In-Depth Analysis of the Apple iPad 2: A Closer Look at Its Features and Performance
A Peek at the Swanky Apple iPad 2
The Apple iPad 2, released in 2011, shook up the consumer electronics world, selling nearly 15 million units that year. It created a new standard for tablets, prompting the competition to catch up, with Samsung's Galaxy Tab being the closest competitor.
Hardware
The iPad 2 boasts an upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a sleek Dual Core A5 1 GHz processor that delivers a faster experience. Though Apple kept the A5 under wraps, Steve Jobs confirmed it's nine times faster than the original A4 chip. The device sports a large, 9.7-inch LED display with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. Its fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating keeps those pesky smudges at bay.
The iPad 2 comes with generous 512 MB of RAM, double the memory of the original iPad. Models come equipped with an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, and a three-axis gyroscope. Prices range from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model to $829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G version.
The iPad 2 sports new cameras, although they won't win any awards when compared to high-end smartphones. The front camera delivers 640 X 480 pixel resolution, while the back captures 720 X 960 videos with an LED flash. Apple's hyping up its Facetime app for video conferencing, but it's most effective over Wi-Fi. Geotagging is another cool feature of the camera.
Design and Battery Life
The original iPad set a sleek, sexy standard, and the iPad 2 maintains the philosophy, taking it to the next level. Touted as being 30% thinner than the original and lighter, it's easier to carry around without sacrificing length and width. Battery life has slightly improved, giving users around 10 hours on a single charge with the included 25-watt-hour, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.
Media and More
The iPad 2's expansive ecosystem offers a vast library of content, including audio, video, and applications. It supports a wide range of audio formats (HE-AAC, MPEG-4, MP3, and more) and even offers 5.1 Dolby surround sound with a Digital AV Dongle Adapter. Video support is broad, catering to H.264, AAC-LC, .m4v, .mp4, and .mov formats.
Software
The iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, which boasts numerous enhancements. Its availability of applications, media, music, and more puts it leagues ahead of Android's Appstore. New applications like GarageBand, iMove, and Facetime transform the iPad 2 from a consumption device to a production one.
Built-in apps like Facetime, Camera, and Photobooth offer additional functionality. Transferring content from your old iPad to the new one is a breeze, barring a few eBook hiccups during the transfer process.
As an e-Reader
The iPad 2 serves as a capable e-reader, but its LCD screen might strain the eyes in certain light conditions. With adjustable screen settings and iBooks for easy organization, it's a convenient option for readers.
Overall, the iPad 2, with its upgrades in hardware, software, and design, solidifies Apple's lead in the tablet market. If you're an existing iPad user or new to tablets, the iPad 2 offers a user-friendly experience with plenty of content to explore.
Michael Kozlowski, editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader, has covered audiobooks and e-readers for over fifteen years. His articles have been featured in various media outlets, including the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times. He resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The Apple iPad 2, despite being a revolutionary tablet, lacks a dedicated e-ink screen often seen in e-readers, which might affect battery life compared to such devices designed specifically for reading. On the other hand, the iPad 2's expansive technology ecosystem offers various applications, including eBook readers like iBooks, for a mixed digital reading experience.
