TimeOut

Although Apple didn't invent the tablet, the Introduction in April 2010 of the iPad changed the world of technology.  There were long lines, waiting lists, and tons of people eager to get their hands on one.   In one year, there have been over 15 million 1st generation models sold.  The new iPad2 was released in March 2011 and is still sold out for weeks.  Fortunately I have friends who always gets a hold of the latest in gadgets and someone gave me a iPad2. Well,  I've had the new Apple iPad2 for over a month now and thought I'd share some opinions about the differences over the first generation iPad.  Both are 64GB and WiFi only.

The most notable difference is the size, thickness is approx 33% thinner than original yet the Lithium Polymer battery capacity is the same.   Weight was reduced from 1.5 lbs of the original to 1.33 lbs for the iPad2.

The iPad2 utilizes the Apple 5, a dual core processor and is noticeably much faster than the iPad.

Screen size is the same 9.7 inch LCD touchscreen.

You can see how much thinner the iPad2 is compared to the original design

Both are available as 16, 32, and 64 GB versions with or without 3G.  Unfortunately there is no sd card slot, those that want one can purchase a accessory that allows for a card reader.  Since a usb port is not on the iPad or iPad2, a optional usb accessory is available.

The optional microfiber Smart Cover is magnetic and attaches to the side of the iPad2. 

A neat feature is that when you close the cover over the screen, it automatically detects it amd shuts off.  The iPad require a manual tap on the top button to turn it off.

The Ipad I have uses the InCase cover that can be folded into a stand.

The side buttons are the same as the one found on the 1st Gen iPad, up/down volume buttons and the slider for locking in the orientation of the screen.  Here you can see how thin the iPad2 really is.

On the back bottom portion of the iPad2 is the speaker. 

One big change on the iPad2 is the addition of a two cameras, a front facing camera and one on the back.  It's great for the Face Time app and self portraits.

When folded up, the case acts like a kickstand to prop up the iPad2 when viewing.

The 1st gen iPad case when folded:

The iPad2 when compared to the iPad opens apps much faster, loads websites quicker, and photos and video much more smoothly.  It's the same difference as my old  iPod Touch and the new one.  If I only had the 1st generation iPad I don't think it's worth it to upgrade to the new one, it's probably better to wait for the 3rd gen.  Honestly for me, I don't use the iPad/iPad2 very much as I find my netbook works better for what I do.  When traveling, I need a laptop and lugging around a tablet is just more stuff to carry.  I've been playing with the Android tablets and look forward to Acer Iconia. 

-MW

I'm :-( now as I'm still waiting for my iPad2

Regards,

ATM

which one are you getting?  3G or wifi only?

-MW

No message body

I have the old one and I got Leslie the iPad2 as an early Mother's Day present.  It is actually quite a bit faster, and much thinner and lighter. Her's (with the radio for 3G) is lighter than mine with only wi-fi.  I can't stress enough how nice the Smart Cover is.  It applies magnetically, and it looks and feels like an integrated cover when it is on. I recommend it to anyone with an iPad2.  I tried, but it does not work on the old iPad.

On another note, I am still looking for a good note taking app that will work with a stylus.  If you are aware of one you like, please let me know.

Best,

CaliforniaJed

Agree with you that the Smart Cover is very nice.  Only complaint is that the back is not protected, I guess you can add one of those clear guardz thingy.  I think the iPad2 charges a bit quicker than my old one, have you noticed this too?

Checkout NotePad Pro, maybe it might work for you.

-MW

and I guess you can consider my wife and I as MAC-nuts!  YUP, we were up all night trying to order the iPhone4 online and we ordered the iPad2 on release.  (not big on waiting in lines)

We don't have the original iPad as we like to wait pass the first iteration of a new technology.  However, we could not be happier with the iPad2.  If you are a consumer of the internet content, you can't beat the tablet.  I do admit, I am responding to your post on a desktop as I do need a keyboard for typing.  But I am sure as the next generation grows up on the tablet, my daughter will be typing on a piece of glass going forward. 

We like the iPhone and iPad as its a great internet tool as well as movie/TV screen.  We Tivo all our TV shows and watch them on our phones/pad whenever.  This integration is the thing that is lacking from the Androids. 

My wife is now waiting for the iPad3!

Thanks ocwatching!

glad you are enjoying the iPad2.  My iPad is jailbroken, about to do it with the iPad2.

-MW

This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-05-02 23:22:53

...which netbook do you recommend, MW?

I am undecided between getting something cheap and cheerful for travel (that I won't care if I damage) and something with a bit more utility (if a netbook is capable of much of that....)

 

I'd have a Mac Air or/and an iPad. My wife has the iPad right now (gen 1) and she uses it to write and edit while on the go.

I just find the lack of tactile feedback when typing on an iPad a real pain. That combined with the desire for something more compact and 'disposable' points me at a Netbook.....for now.

 

same here, but they do have a variety of wireless keyboards and keyboard docks for the iPad (another advantage of the iPad/iPad2 is that everyone makes accessories for them!).

-MW

With aluminum case.

...might have to reconsider...

I have a Acer One for my netbook and a Toshiba i5 laptop.  When I need to travel light I go for the netbook, battery is great and does everything I need it to.  The newer netbooks are duo processors and on windows7, works fast, reliable, and priced right.  Have you checked out the Dell Mini Duo?  it's a 10.1" and probably what I would get now if I had to buy something.

-MW

Will do some digging.

article.
i have not acqured an ipad yet as i was looking for either a card reader attachment or an usb port.
from your comparison,i note that an usb application appendage is available on ipad2 ---is this readilly available form apple and does it support external hard drives ,pcs or just pen drives?

would greatly appreciate your input

thanks

henry

Appreciate you looking Henry!

Yes, the usb port/camera adapter/sd card reader is available from Apple.  I didn't buy it as I don't use my iPad nor my iPad2 much.   Have you played with the iPad2?

-MW

no---not as yet available but your writeup makes it more attractive than the original ipad with which i was not impressed,having toyed with it.
looking forward to trying ipad2 when i can access it

best

henry

it's limited on what it can do so it really depends on your needs.  For me, I'd rather have a netbook.

-MW

My iPad (1st gen) is with me most all day, i keep learning how to better use this device for my business. I no longer use the 3g since my Nexus S phone has unlimited hotspot. I would like the speed but decided to wait for the better screen.

JerryW

Everybody wanted the retina display for the iPad2.  Are you going to switch to the iPhone 5 when it comes out?

-MW

Hey DRMW,

A friend at work got her i-pad 2 today and loves it..!!  Regarding the i-phone 5 the last I heard it was being put back till next year and they were doing more software upgrades this year to the 4.  Is this true or just a rumour..?

Yours,

Andy.

Supposed to be released in September, probably in June/July we'll hear all the announcements.

-MW

The finer display would require a faster processor. More heat, etc...

What about a OLED display?  Maybe 3D for the iPad3?

-MW

...to enhance the display. Next gen?

Think I will keep it a while.

JerryW

Thanks for the review DRMW.  We've got a bunch of these in at work and I'm on the list of recipients.  I played with it a little bit and it's a cool toy but I'm not sure if I really want to lug around another device.  I'm still leaning to continue using my laptop.

Regards,
ED-209

what features that did you get for your new laptop?  pc or mac?

-MW