A micro USB port.
Expandable storage through an SD card slot.
The Retina display.
Any larger capacities.

The prices, however, will also stay the same.