2010 was the year of a new era, thanks to Apple. iPad 2, which was introduced in the beginning of last year, had driven too much attention on itself. Such that, Apple managed to sell 15 million iPads in 2010, and it was interesting that this number refers to the period between April and December.
Apple reinvented the tablet segment with iPad, and dominated this market. But, the rivals didn’t have any idea to give up. We had already started to see some rival tablets from manufacturers like Samsung, who introduced Galaxy Tab last September. Since Galaxy Tab booted up with Android 2.2, which focused on smartphones, it didn’t manage to compete with iPad.
The things may change this year. Google has introduced its newest Android version for the tablets, called Honeycomb. We have already started to see some Honeycomb tablets, like Motorola Xoom, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, LG Optimus Pad. All of these products have one tablet on their target, which is Apple’s iPad. As Steve Jobs asked on the introduction event of the second generation tablet, will this year be another year of iPad, or the copycats achieve to beat Apple’s tablet? It’s hard to answer at this time, but with brand new iPad 2, Apple doesn’t seem to be inclined to give the leadership.
Gallery: Apple iPad 2
Hardware & Design
Apple made radical changes in the design process of the new tablet. iPad 2 is 33% thinner than the original model. The original iPad had a convex back panel, but in iPad 2, we see that Apple has chosen a flat back panel design. Nevertheless, we see curved design on the edges and corners. The button locations don’t seem to be changed. We can see the on/off button on the top right, 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top left. There are mute/lock switch and volume buttons on the right side, a 30-pin dock connector on the bottom. If you prefer a 3G+Wi-Fi model, you will see a microSIM card slot on the left side.
There were too much rumors about the screen of the second generation tablet, with most of them involved the Retina display, but the reality was just the opposite. Apple had chosen to leave the screen as similar to the one in the original iPad: 9.7-inch LED backlit IPS panel with 1024 x 768 resolution. The bezel around the screen has been narrowed down from the left and right sides, so iPad 2 becomes a little bit narrower than the original iPad.
One of the main differences of iPad 2 is that it has two cameras which are both in the front and the rear. The front camera, just above the screen, offers VGA quality video capturing. Besides that, this camera serves for FaceTime conversations. On the other hand, the rear camera is capable of capturing 720p HD video at 30 fps. Apple has been shy about giving the full details of those cameras, but we understand that both cameras aren’t sufficient to take still images. The rear camera captures pictures at 960 x 720 resolution, which isn’t satisfying. The front camera offers even worse quality. Indeed, Apple has been talking since the beginning that iPad 2 was just suitable for video recording. And the video quality of the rear camera might satisfy many iPad 2 users. In fact, you shouldn’t expect a performance like a regular point-and-shoot camera serves.
Talking about the innards of iPad 2, Apple introduces a brand new dual core processor, which is A5, with iPad 2. Apple A5 operates at 1 GHz, and according to Apple, it offers twice more CPU performance and nine times more graphics performans when compared to the Apple A4 which the original iPad includes. Apple didn’t talk about the memory amount while introducing the second generation iPad, however we saw that it had 512 MB RAM, thanks to the reviews and tear down attempts. The second generation Apple tablet is offered three different flash storage options as the original iPad was. Users can choose from 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB. We suggest you to choose at least 32 GB model. If you choose the 16 GB model, you will then start to see some warning messages, urging you that there is too little space left, while you are trying to transfer your favorite movies and TV shows to the iPad 2.
Video: Apple iPad 2 Review
Software & Internet
Apple’s brand new tablet comes with iOS 4.3, which was also released for existing iPad. In fact, iOS 4.3.1 came up just after two weeks, so you may see new models at the retail stores are being sold with iOS 4.3.1 pre-loaded. We had already read much about iOS 4.3, it offers the ability to change the function of the switch on the right side of the tablet between mute and screen lock functions. Besides this, if you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS with a data plan, you may be free to share this data plan with iPad or iPad 2 via personal hotspot function. iPhone 4 offers Wi-Fi tethering function, but if you have an iPhone 3GS, you only have Bluetooth connection option left.
When looking at the home screen, we can see some iPad 2 specific applications. In fact, all those applications are related to the cameras of the iPad 2. FaceTime lets iPad 2 users have video chats between iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPod touch 4G or Mac users. PhotoBooth application, which many Mac users got used to, came to the iPad 2, thanks to the cameras. Users can choose from eight different photo effects and take their or other’s photos via using both front and back cameras. We think that iPad 2 users would enjoy this application very much.
Apple continues to offer paid applications. We had seen iMovie for iPhone 4 before. This time, we see iMovie made compatible with iPad 2 also. iPad 2 users can edit and organize videos and create excellent videos via iMovie for iPad application. Apple doesn’t forget the music lovers. The GarageBand software, which many musicians use on the Macs, came to the iPads as an application. GarageBand for iPad application offers different musical instruments such as guitar, keyboard and drums, which can all be played by touching on the screen with fingers. For people who don’t know to play any instruments, GarageBand has smart instrument choices. With smart instruments, any person can feel himself/herself as a professional musician and has fun. Both iMovie and GarageBand are offered via App Store from 4.99$.
One of the main usage areas of iPad 2 is surfing the internet. Apple offers Safari web browser for that purpose. With Nitro JavaScript engine started to be used with iOS 4.3, Safari has offered significantly improved web performance. Add the CPU and graphics update to the mix, you will see that iPad 2 making people surfing the web faster than the other iOS devices, and even rival tablets. HTML5 support continues to exist in Safari, but Flash still remains to be blocked by Apple.
The hardware updates on iPad 2 perform their differences not only in Safari but also in application loading times, video frame rates, and page loading times in Books application. We all did make those test, and compare iPad 2 with the original iPad. In all test, we managed to see the difference obviously.
Smart Covers & Apple Digital AV Adapter
Among iPad 2, we had a chance to use and test iPad 2 specific accessories which are both introduced at the same time with iPad 2. We loved the official case offered with the original iPad. It was protecting iPad from any bump or scratch. However, at this time, Apple has only chosen to protect the screen of the iPad 2. In fact, this new accessory is being defined as a cover rather than a case. Being called Smart Cover, it offers smart usage types for iPad 2 users as the name suggests. It sticks to the tablet via magnets located inside the hinge. The attraction is so strong that Smart Cover not only sticks to the iPad 2 but also adjusts its position. Thus, it fits perfectly to the tablet.
The Smart Cover has microfiber inside, so they clean the screen of the tablet. Furthermore, there is an automatic screen wake up/sleep function. When you pull over the cover from the screen, you will see the screen wakes up. If you do it on the opposite way, you will then see the screen sleeps again. You are free to turn it on or off this functionality via Settings. There are polyurethane and leather options for Smart Covers which are offered from 39$ and 69$, respectively.
Apple’s Digital AV Adapter doesn’t offers its functions for iPad 2 only. You can still use it with iPad1 or iPhone 4. But, you won’t reflect your tablet’s screen to an HDTV or an external display. Digital AV Adapter has an HDMI output, and it offers up to 1080p output to external displays. There is a universal dock connector input just near the HDMI output, so you can charge your iPad 2 while giving an output to a display. iPad 2 owners can buy this optional accessory from 39$ in the US.
Gallery: iPad 2 Smart Cover and Apple Digital AV Adapter
Summary
2010 was the year of the iPad, and many people have already wondered about the result of the tablet wars in 2011. Tablets coming with Google’s Honeycomb may be a threat, but with the latest changes, Apple don’t seem to give up the leadership in the tablet market. We welcome the design and hardware changes, but it would be better if we saw even a little improvement on the screen side. So, we could easily suggest existing iPad buyers that upgrading to iPad 2 would be a must. However, if you have already had an original iPad, you don’t need to hurry for getting the newest one. On the other hand, if you will be a rookie tablet user, iPad 2 should be your premier choice.
