55
Apple iPad 2
$499.00
Released March, 2011
The Pros:Much more powerful - new dual-core A5 processor provides double the processing power, 9x graphical performance of the original. Dual cameras - FaceTime and other video conferencing, image and video capture. 33% slimmer than the original.
The Cons:HDMI output requires an overpriced adapter. No SD Card slot. Have to purchase an expensive add-on. No upgraded Retina display - display resolution is lacking next to the iPhone.
The first upgrade to Apple's mainstream tablet device, the Apple iPad 2 was announced on March 2nd 2011. Featuring an improved dual A5 processor for double speed and 9x the graphical performance the iPad maintains the original's spectacular 10 hour battery life while being 33% slimmer and 13% lighter.
Bringing the iPad closer to the iPhone 4 spec, the device now includes dual front and rear facing cameras for video capture and use with Apple's FaceTime video chat service, as well as a gyroscope for full motion game controls.
The one major new feature of the iPad 2 is the new magnetic cover system. Magnets built into the device now allow for covers to attach and protect the device without needing to be manually fiddled with. The magnet system also allows for the device to know when it is being covered or opened - making it automatically sleep and wake up without any other user interaction. The device will launch with plastic and leather covers available directly from Apple.
User Reviews (28)
Pros & Cons
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12
much more powerful - new dual-core A5 processor provides double the processing power, 9x graphical performance of the original
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8
dual cameras - FaceTime and other video conferencing, image and video capture
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8
33% slimmer than the original
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7
maintains the original iPad's 10 hours of battery life despite being slimmer, lighter and more powerful
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7
capable of HDMI output up to 1080p
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6
13% lighter - 1.3lbs vs 1.5lbs
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4
same pricing as the original
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4
compatible with 'intelligent' magnetic covers and cases - automatically goes to sleep and wakes up when covered / uncovered
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3
comes in two colours - and white is available from day one
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2
remains untouchable in the tablet market - best design, most feature rich, lowest price point
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0
3G models now available for use on Verizon (AT&T models are still available, too)
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7
HDMI output requires an overpriced adapter
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4
No SD Card slot. Have to purchase an expensive add-on.
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3
no upgraded Retina display - display resolution is lacking next to the iPhone
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2
just a speed bump - no big upgrades / really useful features
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2
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2
camera quality is severely lacking - the same as those used in the Touch, not the iPhone
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2
Not really a work station - not multi-tasking nor multi-window. Must rely on exclusive iPad apps and their ingenuity
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2
Speaker from one port, does not make for ambiphonic ('surround') sound
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2
Overpriced, overhyped. Marketed for Apple enthusiasts, gamers or web media content
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1
Cover does not protect against impact, anodized back makes for a "slippery" feel
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1
AirPrint works with Airport or a select HP printer (with ePrint over WiFi)
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0
Most apps (± 60%) do not utilize the full screen, zoomed option makes iPhone apps with poor resolution and jaggies
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Comments (8)
Erik:
#apple_ipad_2 There's a Black Friday sale on this at the Apple store in US and Canada. $41 off in both countries: US$458 and CA$478.
Nov 25, 11
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shadowtech:
#apple_ipad_2 I've been playing with this for the last couple days, and the iPad 2 is severely disappointing compared to the iPhone 4 (which I love). The screen is low-res and looks downright terrible sometimes, even with native iPad apps. The cameras are also pretty lackluster and just barely gets the job done. Not something I would expect on a premium tablet.
Apr 16, 11
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4 people like this
lioxide:
#apple_ipad_2 Disillusioned. Poor video/camera, poor sound, poor apps (iPhone apps do not use the potential of the machine). They (the app guys) had a year to make this thing into a revolution in the computing world. At this price, a laptop would outperform in terms of work, be it not as pleasant to tactilely create.
However, the intuitiveness and very fast learning curve, responsiveness and the few well built apps does make it a pleasant and very agreeable device to manipulate. It may lie in between the work and the eReader.
Mar 27, 11
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1 person like this
Omar:
#apple_ipad_2_smart_cover I have to admit that this smart cases accessory is an absolutely genius move by Apple. One of the first things people did when they bought an
#apple_ipad would be to get a case. Of which it was a pretty difficult process since there were so many options, and the official
#apple_ipad_case wasn't very good.
With this move Apple has effectively increased the average price of the iPad by $40-$70 since a vast majority of people will be picking these up with their
#apple_ipad_2's. Sure it might not be the absolute best case, but it's good enough and they don't have to think about what to get and that's what most people care about.
Mar 10, 11
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WikiWizard:
#apple_ipad_2 I want to pick one up but it's between this and the Moto Zoom. Right now I'm hearing they're both lacking flash which would probably be a selling point if one had it over the other. Plus I don't think the Zoom is available yet without 3G and it will still probably be around $600.
Mar 3, 11
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2 people like this
Amanie:
#apple_ipad_2 I still can't commit to actually buying this, but it does look pretty awesome. I think the cameras are the best new feature so if I do buy it, the cameras will be what convinces me. I don't have a reason to buy it though, I get by fine on my iphone and laptop. It's a luxury buy, definitely not a need so we'll see. I'll probably end up buying iPad X or something.
Mar 3, 11
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1 person like this
Omar:
#apple_ipad_2 Man... this thing really does look sweet. The additional cameras are nice. The case system is cool and definitely "Apple". However, the biggest thing to me is the speed improvement. I use my iPad a lot, especially for browsing the web, so having big performance gains on rendering pages and such will actually have a big impact for me.
The new GarageBand looks awesome as well, but that's a universal thing.
The big question now of course is what to do with the original iPad? If you can sell your old one for $350 is it worth $200 to get the latest and greatest? On one hand that seems quite a bit of money, on the other hand, that's about $20/month which is less than a week's worth of lunch. Of course I do need food more than I need a faster iPad processor... only slightly though.
Mar 3, 11
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2 people like this
ScottP:
#apple_ipad_2 Is it still going to look like I'm surfing the web on a big cellphone or am I going to see the non-mobile version of a website. If not than I'm not interested.
Mar 2, 11
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