Apple introduces iPad 2

San Francisco—Apple CEO Steve Jobs returned from medical leave to make an appearance at an event introducing the iPad 2. Apple said the new tablet, which will be available March 11, is 33% thinner and 15% lighter than the original iPad.

The iPad 2 features the dual core A5 chip and two cameras (including HD video), and is available on AT&T and Verizon. It also has the new Smart Cover, which attaches via magnets.

Apple sold 13.3 million iPads in 2010 and is expected to sell 34.0 million tablets this year, according to projections from eMarketer. The device now faces competition from a host of other tablets, such as the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy.