The iPad 2, the second incarnation of Apple’s original tablet, will go on sale on Friday and is expected to keep on Apple’s dominance in the tablet market as experts are describing it as the best value for the money.

The original iPad was launched in April last year. The manufacturer claims it sold around 14.8 million iPads globally in merely nine months after its launch. For the iPad 2, analysts predict that Apple will be able to sell as many as 30 million tablets in the current year.

The iPad 2 is slimmer and lighter than the original iPad, and comes equipped with a faster A5 processor and two cameras- one on the front and anther on the rear. It may be noted here that the first-generation iPad is devoid of camera.

The gyroscope feature of the iPad 2 will provide an enhanced gaming experience, while its front-facing camera will allow video chatting.

Apple got a lead over rivals as it was the first to foray into the tablet market. But, the scenario is now changing fast as more and more manufacturers like Samsung, RIM and Dell have already announced their respective iPad challengers.

But, no single rival manufacturer so far could manage to snatch a considerable market share from Apple’s iPad. Comparatively lower prices of the iPad are also helping Apple in maintaining lead over rivals. The entry-level iPad 2 has been priced at $499.