More than a year after the release of iPad, Apple released the iPad 2, the second generation tablet computer that has been designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. The product was unveiled by Apple CEO, Steve Jobs on March 2, 2011 amid much speculation. Unlike iPad which took more than couple of months to be available in the market, iPad 2 was available on the website and the retail stores in less than 10 days from the date of release. On March 25, the product was released in 25 other major markets around the world and is becoming available in many other countries.
iPad 2 Features
The iPad 2 is loaded with a number of cool new features that has indeed made it a must have product in the market today. One of the most eye catching iPad 2 features includes its size. The iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter and can be used to surf the web, check emails, watch movies, read books among many other things. Speed is also another iPad2 features that users cannot seem to have enough of. The iPad 2 has a dual core processor and is considerably faster than its previous generation. iPad 2 is also a environmental friendly gadget as the display glass is arsenic free. Also the LED-backlit display is free from Mercury. The product is also free from harmful PVC while the aluminum enclosure is completely recyclable. iPad 2 syncs with iTunes on both Mac and Windows PC. The iPad 2 comes with several best iPad 2 apps, including Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, iBooks, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, Camera, Photo Booth, and Spotlight Search. Given below is an insightful iPad 2 review of the new features of the iPad 2, iPad vs iPad 2 details and more.
iPad Vs. iPad 2
With the release of iPad 2, it is a good time to compare how it is different from its previous avatar. iPad’s price was slashed by $100 with the release of iPad 2. However, iPad 2 has a lot many new features. The iPad 2 has smaller dimensions of 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.34 inches when compared to the iPad’s dimension of 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches. Additionally with a weight of 1.33-1.35 pounds, iPad 2 are considerable lighter than the iPad. Moreover, iPad 2 is available in both white and black colors whereas iPad is available only in black color. iPad 2 has double the RAM of iPad thereby adding speed to the device. As against the 1 GHz A4 processor of iPad, iPad 2 is powered with 1 GHz dual core A5 processor. In addition to the Accelerometer and Ambient light sensor, iPad 2 also has a 3-axis gyro sensor. Another big distinction between iPad and iPad 2 is that iPad 2 comes with a 720 p rear and a VGA front camera whereas iPad was devoid of any camera. Also, iPad 2 is provided with the magical smart cover. However, there is no difference in the screen size, resolution and storage capacity of the two devices. Even the battery capacity and location are the same in both of them.
Faster Processor and Operating System:
One of the most popular iPad 2 features is the speed and the multitasking ability of the gadget. The iPad 2 is based on A5 chip that has been specially designed by Apple. The A5 chip has two powerful cores that enable it to do twice the work at once which is one of the best new features of the iPad 2. This difference can be easily felt while using the product for surfing the web, watching movies, making FaceTime video calls, gaming, and switching from one iPad 2 best app to another iPad2 best app. The new chip has graphics processing that is up to nine times faster than the chip used in the previous version of iPad. The new chip makes gaming on iPad 2 all the more realistic and full of fun. Overall, the new chip aids in easier multitasking and helps the best iPad 2 apps load faster. Apple also unveiled iOS 4.3 that has better Safari performance, iTunes home sharing and new preferences for the iPad Switch. Additionally, this enables the iPhone 4 to become a personal Wi-Fi hotspot.
Smart Cover:
Many users of iPad were finding the cover a little cumbersome as it was making the device heavier. Apple was quick to recognize this problem and came out with a Smart cover for the iPad 2. The Smart cover is a magnetic, snap-on cover that serves to protect the screen. It comes both in leather and polyurethane. Additionally, it has a Facetime and Video stand which makes it ideal for hands free video calling or watching video. It is also provided with a keyboard stand that makes it a perfect typing stand. All these benefits of Smart cover come without severely increasing the weight or size of iPad 2. Moreover, the Smart cover comes ten bright colors – five in rich, aniline-dyed Italian leather. The microfiber lining gently buffs off the iPad 2 of any smudges or fingerprints giving it a clean look always.
Cameras and Facetime:
Facetime is one of the best iPad apps and was an instant hit with iPod and iPhone and hence this is also one of the new features of the iPad2. iPad 2 features two cameras on the new iPad located on the front and back of the product. The cameras themselves look very tiny but enable FaceTime on iPad 2 which is a very big advantage. Both these cameras work together so that while talking to another person, one can also use the camera at the back to shoot movies or capture few photos.
In addition to this, there are a lot of other new features such as HDMI output and improved iLife Software. The new Garage Band is also one of the best iPad 2 apps that enables the user to turn their iPad 2 into a musical instrument whereas iMovie, another best iPad 2 app allows the users to make and edit movies. Both these best iPad 2 apps are available in the App store for $4.99 each. With an additional adaptor, users can use the HDMI output to mirror their iPad 2 to a bigger TV screen or other compatible devices.
Models and Pricing:
iPad 2 comes on two different networks, AT & T and Verizon, and two different models, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi +3G. There are three different sizes of 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. The Wi-Fi models cost $ 499, $599 and $ 699 whereas the Wi-Fi + 3G model will cost $ 629, $729 and $ 829 depending on the storage capacity. There are two colors for the iPad 2 , White and Black, both of which have identical prices.
Tags: Apple iPad 2, Apple iPad 2 features, best iPad 2 features, iPad 2, iPad 2 features, iPad vs. iPad 2, new features of the iPad 2
