TimeOut

Let's take a look at the iPad vs iPad2

 

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