2011: Year of the iPad 2?

So it's finally out, Apple just announced their iPad 2:

http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Engadget did live blog coverage (best one out there in my opinion):

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/live-from-apples-ipad-2-event/

And a follow-up article:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/the-ipad-2/

While Apple will have more competition this year:

- Samsung's 7" Galaxy Tab and 10" Tab 2 (and a rumored 8.9" Tab)
- Motorola's 10.1" Xoom (w/ Android 3.0 aka Honeycomb)
- HP's WebOs 10" TouchPad
- RIM's 7" PlayBook
- Windows 7 tablets

I still think the iPad 2 will outsell them all (maybe even combined). They have an established consumer base, a huge headstart (90% of tablet market), more apps and a great distribution channel (Apple stores and all other retailers).

While it's not a big jump from the original iPad, there are updates (the dual-core processor and cameras), along with the aesthetic improvements (thinner and lighter) that are enough despite the lack of some wants (Retina Display, SD card or USB ports).

I expect lines outside the doors on March 11 again (and a shortage of the white ones)... and whether you like Apple or not, you can't argue against their ability to define and lead a market category.

Update:

More on why I think the iPad2 will outsell the original iPad and all the competitors:

http://www.bignerdblog.com/2011/03/dont-believe-haters-apple-will-win-pad.html