Specifications

Apple iPad 2nd Generation
The iPad took the computer market by storm when first released. Such was the brand loyalty to
all things Apple and especially all technology with the "i" prefix, that very little detailed
reviewing took place. Once the iPad started to be used by many, several competitors emerged,
criticism of iPad features began and, in response, Apple launched the iPad2. Available in several
colors, there is still, however, something quintessentially Apple about this tablet in white. The
new tablet addresses criticisms of the first model and still has iconic status, despite there being a
far greater number of rivals now available in the market. No review of tablet PCs is complete
without a look at Apple's contribution, although reams have been written before about this
particular tablet PC.
Features
The iPad under review is the 16GB version with WiFi, although it is available in 32GB, 64GB
and with WiFi plus AT&T 3G or Verizon 3G. The processor in the iPad2 is 1GHZ, but they have
doubled the memory of the original iPad to 512 MB, which you will notice if you play complex
games, or want to download graphic heavy items, the loading time is noticeably faster. The iPad
was never that heavy, but this version is only 1.3 pounds in weight, partly due to thinner glass in
the screen. The battery will last for 10 hours, and, this is confirmed by users who have had their
iPad2 on all day, working at full speed, reading, downloading, watching a movie etc. It is back lit
so is comfortable to read indoors although outside is not quite as good as there is still some
screen glare. Apple has added cameras to the iPad2 one facing one rear, not as good as most
phone or digital cameras, but adequate. An additional use of the web cam equivalent camera is
Apple's FaceTime, their equivalent of Skype which allows face to face conferencing or chat with
family or colleagues. Apple is renowned for its apps, and there are 70, 000 of them available
from the iPad store at this point! Extensive assortment of iPad accessories is available on the
market today.
Usability
The iPad2 is ridiculously light, so great for business users always on the go, and it is curved
slightly with a tapered edge so is very comfortable to hold. There is still no SD slot on the iPad2
so if you want to carry a lot of graphic documents, movies, songs etc, you will need to buy the 64
MB version. Apple did not add Flash support to the iPad2. For the user, it will depend on the
type of browsing you do. If you browse a lot of flash websites then the iPad2 is not for you, an
Android supported tablet is a better choice. Another drawback to the iPad series is the need for
adaptors if you want SD/USB and HDMI usage, which adds to the things you need to carry
around.
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