Pencil-thin is so last year. This gold brick is now slightly thinner than a pencil.

In all seriousness, the 6.1 mm profile is impressive. Not only is the iPad Air 2 thinner than the original iPad Air, it's even thinner than the latest iPhones—and lacks the latter's controversial camera bump.

Close inspection also reveals that the dual mic inched its way closer to the iSight camera, apparently chasing the hold switch clean off the device.

Not only is this iPad Air 2 thinner, but it is lighter too. How much lighter? About 12 pennies worth.