There are new developments in the world of Apple tablets. Apple keeps the wheels turning with the iPad 2, which is available in stores now.
Let’s take a brief tour of the latest tablet update from Apple. The new iPad is the same physical size and screen resolution as the original, and packs the new A5 CPU.
In addition, the iPad 2 has more memory, some software upgrades and a set of cameras for video chatting. It’s thinner and lighter, and with it comes a nifty cover. So it’s definitely an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, update.
But looking at the competition, the iPad was already at the front, so the iPad 2 doesn’t really have to do much to maintain a large lead.
It is still priced the same ($499 for the base model), so that remains on par, while the original iPad is $100 cheaper for now.
Additionally, the iPad 2 is launching both a black and white model. We are still waiting for the promised white iPhone 4, but at least Apple is delivering this time.
The display is the same one, and connectivity is the same — the iPad 2 has Wi-Fi and 3G. In addition, the iPad 2 will be offered on both Verizon and AT&T. There is a new addition of a 3-axis gyroscope, which will enable some more functionality in games and apps.
Generally speaking, changes are iterative, and it is going to take some really improved specs to push the iPad to the next level with an iPad 3.
Performance is nearly doubled in benchmarks, which is a testament to the upgraded CPU in the iPad 2.
In usage, reviewers are seeing that the performance is smooth with nearly no discernible performance lag. Battery life continues to be top-notch, besting the previous iPad by a bit.
Now moving to the cameras. It is very clear the Apple did not choose the best components when designing them. It serves the purpose of doing video chat (FaceTime), but don’t expect to do photo shoots with your iPad 2 anytime soon.
The iPad 2 also gets a software boost in the form of iOS 4.3, which gives a significant boost in perfomance for Safari. Unfortunately, Flash is still absent.
Photo Booth also makes an appearance along with FaceTime, and the experience with these programs are exactly what you’d expect it to be. GarageBand is also on tap for $4.99, and the initial thought is that there is no way a tablet can replicate a full-blown version of GarageBand.
However, reviewers have found that this was a whole new game. The capabilities were impressive and the interface was well put together. Apple delivers yet again with a well thought-out piece of touch-oriented software.
In addition to GarageBand, iMovie is also now available, for $4.99. Editing video on the go is
now a real possibility, and Apple has implemented it with swipes and gestures that get the job done.
It definitely fits the bill and seems to be a very capable piece of software. It also allows users to immediately export to a variety of places including YouTube and Facebook.
Finally, Apple has also created what it calls “Smart Covers.” They attach to the iPad 2 using a set of magnets and cover the screen. They are $39 each, or $69 for a leather version.
The iPad 2 can sense when you have the cover on, and will put your device to sleep, which is a nifty trick. The segmented cover also folds back on itself to create a stand, which was a thoughtful move.
The iPad 2 is not perfect. The cameras are lacking and the screen is the same size as last year’s iPad. However, it does seem like the iPad is the only thing out there, and arguably the best too.
As much as other manufacturers try to make their tablets known, Apple seems to have really taken the market segment for its own when it released the iPad far ahead of all competitors.
In terms of price, the iPad 2 is more than competitive with all the tablets on the market, none of which can really match Apple’s build’s quality and sheer thinness.
With its massive catalogue of available apps and new ones coming in every day, the iPad 2 will continue to grow in terms of functionality, building on its huge user base.
Yes, the iPad 2 is about as good as it gets for now in terms of price and performance and it still awaits a true challenger to step into the arena.
