Apple iPad 2 Hands-on We take a closer look at the new thinner, faster, and lighter iPad. March 2, 2011 by Scott Lowe LATEST IMAGES
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Though hardly surprising, the changes Apple has made to the iPad 2 are awesome nonetheless. Debuted today at a special press event in San Francisco, Apple's next-generation tablet sports a thinner, lighter, and faster design, two color variations, and at long last, built-in cameras. Though it won't release until next Friday, March 11, I had an opportunity to see the device first-hand today, and I'm thrilled with what I saw.
On paper, the new 33-percent thinner and 15-percent lighter design sounds like only a minor revision, but in-person the difference is substantial, and not just when compared side-by-side with the original. As soon as I picked up the iPad 2 I could feel the change in weight, which was one of my gripes with the original. The tapered edges and thinner frame also garnered immediate tactile recognition and made gripping the device feel almost effortless.
But obviously, having both devices in-hand made the variation in the physical design all the more apparent. Seeing the two resting side-by-side, I was astounded by how much Apple was able to slim down the design in a matter of a year.
The most impressive feature of the iPad 2, however, was the new dual-core A5 processor, which is substantially faster than the original. The latest version of iOS, version 4.3, ran smoother and more responsively than the original, and games and apps loaded almost instantaneously, whereas on the original there is usually a momentary delay.
The most notable benefits of the new A5 processor, however, were in gaming. The iPad 2's on display had pre-loaded games, including two of the platform's more graphics-intensive titles: Infinity Blade and N.O.V.A 2. If you've ever played Infinity Blade, it typically has a lengthy load time and sometimes freeze up, but on the iPad 2 it loaded with record speed and had no framerate drops or crashes. Of course, before I can render a definitive verdict or provide more specific performance details, I'll have to test a retail unit next week, but it was definitely a strong first impression.
While I found similar results with N.O.V.A 2, the iPad 2's gyroscope was a more interesting focus. While other iOS devices already sport a built-in gyro, the iPad had been devoid, so now it is capable of angular perspective movement in games, like physically tilting the device upward or turning around to view other elements of in-game world.
The other major additions were, of course, the new built-in cameras, which could and should have been in the original version. Nevertheless, the new lenses looked great, though Apple has yet to specify what megapixel count either the front or rear facing cameras possessed. Much to my surprise, the front and rear-facing cameras looked on-par with the iPhone 4's, despite the images being scaled to the larger display.
Of course, there is plenty more to see of the iPad 2, including the new iOS 4.3 software, its 1080p HDMI output, and more, so stay tuned for more coverage, including my full review. ---------------------------------
Also, a really fascinating topic on the iPad for education. Every student should have an iPad. The results of students retaining information are incredible.
And just who is going to pay for all of those iPads?
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Apple makes some great products, but they really tie the consumers hands when it comes to expandability options.
I don't really look at that as a negative. I would argue other manufacturers unit's don't come with enough integrated memory and make you buy your own (which means more $$$ invested). And 90% of the time, the person only buys one memory stick and leaves it in all the time. Yes, you have the option, but most aren't buying 4-5 memory sticks and swapping them out.
Plus, Apple offers 16, 32, and 64 GB models. That's MORE than enough to hold most peoples songs, movies, pictures, and books.
I assume their business model is more based on controlling the entire price point, ease compatibility issues, and caters to a more novice-type consumer.
My parents got one in November and they adore the thing. They were going to buy a new computer since their old one was crazy slow. I suggested buying an iPad since 99% of their computing is watching videos, e-mail, surfing the net, playing games, and managing thier pictures. That's the iPad. And for $450, they got a wireless computer that does everything they need with ease.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
not to mention all the talk last year was iPAD-2 coming out with multi-core. Well, Apple hasn't released their multi-core yet and the A5 is a single core.
I don't blame them for releasing the sleeker design to combat the oncoming models that will have them as well, but without the features you listed and not having multi-core, well this isn't the iPAD-2 that they promised.
I know for a fact that there a quite a few startups trying to fabricate the e-textbook market. Freshman year you get a tablet. For the next 4-5 years you have a computer that will be good for all your education needs as well as being your textbook. The tablets can be registered in an actual class that would allow the students to "buzz in" and answer questions on the fly. I personally always enjoy when a discussion class has a message board to facilitate discussions; people are more likely to speak their mind on a forum when safely behind a computer screen than face to face. I could see universities starting to transfer to something like this in the next 10 years or so as computers get even smaller and cheaper.
Apple makes some great products, but they really tie the consumers hands when it comes to expandability options.
I don't really look at that as a negative. I would argue other manufacturers unit's don't come with enough integrated memory and make you buy your own (which means more $$$ invested). And 90% of the time, the person only buys one memory stick and leaves it in all the time. Yes, you have the option, but most aren't buying 4-5 memory sticks and swapping them out.
Plus, Apple offers 16, 32, and 64 GB models. That's MORE than enough to hold most peoples songs, movies, pictures, and books.
I assume their business model is more based on controlling the entire price point, ease compatibility issues, and caters to a more novice-type consumer.
My parents got one in November and they adore the thing. They were going to buy a new computer since their old one was crazy slow. I suggested buying an iPad since 99% of their computing is watching videos, e-mail, surfing the net, playing games, and managing thier pictures. That's the iPad. And for $450, they got a wireless computer that does everything they need with ease.
How do they get their pictures from their camera to the iPad?
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
Quote: How do they get their pictures from their camera to the iPad?
Apple sells a iPad Camera Connection Kit ( LINK $29). Plug in and import. My parents now upload their pictures to Photobucket and share with us. Fast, simple, and free.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Quote: and what would you use a USB port for on an iPad?
I still won't buy one of these until they add USB. These tablets are "supposedly" going to replace the netbook. I however will not be buying one. I can't unload my pictures when I travel, thus I have no use for it vs. my iPod Touch. I would buy it in a heartbeat if it had USB, but it does not so it doesn't fill any sort of void.
I'd love to be able to ditch my chunky in comparison netbook for this device, however that just isn't feasible. I shoot with a digital SLR in super hi res and often fill up both of my 4 gig cards quickly. Not being able to unload the pics so I can keep shooting means that it isn't a good substitute.
Edited to add: The appeal of the netbook to me is so that I don't have to travel with my $3,000 17" Macbook Pro. I can just bring the netbook out on the field for that type of stuff and simply transfer when I'm done.
Again, you can transfer pictures to an iPad with their camera connection kit. It doesn't NEED a USB to do that.
And I don't think Apple's tag line for an iPad is, "replace you computer with this". It's an additional tool that may or may not fit your life or business.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Apple sells a iPad Camera Connection Kit ( LINK $29). Plug in and import. My parents now upload their pictures to Photobucket and share with us. Fast, simple, and free.
Hmm, some Apple employee didn't know their stuff. I was just in an Apple store in Birmingham, AL a month and a half ago and mentioned the USB downfall and he didn't mention this device. It claims it supports RAW files so I'll have to look into the details of how it works and how I can directly transfer the files to my Macbook w/out means of compression.
Quote: Again, you can transfer pictures to an iPad with their camera connection kit. It doesn't NEED a USB to do that.
And I don't think Apple's tag line for an iPad is, "replace you computer with this". It's an additional tool that may or may not fit your life or business.
I would still prefer a USB or card slot to transfer large amounts of data. Particularly in the photo case, where I have USB Thumb drives with photos on them, rather than store them on my PC.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
Heh, even the title of the article is funny. Two of the major items it touts have to do simply with them changing the shape of the plastic it is stuffed into.
It's thinner (thus uses less material) and lighter... oooh! lol.
Someday, in a galaxy far, far away, the fan bois will wake up and look past the smoke and mirrors and realize that it isn't a new version at all, but is instead an aesthetics tweak with an updated processor.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
I'm not sure if I'm following.......since when did putting technology in a lighter, thinner package and making it faster be a bad thing?
Wouldn't Apple be doing right by their fans by releasing a thinner, lighter, and faster product (outside of maybe not hitting all of their previous promises - but hey, aren't those others saved for a release in 6-8 months)?
I'd be happy with a company that's constantly trying to improve their products, even it it's small upgrades.
I'm not Apple fan boy.....though I do have an iMac & iPhone. I have just as many non-Apple pieces of technology in my house.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Well the thing is they are already working on a true iPad 2. As someone else said this is really 1.5, but Apple is hoping to sucker enough people to buy this "All New iPad" because many of the Apple crowd always want the latest and greatest. Then when the real iPad 2 comes out, they will do the same.
It's planned obsolescence at it's finest.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
Even with that being said, wouldn't the same people pan Apple for selling the first "inferior" iPad a whole year while working on the 2nd version? It's like, they can't win.
Would you rather a company make one "big" upgrade per year....or make one "medium" upgrade every 6 months?
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
I don't really mind if they do one or the other, and I don't really "pan" them for it. It's just funny how they seem to be the only company that has a large legion of fan bois that think everything they turn out is mind-blowing and must-have. Outside of game-console makers, I can't think of another tech company that has this huge following of people that would relgiously buy the iCrap if it hit the market.
It's not a bad thing, but it's also not even close to being anything special on any level.
But, when your major feature announcement consists of you changing the plastic case and not much else other than lots and lots of comparisons to the previous version to make this look better... well, it certainly shouldn't ever be called mind-blowing. Especially when you consider that the processor upgrade is nothing beyond what every phone in the marketplace is getting - multiple cores, and the addition of a camera is simply correcting a design oversight in the original.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Being they intend to launch the iPad 3 this fall, I do see releasing a a minor upgraded version right now kind of strange.
I give them credit, they have some incredible devices. But anymore it seems like buying a "i" device is like buying an annual support contract for upgrades.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
It's consumer-grade computer electronics. Short product lifespans are the name of the game.
Which is why companies like BestBuy are promoting Buy Back Programs where you trade in your old device for credit toward the next version upgrade.
Everything is on a short life span now, look at TV's, Plasma then LCD then LED now 3D TV's next will be 3D with out needing glasses and then something else.
I got the iPhone 3G a month before the 3GS came out. My wife just got the iPhone4 on Verizon. I want to upgrade because my 3G feels sluggish compared to the IP4 but I'm waiting for the iPhone5 or whatever it will be called this June/July. Beyond larger screen I just don't see why I would need an iPad2, my iPhone5 will do everything it can do and more. Plus can you imagine trying to use an iPad2 as a camera?
Yeah, the issue lies in the notion that everything you have has to be the latest and greatest, and that not new = not good. My approach is to buy the very best that I can afford, knowing that its at the top of the game right now and will continue to be very good for years to come. When it comes time to replace something, again buy the best you can afford. Unless you have an unlimited disposable income, you'll never be able to keep up with the technology game.
Once you get on it, you cannot get off of it until you realize that it's all just marketing garbage and you really need to wait for more than just evolutionary changes before making a move.
This iPon is a good example. If you buy it when you already have a 1st generation iPon, all you've really gotten is some new plastic. The processor is added value, but the camera is just an ancillary feature. All that is left is a change in the case.... which means you are paying full device retail for just a faster processor in the same thing you've got already.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
It's consumer-grade computer electronics. Short product lifespans are the name of the game.
Yes that is true, but most devices are not released as ground breaking, when the next generation which is truly going to have upgrades is expected in just 6 months or so.
What I find funny is there are probably a bunch of iPad owners going to buy the iPad 2, knowing full well they will upgrade to iPad 3 when it comes out. :P
Makes me wish I would have invested in Apple years ago.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
I don't get the price difference between the iPad an itouch. Targets website has this pricing.
64gb wifi iPad is 699 64gb iPod touch is 365
As far as I know, the only difference between the two is the iPod touch has a higher resolution screen, and the iPad has a much bigger screen. Does the bigger screen really cost $300+ more to manufacture? What am I missing?
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