iPad 2 Release Officially Announced on Verizon

We're sitting here with our fingernails in our kneecaps waiting to get our hands on our very own iPad 2 tablets (except for Vince, of course, who already has one, that cad,) and we're just happy as all get-out to have a press release here telling us all about Verizon's official release and price model for the new iOS tablet. This tablet will, of course, be released at the same time in all locations, March 11th, on Verizon's 3G network, at 5 P.M. "local time" – which means no matter where you are, when the clock hits 5, the doors will open. I'll be getting mine before you, California!

You'll have your choice of three different models of iPad 2, $629.99 for the 16 GB model, $729.99 for the 32 GB model and $829.99 for the 64 GB model, all of them available in black or white. This new iPad is, as you've heard, 33 percent thinner than the original with a 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. Inside you'll find Apple's new A5 dual-core processor and a whole new version of iOS (version 4.3.x, just released yesterday, in fact,) which will make your whole experience quick and fabulous. Also the iPad 2 features two cameras, one on the front for FaceTime chat, and one on the back for photos and video which you'll be able to edit in-tablet on iMovie, newly optimized for tablets.

Prices on the data you'll be wanting for this tablet begin at $20 a month and move up to $80 a month for you heavy users:

Monthly Usage Cost Data Allowance

· $20 per month 1 GB per month

· $35 per month 3 GB per month

· $50 per month 5 GB per month

· $80 per month 10 GB per month

Check out the full press release below:

IPAD 2 ON THE VERIZON WIRELESS 3G NETWORK IN STORES NATIONWIDE ON MARCH 11

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless announced today that iPad 2 will be available in select Verizon Wireless stores nationwide beginning Friday, March 11 at 5 p.m. local time. Verizon Wireless will offer three iPad 2 models that run on the nation's most reliable 3G network: $629.99 for the 16 GB model, $729.99 for the 32 GB model and $829.99 for the 64 GB model, available in black or white.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple's new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime® and Photo Booth®, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life* that users have come to expect.

iPad 2 and 3G Network Data Plans

Verizon Wireless offers several data plans for iPad 2, beginning at $20 per month. All data plans will be available without a contract, providing the freedom to activate or cancel a plan at any time. The following plans are available for iPad 2 users on America's most reliable 3G network:

Monthly Usage Cost Data Allowance

· $20 per month 1 GB per month

· $35 per month 3 GB per month

· $50 per month 5 GB per month

· $80 per month 10 GB per month

For more information about iPad 2 from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com/iPad2, go to any Verizon Wireless Communications Store or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

* Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.