Apple unveils new, sharper screen iPad

Apple gave the new iPad a bunch of new features but no new name.

When it goes on sale March 16, it will be "the iPad" or perhaps "the new iPad" -- not "iPad 3" or "iPad HD," as some had speculated.

The new iPad unveiled Monday comes with improvements that may not be readily apparent to the casual observer. It has, as expected, a sharper screen, driven by a faster processing chip that acts as the "brains" of the device. What was more surprising was that the new features mean the tablet computer will be slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad 2, because it needs a larger battery to power the high-resolution screen.

Prices aren't changing from the previous models. They will start at $499. Versions capable of accessing cellular networks will cost $629 to $829.

Apple is keeping the basic model of the iPad 2 in production and dropping the price to $399.That could help Apple regain some market share from cheaper tablets like Amazon.com Inc.'s $199 Kindle Fire. Samsung Electronics and other makers of full-size tablets have cut their prices to below $500.

Apple said the new display will be sharper than the average high-definition television set. -- AP

iPad Specs

New iPad

Thickness: 0.37 inches

Weight: 1.44 lbs. (Wi-Fi-only model)

Price: Starting at $499

Higher-resolution camera

Old iPad (iPad 2)

Thickness: 0.34 inches

Weight: 1.33 pounds

Price: Dropping to $399