Apple iPad 2 review

With the iPad resting in first place in the tablet race, Apple has released the long awaited iPad 2, which should work on holding that lead. With some additions such as dual cameras, faster CPU as well as some ergonomic updates, the iPad 2 looks promising, but is it worth throwing your old iPad for?

Physical

Few of most notable updates are the ergonomic ones. The iPad 2 is 33% thinner and 15% lighter which makes it more portable as well as easier to use. As far as tablet form factors go, you’ll have no trouble walking around with the iPad 2 in your hands.

15% lighter, 33% thinner

I’ve never been a fan of the thick black frame around the screen of the old iPad. A slighty thinner frame would have made me much happier by reducing the device’s size, and making the screen appear visually bigger for the user.

The screen is still the same size as the previous iPad, 9.7” LED, and with the same resolution of 1024x768 which seems like a let down after getting used to the iPhone 4’s retina display.

The two new cameras, 0.7 megapixel back and 0.3 megapixel front, are excellent for FaceTime video calls giving up to 720p video resolution, but underwhelm as stand alone digital cameras.

FaceTime is a much better experience on the iPad 2's large screen

Hardware

The new A5 processor is supposed to double the power of the A4 processor in the previous generation according to Apple. I’m not sure to what degree this is true, but all apps load lightning fast, and updated apps for the iPad 2 show significant graphical improvements over their first generation versions. All this hardware power fortunately comes at no cost to battery life. The iPad 2 maintains 10 hours of battery life, which is what the first generation managed. The iPad’s RAM has also been doubled from 256mb to 512mb.

Software

There is no need for any explanation here, Apple has established the most successful App Store out there and competition are having a hard time catching up. Apple’s iOS is still the most humanly easy-to-use interface out there, although soon to come Android tablets might give Apple a run for their money. Some updated versions of apps, specially released for the iPad 2’s stronger A5 processor can be found, and I’m sure there are lot more apps on the way ready to utilize the A5’s full potential.

Digital AV Adapter (sold separately) offers HDMI video mirroring and is a nice addition

Conclusion

The iPad 2 offers features that were missed in the original iPad. It’s newer, sleeker form factor makes it much easier to use, and FaceTime on its large screen offers a richer experience than that on the smaller screen of the iPhone 4 or iPod touch 4g. The mediocre screen resolution and low res cameras disappoint me only a little bit. This device is worth the money, but if you already own the first generation iPad and you won’t use the new cameras, I’d recommend you to wait for its successor.