The iPad 2 looks good on paper, but should you make the switch? We break down Apple’s latest creation, covering everything from the new A5 chip to the cameras, giving you everything you need to make your decision by March 11th.
Dimensions: size and weight
The original iPad was 0.5 inches thick and weighed in at 1.5 pounds. The iPad 2 follows the style of super-slim iPod touch, measuring 0.34 inches in thickness and weighing in at 1.33 pounds. These changes might sound subtle, but once you feel the iPad 2 in your hands, the difference is significant especially when carrying the tablet for extended periods of time. Apple is quick to point out the iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter (depending if you buy the WiFi or WiFi+3G model).
Processor and memory
The original iPad featured 256MB of RAM and the A4 chip, a 1 GHz processor also used inside the iPhone 4, Apple TV and iPod touch. The iPad 2 doubles the memory to 512MB and uses the dual core 1 GHz A5 chip. This means significantly faster performance in single operation and multitasking environment. What does this mean in the real world? More RAM means more simultaneous apps. A dual-core processor will make those apps runs faster even when other apps are running in the background.
Graphics, graphics, graphics
With 65,000 apps in the App Store designed specifically for the iPad, gaming is a huge part Apple’s success. Delivering high-quality graphics requires a trusty GPU. The iPad 2 has been upgraded to a new graphics processor which delivers up to 1080p video output using the optional HDMI adapter. With iOS 4.3, you’ll be able to connect your iPad to your HDTV and show off your gaming skills in the living room. The new GPU will offer higher resolution output and be able to handle more complex graphics than the original iPad. Your favorite games play smoother and you can show them off in stunning 1080p. The addition of a 3-axis gyroscope should also make the iPad 2 a bit more responsive in certain games.
Pictures and Video
The lack of a front or rear-facing camera on the original iPad was one reason many, including myself, took a pass. The iPad 2 features a VGA front-facing camera which records 30 frames per second and a back camera which records 720p HD video, also at 30 frames per second. When taking still shots you’ll also be able to use the 5x digital zoom on the rear camera. The addition of cameras will be huge when using Skype for iPad, FaceTime or PhotoBooth for iPad. Those three apps alone might be worth the upgrade.
What hasn’t changed?
Despite the upgrades, much of the iPad has remained the same. For starters the display is still a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. The resolution remains 1024 by 768 at 132 pixels per inch (ppi) and not the Retina display we were hoping. Both the iPad and iPad 2 offer up to 10 hours of battery life, 3G connectivity, WiFi b/g/n support, 3.5mm headphone jacks, 30-pin dock connectors, accelerometer/ambient light sensors, aGPS, and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
Wrapping it all up
Now that you have a clear picture of how the iPad and iPad 2 differ in terms of features and size the choice is yours. Consider whether you’ll be using the cameras and whether the improved performance and small/lighter footprint will provide a more enjoyable experience. If you do decide to make the jump, there’s plenty of online merchants ready to take your listing. With the original iPad dropping in price today you might not get as much as you would have 24 hours ago, but Apple products have excellent resell value.
Coming March 11 | Apple | $499 and up
