Is the iPad 2 a Must-Buy?

April 07, 2011, By 4 comments

Is the iPad 2 a Must-Buy?

I never thought I'd be doing this.

But there I was on Friday, March 11, standing in line at my local Target, waiting for an iPad 2. I used to laugh at people waiting for Apple products, dismissing them as fanboys (and girls) who will buy anything Apple releases, like flocks of mindless sheep.

And yet, I was not only standing in line, I was excited like a kid on Christmas morning because I was going to get one of only five iPads the store was shipped.

So, is the iPad 2 the best tablet ever? Do you need to rush out and get one (or try to, given the limited supply)? Read on for my take on the iPad 2.

First, the main question: what's new with this version of the iPad? 

  • It's thinner. The iPad 2 comes in about 33 percent thinner than the first iPad and weighs about 15 percent less, making for a lighter experience. 
  • It's faster. It's twice as fast, and the graphics are reported to be nine times better looking.
  • It's smarter. The RAM has been beefed up from 256MB to 512MB.
  • Cameras. There are two cameras--a rear camera that shoots 720 p photos and HD videos, and a front-facing camera that shoots 720 p photos and VGA video for use with Facetime, allowing you to talk to people and see them at the same time. 
  • Gyroscope. The iPad 2 features a gyroscope, which comes in handy with many movement-based games and apps. 
  • Video output/mirroring. Apple is offering an add-on HDMI dongle that allows you to mirror what you're doing on the iPad onto a TV or other monitor, an excellent addition for educators. 
  • New colors. The iPad 2 now comes in two colors--white, as well as the original black.
  • Smart cover. Apple is offering a magnetic smart cover that protects the iPad 2 screen. Some people have complained that the cover doesn't stay on very well. I wasn't able to get one, so I can't review the new cover yet.

In short, Apple added lots of small upgrades, but nothing truly revolutionary. Other impressions:

Speed 

The dual-core A 5 processor and increased memory provide a surprisingly fast experience. Though 512MB seems very minimal by today's standards, the iPad 2 is blazing fast. When you touch the screen, results are instantaneous. Whether drawing with an app, gaming, or streaming content, the iPad 2 delivers with incredible speed. Most surprising to me was how quickly the device comes on and is ready to go.

NEXT: Graphics

Page 1 of 4

Comments (4):

Erich B. My mom bought an iPad and I went over to take it for a spin. Hated it. Increidbly slow, nothing I could run on my Android devices was really available. iTunes, nuff said. - 08/27/2011
Peter L. The term is 'Expandable'. My boss offered to purchase the IPAD2 for me and I told him "No Thanks". I was only interested in a more open based system. I chose the Motorola Xoom with a Tegra2 Dual Core. The Xoom has 1 gig of Ram, expandable memory using microSD slot, mini HDMI, mini USB and dual cameras. 32MB internal and WIFI only version was 599.00. My Assistant Director opted for the IPAD2 as she has the Iphone. She's realized there is not much difference between her phone and the IPAD2, so she does not bring her pad to work daily. I carry my Xoom into work daily and love the quick boot and easy access to work email as well as my gmail account. It syncs my picassa account and I can show my photo albums to friends quickly and easily. I don't Facebook (and never will). The big bonus is I don't have to go through ITUNES for anything. I prefer a less proprietary system. For me, Apple is a very restrictive company and seems to milk its consumers at every turn. They could have easily added USB, SD ports into the IPAD. Instead they'll sell you adapters for around 29.00 each. There are those who are happy to give their money to apple and that fine with me. I choose a different route. - 07/27/2011
Lets B S. Why would anyone buy this? You can do everything this does on a normal laptop for a fraction of the cost. - 06/21/2011
Scott T. OK, I'll bite :) I recently placed my order for an iPad 2, after passing up on the iPad 1, I wasnt sure where the iPad would fit in for me so I wasnt willing to buy in until now, I currently own an iphone 4 and I am very pleased with it. I have been a loyal user of Windows mobile phones and was so tired of how useless, slow, and inferior the OS was compared to iOS. I enjoy my laptop but I dont use it for much more than web surfing, emailing, instant messenging, etc.. I rarely do any major computing or computer game playing now that I own both the PS3 and the Wii. The iPad will fit my lifestyle perfectly, I listen to lots of internet radio (Pandora, Shoutcast, Accuradio, etc.) apps, social media apps, Sport apps (GPS for golfing), Photo apps, etc.... So really what I am getting at is that I am more of an end user consumer and the iPad will allow me to grab and go!! :) Whether it be sitting on the couch, lying in bed, on the deck, in the kitchen, the iPad will be close at hand, or rather, in my hands. :) - 04/09/2011

© 2012 Man of the House, Barefoot Proximity, P&G Productions