In Review: The iPad 2

Apple just debuted the iPad 2. A pseudo-upgrade to the iPad line, the iPad 2 brings such upgrades as a dual-core and faster processor, x9 graphics improvements, two cameras and a thinner device. How does it stack up to the competition? Let's find out.
Most photos by engadget - The iPad 2

On sale and shipping March 11th, you'll have a choice between a black and white version. The WiFi price-points will be $500 16GB/$600 32GB/$700 64 GB. The 3G price-points will be $629 16GB/$729 32GB/$829 64GB with a choice of black on AT&T and white on Verizon.


iPad 2 price points for Wifi & 3G

Hardware wise, without specific specs from the iPad, the iPad 2 is now on par with such new Android tablets such as the Motorola Xoom or the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1", both of which have 1 Ghz dual-core processors, two cameras and 10+ hour batteries. With rumors that quad-core tablets are on the way this summer, Android tablets might get the upper-hand until next year.


The Motorola Xoom

Software wise, Apple has a slight advantage, due to the control over all their products, they've introduced Photo Booth, iMovie and GarageBand onto the iPad in addition to the seamless integration to nearly all of their other services and programs. On the flip-side, it's also all about opinion, weather your an iOS fan or Android fan. Google's Honeycomb really is a solid offering from my experience and runs like a dream on these dual-core tablets. Each have their own advantages based on your own setup.


A thinner and, hopefully, less sharp iPad.

One advantage some of the Android tablets have over the iPad 2 is HDMI out. The Xoom has micro-HDMI right on the device (as well as the dock) where as Apple has decided that HDMI out needs a $39 cable (similar to the video out on Macs). Again, this is another area where it's all opinion, but to me, if you have to buy additional accessories to use a feature, you shouldn't call it a feature.


The $39 cable needed for HDMI output

That said, the iPad 2 is a solid device and will work well for those who buy it. iOS/Mac OS fans will see the biggest benefit with the seamless integration with their other devices. Everyone else will be able to enjoy a solid device and platform, opening the gateway for them to become Mac users.

It should be an exciting year. 2011 seems to be "The Year of the Tablet" and is already off to a good start. The Xoom, iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1" are already great offerings and it can only improve from here.



Further reading: Engadget - The iPad 2 Unofficial Apple Weblog - iPad 2 Posts