The iPad 2, 'whats all the fuss?'

Just under 2 years ago, Steve Jobs and Apple shocked the computing world with a 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet that few truly expected. People queued for over 48 hours outside shops around the country to be among the first to get their hands on an iPad without knowing its full potential. So after the launch of the iPad 2 last year we look at what makes the iPad one of the most sought after gadgets.

Some called the original Apple iPad a large-format iPhone. Others berated the name and made jokes that were not remotely humorous.
Now 3 billion downloads later (according to Apple) the iPad seems to be shrugging off some serious competition from the Android market.
At 241mm tall, 186mm wide, and 8.6mm thick, the iPad 2 is just a hair smaller than the original iPad and it's thinner than the iPhone 4, and some may say a damn sight smaller and more powerful than the early personal computer. It has a curved edge that makes it look a bit more 'space age' and, surprisingly, easier to hold because you can curve your fingers more easily around it. Overall, the design is a stunner – it's brilliant. The aesthetics are much improved

The iPad 2’s boasts an A5 dual core processor which means new iPad runs up to twice as fast as its predecessor and graphics performance is nine-times faster. The speed improvements can be seen on almost any app, as although the original iPad didn’t feel sluggish before it will after you’ve spent some time with the iPad 2.
The improvement in graphics performance is most noticeable on some of the top games that allow it to compete with the main stream games consoles as well as high quality video playback through iTunes or streaming video through the internet or via an app.

One of the other significant additions are the cameras: one on the front and one on the back of the iPad 2. The rear camera is capable of 720p HD video but, as with the one in the sister device the iPod touch, it’s a mediocre stills camera and, the front-facing camera, for video conferencing also works as a stills camera. With cameras, the iPad 2 joins the iPhone 4 and iPod touch in getting FaceTime, Apple’s video chat app. In tests - calling an iPhone 4 from an iPad 2, it worked very well. While the picture quality was not pin-sharp, the call to my partner who was travelling across Thailand was smooth and uninterrupted. It’s easy to see this being a boon to people who travel a lot or those whose friends and family are far away.
There are several other additions. There’s the HDMI-out accessory that allows you to mirror your iPad’s screen on your television, for example, and the addition of a gyroscope that allows the iPad 2 to match the iPhone 4’s gaming capabilities.

As if you couldn’t add to the iPad 2’s smooth looks, there’s also a white version. Personally, I’m not a fan, I like the iPad to disappear when I’m using an app and I think I would find the white border around the iPad screen too distracting but there will be plenty who disagree, I am sure.
So then, what are the weaknesses? I suppose there are some but you have to look quite hard to find them. There are rivals out there with higher specs certainly, but the iPad 2 never feels like it’s struggling. I personally fell into the retail trap of spending £149 for a half price tablet that I was told would rival the iPad but after poor performance and tremendous battery issues I decided to upgrade.
Famously, the iPad doesn’t support Flash but after a few months of using the iPad2 I can honestly say that I scarcely notice, let alone miss it.
Next, there’s the size as some people think the iPad is just too big. For them a 7-inch tablet is probably ideal but I remain unconvinced. I want a tablet that bridges the gap between my laptop, not a big smartphone.

One of the few hurdles could however be the price, starting at £399 for the basic model - 16GB and wi-fi only, though those with a bit more to spend should consider the 32GB model with wi-fi and 3G (£579). The extra storage is worth it and cheap 3G plans mean you have the option of using the iPad when wi-fi is unavailable. Those who travel a lot will want a 64GB model so that they can carry a selection of films but most of us won’t need so much storage.

Also in the magazine we review some of the best apps, we review the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9 Digital camera as well as how to open a Twitter account.

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