Apple’s iPad 2 with WiFi: Worth the Hype?

The New iPad2

The iPad 2 is now available. Check out the Apple Store for the iPad 2. Despite being available for purchase the stores are still having stocking issues as this device is selling out almost as fast as it hits the shelves. Apple’s new iteration of the iPad has stirred up quite the buzz, selling out on opening weekend with over 1 million units sold, according to Reuters. This crushes the 28 day mark of the original iPad.

What is so different between the old and the new? First off, the new generation iPad is available at the same price as the original, with the originals all receiving mark-downs around $100.00.

Here are some of the highlights of the iPad2:

It has the Apple A5 dual-core processor provides improved speed provides improved power more efficient energy usage It supports high-definition video provides a crisp viewing experience It has both front and back cameras provides video and still capture capability It is both sleek and sturdy thinner profile weighs less does not suffer any loss of integrity

People can say what they want, but are these new features really all worth the upgrade?  Yes, I can tell you from experience that it is. I was one of the lucky individuals able to purchase an iPad 2 on launch day from BestBuy. I am now the owner of the new iPad 2 16 GB with WiFi while my friend owns its predecessor the Generation One 16 GB with Wifi iPad. Side-by-side the new iPad has a significant improvement upon battery life that becomes noticeable after a day’s worth of running applications, browsing the web, and going through emails. The display does indeed provide a crisp image that tantalizes the eyes and promotes a pleasurable viewing experience, combined with the already sleek physical design of the device itself.

Also of note: I noticed when laying both down on my desk that the new iPad, while having rounded edges, has a flat back so it lies flush against a solid surface unlike the Generation One iPad that is rounded on the back, which causing rocking to occur when typing unless you purchase a case for it.

Not everything about the new iPad is all rainbows and sunshine; however, while the iPad 2 is noticeably thinner than its predecessor, it is not noticeably lighter. In fact, you can barely register the difference when holding the new in one hand and the old in the other. Additionally, while it now sports both a front and back camera with video capability the quality of those images do not compare with the cameras available in other modern tablets and in some cases, phones. What is more is that despite other competitive devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab supporting Flash the Apple iPad 2 fails to do the same. Finally, there are currently few applications out there that really take advantage of what this new generation of iPad has to offer so there are no real immediate gains to owning this device now as opposed to waiting for developers to catch up. This new generation of iPad was simply not as innovative as everyone was expecting it to be.

The iPad 2 still lends itself to the market of on-the-go individuals who desire stylish portability. When you paid the device with a wireless network or spend the additional funds for the 3G version you do not need to rely solely on the storage space inherent within the device itself. There are Applications available such as AirVideo that can pull across a network to access files for your viewing pleasure. When you combine those features with the accurate touch recognition provided by Apple you create a combination that can be useful for college students taking notes, hostesses managing a restaurant front of house, clerks managing inventory, and so on.

All that being said, this device is cool and Apple did not disappoint by delivering this gorgeous piece of technology. The beauty of the iPad versus its competitors is that it does provide a sleek and sexy profile that with a little development can provide an aesthetic image for individuals and businesses.

The best days of this device will be in the days and months to come as developers dance a delicate waltz between generation one and generation two iPad application optimization. I cannot wait to see what is to come!

Apple’s iPad2 Product Specifications