iPad 2 Review

iPad 2

User Ratings    ipad 2 4-star

iPad 2
It’s official – the iPad 2 is here and it’s set to be huge no matter what consumers may think of the changes.  The new iPad 2 closely resembles the first generation iPad in that it basically has the same software and closely resembles it.

The new model is being described as thinner, sleeker and faster. The iPad 2 received an upgrade to its processor, added a camera for video chat, now comes with two cameras and even  unloaded some of it’s weight. These few changes still makes the iPad 2 an exciting and beautiful tablet to own.

Apple replaced last year’s A4 CPU with a new A5 1GHz dual core chip running 512 MB of RAM. Tablet enthusiasts were really wishing the iPad 2 would contain 1GB of RAM. The screen looks the same as the previous model with a 1024 x 768, 9.7-inch IPS display.  Battery life for the device has also improved.  But, really how much has changed since the original iPad? Users of the new iPad 2 maintain that although the new tablet has some much needed updates, it is not without a few shortcomings. Here’s a guide to some of the key features of both models.


What’s Changed In The New iPad 2?

The Size

Any iPad description you read will make note of the new slimmer size for the iPad 2, and it’s one of the features Apple promotes and is very proud about. The differences are small, but it does improve portability for a devise like this one. If you are familiar with the old iPad,  you will probably notice the changes with the new iPad 2.

Height

* iPad 1: 9.56 inches

* iPad 2: 9.50 inches

Width

* iPad 1: 7.47 inches

* iPad 2: 7.31 inches

Depth

* iPad 1: 0.50 inches

* iPad 2: 0.34 inches

 Weight

* iPad 1 Wi-Fi Only: 1.5 pounds

* iPad 2 Wi-Fi Only: 1.33 pounds

* iPad 1 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.6 pounds

* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.35 pounds

* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G For Verizon: 1.34 pounds

Display And Storage

The iPad 2′s display and storage is the same as the first iPad. Both have a 9.7 inch LED-backlit glossy display with 1024 by 768 pixel resolution, and both models come with the same storage options (16GB, 32GB and 64GB in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G).

New Camera

One huge new addition to the iPad 2 is a camera! Not just one camera, in fact, but two. The back camera can be used for HD (720p) video recording up to 30 frames per second with audio, or as a still camera with 5x digital zoom. The front camera is designed for face to face video calls, it can record VGA up to 30 frames per second, and take VGA-quality still images. Photos and videos can be geotagged over a Wi-Fi connection.

Battery Life

Battery life is essential for any portable device.   Battery life for the iPad 2 is still at 10 hours on WiFi or 9 hours when using 3G.

New Inputs For The iPad 2?

The iPad 2 features all of the inputs of the iPad 1 (the 3.5mm headphone minijack, built in speakers, microphone, SIM card tray for the Wi-Fi + 3G model and the 30-pin dock connector port). Unfortunately there are still no USB or SD card ports which in the past disappointed the first generation iPad owners and consumers continue to be dismayed there were no ports added to the new iPad 2. However, what people are not considering is that the more ports, the heavier the tablet. Apple can boast about how think the iPad 2 is because the device does not have any internal ports to add to it’s weight.

What Else Has Changed?

Some other changes include the upgrade to the 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor from the original 1GHz Apple A4 processor. This means that the iPad 2 will run faster than the original model.

The iPad 2 also includes a new gyroscope as well as the accelerometer of the iPad 1. What this means is improved motion sensing accuracy, the ability for the iPad to know the direction you’re moving in space, and how fast you’re moving it. This has great potential for more accurate motion sensor based games or apps.

Lastly, the iPad 2 comes with the latest operating system: iOS 4.3. This brings a number of new features, namely improved streaming capabilities to devices around the home with iTunes Home Sharing, faster browsing and more.

All in all, the new iPad description seems to suggest that the iPad 2 is going to be sleeker and faster than before, with the huge bonus of a new camera for those who want to shoot photos, videos, or hold video calls on the road. Whether the changes wow you or disappoint you will depend on exactly what you’re looking for in the iPad. The good news is that it isn’t going to cost any more than the original iPad model did on release!

iPad 2

Features of New iPad 2

  • 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology.
  • 1 GHz dual-core Apple A5 custom-designed processor.
  • Forward facing and rear facing cameras.
  • Apple’s iOS 4 and access to Apple’s app store.

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

  • Hardware Platform: PC
  • Processor: 1 GHz Unknown
  • Number of Processors: 2
  • RAM: 512 MB

Hard Drive

  • Size: 32 GB

Graphics and Display

  • LCD Native Resolution: 1024×768

Ports and Connectivity

  • Modem: None

Cases and Expandability

  • Size (LWH): 7.31 inches, 9.5 inches, 0.34 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds

Power

  • Rated Charge (normal use): 10 hours

Wireless

  • Wireless Type: 802.11abg;  iPad 2 also comes in choice of  Wireless only or WiFi and 3G (with optional purchase of data plan)
Viewable Document Types: .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)File Formats Handled
What’s In The Box
  • iPad
  • Dock Connector to USB Cable
  • 10W USB Power Adapter
  • Documentation

iPad 2 Consumer Reviews

The iPad 2 was rated with an overall score of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 297 customers. Most customers rating the product were positive with minimal issues with the tablet.

 

ipad 2 4-star   A Step Closer, March 15, 2011
If you’re in the market for a tablet device the iPad 2 should definitely be on your short list. I gave the iPad 2 four stars. I did this in contemplation of the features offered by competitors that are absent from the iPad. . . Read complete review here.
iPad 2   Ipad 2 Wonderful Tablet When It Works! Sucks When It Does Not Work! , April 14, 2011
I bought an IPAD 2 64GB #3G Verizon model online.  It was amazing for the first 20 hours. The apps were so unbelievable. On the second day, it started trying to shut down. The battery was at 80%. I tried shutting it off and could not. I called Apple. I had bought the Extra Care Plan for $90.00, so they are going to help me. Right? Wrong. . . Read complete review here.

 

iPad 2 PROs  & CONS


 

 

  • Smart Cover accessory. The  accessory that was added to the iPad 2 is the new  Smart Cover  which uses magnets to connect onto the side of the tablet and a folding design that turns it into both a keyboard stand and a video/FaceTime stand. Although, most users are finding it hard to believe the cover can actually clean the display. Normally, this requires a vigorous rubbing action to remove fingerprints and debris.
  • The interface is smooth and polished. The iPad is well built and has a high-quality feel to it. The design of the tablet is sleek and thin. The screen in particular is gorgeous with great color reproduction and great viewing angles. Apple’s iOS is designed for mobile devices, taking full advantage of the Apple multi-touch interface, making the iPad the most intuitive tablet in the marketplace.
  • Processor speed. The processor is fast and efficient.
  • Settings are maintained.  The iPad remembers each network and its settings. Users do not have to manually change proxy settings every time when moving from the workplace to home.
  • Portability. The size and weight make of the iPad 2 makes it extremely easy to carry around and convenient to use.
  • Application software.  apps available to iPad users far exceed those available to the competing devices. Users have more flexibility by being able to utilize the potential of the device through it’s offering of apps.
  • Visually stunning. The iPad is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and also when handling it. The tablet makes everyone want one for their own.

 

 

 

  • No Flash Support. Consumers expressed disappointment that the new iPad did not come with Flash support which limits what users can view on websites that use Flash on websites that show video, online games and animations. However, reviewers state Flash is slowly becoming a thing of the past and some websites are slowly working toward utilizing HTML 5 instead of Flash on their websites.  It has been reported that Apple believes Flash support for the iPad would decrease battery life  and performance.
  •  No ports. It was a surprise to iPad users that the iPad 2 did not come with a second dock connector so there would be an option of docking the iPad 2 in landscape mode.  Also, a SD slot and USB port was not included, but is expected for the next generation iPad 3.  The optional Camera Connection Kit provides a plug-in SD slot as well as an USB port which can be used with a USB card reader , headphones or mic.
  • No 4G support.  Although Verizon is going to a new LTE network, Apple will not be upgrading the iPad to 4G technology. Market research indicated that almost 50 percent of potential iPad buyers chose the WiFi model. So, having 4G technology may not be that important to iPad users.
  • iPad 2 has to be charged from the wall outlet. To obtain a full charge, the iPad has to be charged from a wall outlet instead of through a computer connection.
  • Can only sync through iTunes. Users have to sync folders, music or photos through iTunes. You cannot delete photos directly from the iPad even though you can choose a specific photo and a delete button will appear but once you select it, you cannot delete from the iPad. This was confirmed through reading the manual.
  • Manual is not included with the iPad. If you don’t have an iPhone, the learning curve for the iPad may be steep. The manual is not included with the iPad, but is on the Apple website.  You will need to have your wireless connection working in order to read it from the website.
  • Smart Cover is horrible.  One user warned potential buyers of the Smart Cover to not waste their money. If  you are a high user of the iPad, the cover tends to become dirty with use and at times does not always snap to the edge of the iPad with the precision shown in commercial advertising.

Overall, the iPad 2 is a beautiful tablet that is thin, sleek and light. Most users have only minor negatives involving the tablet, but for the most part, they are happy with their purchase.  The main issues with the new iPad is the fact it does not have Flash support, no SD card slot or USB port for file transference or memory expansion and users only being able to use the proprietary iTunes to sync files. These are minor and most owners of the tablet have found ways around these problems they have identified with the device.

The positives outweigh the negatives if you don’t carried away with thinking the iPad 2 is something more than another portable electronic device with specific capabilities. It shouldn’t be confused with being a replacement for a laptop or netbook. As long as users keep that in mind they will really enjoy ownership of the iPad 2 tablet. It is truly one of the most unique and accessible tablets in the marketplace today.

ipad 2

Suggested Accessories For The iPad 2

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
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