Amazon Germany has accidentally published the release date and hardware specifications for the Apple iPad 2. On Amazon.de, it is listed as being available from March 17th 2011, with a price tag of €499 for the 16GB version (thats about £423 in proper money). This is actually slightly cheaper than the 16GB iPad on Amazon which is priced at £439.

The version 2 device has the same 9.7inch form factor, with front and rear facing cameras, 1.2 Ghz processor, and it slimmer and lighter than the older version.

Amazon have since taken the listing off the website prior to the official announcement due later today.

Meanwhile, the Blackberry Playbook, RIM's attempt at the tablet format, is also scheduled for release later this month. This device will have a more powerful dual core processor than the iPad 2, but a smaller 7inch screen. Rumour has it that the PlayBook will be compatible with the Android App store, even though its not running android OS.