The iPad 2 is smaller, one-third thinner (0.34"), a bit lighter, and
a lot more flexible than the first generation
iPad. Powered by a dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5 CPU, the new version
includes two cameras - a rear facing one for regular photos and video
plus a front facing FaceTime camera for video chat. Apple claims "up to
9 times faster" graphics performance due to the A5 CPU.
The iPad 2 comes in black or white.
For the first time, the iPad is available in more than just black.
Perhaps the white iPad 2 is designed to compete with the Kindle and
other white ebook readers.
There are two 3G versions of the iPad 2 - one that supports the same
protocols as the current version and a second version that uses CDMA
and is compatible with Verizon and other CDMA carriers.
Despite rumors that Apple's high-resolution Retina Display would
appear on the iPad 2, it uses the same 9.7" 1024 x 768 display as the
original. Capacities are 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB, just like the first
generation iPad.
The iPad is just 0.34" thick.
One of Apple's clever new innovation is the iPad Smart Cover, which
holds in place magnetically and can also fold to create a support for
your iPad 2. Apple has 10 colors to choose from.
The iPad is very green: no arsenic, BFR, mercury, or PVC, and it's
highly recyclable. It can run all iPhone apps out of the box, either at
native size or scaled up ("doubled") to full screen.
Prices: 16 GB, no 3G, $499; 32 GB, $599; 64 GB, $699. 16 GB with 3G,
$629; 32 GB, $729; 64 GB, $829.
For serious keyboarders, Apple has a full size wireless Bluetooth
keyboard.
If you already have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can use your
existing apps with the iPad - no need to buy them again.
Specifications
- announced 2011.03.02; available 2011.03.11 in US, 2011.3.25
overseas; price for 16 GB model reduced by $100 on 2012.03.07 with
introduction of the 3rd generation iPad
- requires iPhone OS 4.3 or later
- CPU: dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5
- RAM: 512 MB
- Level 2 cache: 1 MB
- performance: Geekbench
- overall: 761
- integer: 688
- floating point: 918
- memory: 829
- stream: 337
- display: 9.7" 1024 x 768 LED backlit, 132 ppi resolution
- video out: with adapter
- flash drive: 16, 32, and 64 GB
- ports: Apple dock connector, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, SIM card
tray (3G model only)
- WiFi: 802.11n
- Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR
- G3: UMTS/HSDPA/GSM/EDGE or CDMA
- sensors: accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass
- microphone: built in
- Battery: rated at 10 hours, one month on standby
- size: 9.50 x 7.31 x 0.34" (241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm)
- weight
- WiFi: 1.33 lb. (601 g)
- 3G: 1.34 lb. (607 g)
Online Resources
- iPad perfect
for handheld computing, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing,
2010.02.05. You can hold the iPad in one hand and operate it with the
other, giving it real advantages over a laptop computer.
- Touch shifts the Apple
empire, Tim Nash, Taking Back the Market, 2010.02.05. Apple
dominates mobile computing, and it will be difficult for competitors to
match the value of the iPad.
- iPad targets netbook users, iPad
'flaws' don't matter, in-page search for iPhone Safari, and more,
iNews Review, 2010.02.05. Also FSF considers iPad 'iBad' for freedom,
Touch Mouse app turns iPhone into wireless keyboard and trackpad,
privacy screen for iPhone, and more.
- iPad should support a stylus,
CoolBook quiets MacBooks, Puppy Linux for PowerPC Macs, and more,
Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2010.02.03. Also the iPad as a
genie in a bottle, Eudora Classic 6.2, notebook battery life, and more
uses for 'obsolete' technology.
- Is the iPad Apple's
true successor to the 12" PowerBook?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings,
2010.02.02. The iPad has the same 1024 x 768 display as generations of
G3 PowerBooks, iBooks, and the 12" PowerBook G4 - but it offers a whole
lot more than any laptop ever has.
- The iPad shows the
failure of journalism, Jason Walsh, Mac Life, 2010.02.02. Tech
pundits latch on to every perceived shortcoming of Apple's iPad while
looking to it to save the publishing industry.
- iPad a better
choice than a netbook, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2010.02.01.
Apple's iPad is a new category of product explicitly designed for
getting work done on the go.
- The iPad changes
the mobile game, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2010.01.29. The
iPad goes beyond Apple's Newton and iPod touch legacy to create a new
and compelling mobile platform.
- iPad score card,
Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2010.01.29. Apple's iPad is almost everything
expected, but there are areas where it comes up short.
- iPad to kill off laptops?,
office app with Google Docs integration, SpotACop app, and more,
iNews Review, 2010.01.29. Also iPad pros and cons, AutoPark helps avoid
parking tickets, WhiteHouse.gov: Anywhere, Dragon Dictation reviewed,
first iPad bags announced, and more.
- iPad priced from
$499, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2010.01.27. The 9.7" iPad has a
custom 1 GHz Apple CPU, runs iPhone apps, ships in 60 days, and defines
a whole new category of products.
- Making the computer
even more personal, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2010.01.25.
Portability and wireless networking make computing on the go easier and
more personal than ever.
- Why I didn't wait
for the Apple tablet, Jason Walsh, Mac Life, 2010.01.20. Jason
Walsh explains why he bought Dell Mini and made a 'Hackintosh' of it
rather than waiting for Apple's new mobile computer.
