Sunday 16 October 2011

What Should You Expect From The iPad 2?

By Carolyn Brandt


For the majority of us, it is impossible to escape the fact that the iPad 2 is now available. Apple releases invariably create a great deal of buzz. Is this because of Apple's product line being great or just noise from their hardcore fan base? From an unbiased standpoint, I believe it is a combination of these. The iPad 2 was introduced and released just recently, and it comes only a year after the first iPad was made available. The query that goes into most people's minds is 'is it worth buying the new iPad?', and that is the question I will attempt to answer in this mini-review.

One of the best features is the ability to download ipad movies. When it comes to physical size, the iPad 2 is tinier compared to the original iPad. The iPad 2's screen size has stayed the same at a nice 9.7 inches; nevertheless, the thickness of this newer model has been reduced by a third of the original size, which of course is a great thing. The iPad 2 is likewise weighs less, tipping the scale at just a bit over 600g. Not heavy at all. These alterations are touchable as I found by holding the iPad and iPad 2. Don't think a slimmer and lighter design means the operation is affected, because boy oh boy would you be incorrect...

In comparison to the first iPad, the iPad 2 is speedier. The graphics processor is touted by Apple to be 9 times speedier than the initial iPad. If that is true, it is a huge step forward. The rationale behind this is as a result of new cameras and what is required for games. The processor is likewise much speedier, as Apple have upgraded from the old A4 chip to an A5 chip. The new iPad's A5 dual core processor is what makes it speedier than the first model. Regardless of what I was using, I could distinguish that it was zippier. Loading time is faster and I notice this when using the web and video functions on both the original iPad and iPad 2.

Now, about the recent addition of the cameras; not just one, but two cameras are on the iPad 2. One is on the front side and the other camera is on the rear. If you like the idea of having a camera, then you will like this modification of stance since when the iPad was initially released, there were no cameras. One camera shoots 720p HD and the other camera isn't as wonderful. The iPad 2 has now added FaceTime and Photobooth, offering you the ability to video call and take all sorts of pictures. The front camera positions you face-to-face when video calling when using FaceTime whereas the iPad's back camera shows your surroundings.

Upgrading from the iPad to the iPad 2 is, I would say, for people who feel the need for the speedier processors and are able to afford it. If we ignore the cameras, then the changes are not significant but do make it a better model.




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