iPad 2

Is the fuss surrounding the release of iPad 2 really warranted? Is this the must have gadget of 2011? What about for owners of the original iPad, should you upgrade? These questions and more shall be addressed in this discussion of the new Apple iPad 2.

 

iPad2 Release Date

On the 11^th of March 2011, iPad 2 was officially released. So you are now able to order it from a number of retailers including directly from Apple, through the Amazon webstore as well as many more outlets. The question you should be asking is now, when is it coming out? But rather, is it in stock?

iPad vs iPad 2

This table shows a comparison of the size and weight of the first and 2^nd generation models. Of particular note is the depth of the new model. It is over 30% slimmer. It looks good!

 

	iPad	iPad 2
Height	9.56 inches (243 mm)	9.50 inches (241.2 mm)
Width	7.47 inches (190 mm)	7.31 inches (185.7 mm)
Depth	.528 inches (13.4 mm)	0.34 inch (8.8 mm)
Weight	1.5 lb (680 g)	1.33 pounds (601 g)

iPad 2 Review

iPad 2, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin’! Despite my love of the Edwin Starr song, the same cannot be said of iPad 2 as it can of War. This latest tablet offering from Apple is more than just a great looking gadget, it has loads of functionality to offer as well.

 

I use my Kindle electronic book reader daily and am a huge fan. But if I really want to show off, it is the iPad 2 that has the most wow power!

 

Now let’s take a look at what iPad 2 actually offers us. First up is the fact that it is now smaller, lighter weight and thanks to its dual-core A5 chip it faster too. From watching movies to surfing the internet is now a slicker experience. The speed that it wakes up is sensational. There is no wait while iPad 2 boots up. In this respect it is much more like iPod touch than a MacBook.

 

Watching videos on iPad 2 is one of the most impressive features that it offers. The 9.7″ screen is large enough for you to get sucked right into the action. 10 hours of battery time should be long enough that you never run out of battery life before you arrive somewhere you can recharge.

 

A special Smart Cover is designed to work seamlessly with iPad 2. It comes in two styles, polyurethane and leather designs. This is not included in the price but they are not too expensive. They attach to the tablet magnetically and when the cover is in place, iPad 2 automatically goes to sleep. Then as soon as you open the cover, it wakes up.

 

FaceTime, which makes use of the front and back cameras is one of the big marketing points of iPad 2. In many ways it is similar to Skype, which I am sure you know. However FaceTime only works between Apple devices such as iPad 2, iPhone 4, the new iPod touch or Mac over Wi-Fi. You can watch a video on the Apple website showing a demo of the application. It certainly looks impressive.

 

I really like the Maps application. You require a 3G version to get the most out of this feature. The built in GPS means iPad 2 always knows where it is even if you don’t. It can act like a car navigation system and provide you with route details. There is even a feature that can show you real street views to help you recognize your destination as you are arriving.

 

iPad 2 Scam?

My introduction to iPad 2 came long after I had been using the Kindle electronic reader. So I find it somewhat amusing that Apple are boasting a 10 hour battery life considering the battery on the Kindle 3 lasts for a whole month! But the fact of the matter is that electronic book readers and tablet devices are not really the same thing. The Amazon Kindle really has just one use, reading books. Whereas iPad 2 can do much more besides.

 

I feel that choosing to purchase a Kindle is a much easier decision to make. Do you read books? - Yes. Would you like an electronic book reader? Yes. => Buy a Kindle.

 

Having a reason, other than just being cool, is very important if you are thinking about purchasing iPad 2. What do you want to do with it?

 

I would suggest that its mobility and video viewing capabilities are two of the most useful features that it provides.

 

Best Price iPad 2

The big question is where to find a cheap iPad 2. Unfotunately Apple do not offer their educational discount on iPad devices. You may be able to get a slight reduction if you are able to purchase via your educational institution. However the regular reduction that teachers and students can get on iMacs and iBooks does not apply.

 

The price offered on the Apple website itself is obviously the best benchmark. Price is not the only issue, you have to be happy with the reputation of the seller. Therefore it is probably easier to place trust in the larger vendors such as Apple and Amazon.

 

In conclusion, if you want do not own the original iPad and would like to enter the world of tablets, then the reasonable price along with the slick and powerful performace of iPad 2 might just be enough to tempt you.

Tags: reasons to buy iPad 2