iPad 2

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

The Apple iPad 2 is the second generation tablet from Apple which brings numerous new features including front and rear cameras as well as delivering a speed boost. The new iPad also comes with iOS 4.3 and a collection of new apps which take advantage of the dual cameras. The iPad 2 was announced on March 2nd 2011 and will be available at 5PM on March 11, 2011 from Apple stores and also online at Apple.com.

(UPDATE:  Several GottaBeMobile team members have upgraded to the iPad 2 and published an extensive iPad 2 Review here)

What is the iPad 2?

The iPad 2 is a touchscreen tablet computer made by Apple which can connect to the Internet, allowing you to browse the web, check your email, watch videos and video chat with the built in cameras. The iPad 2 can connect over WiFi which you may have at home and which you will find at many coffee shops, libraries and airports. In addition to the built in web browser, you can download over 65,000 apps to get work done, play games, watch videos and more. The iPad two is lightweight, at 1.3 pounds and can be protected with a new Smart Cover that attaches to your iPad 2 with magnets.

iPad 2 Overview Video:

How is the iPad 2 different than the original iPad?

The iPad 2 is different from the iPad in several ways, both inside and out. The most noticeable difference is the new design. Apple has incorporated the same unibody design principles which we have seen on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops into the iPad 2. This means the iPad 2 is 33% thinner than the original iPad and also comes in .2 pounds lighter. The iPad 2 measures 8.8mm thick and weighs in at 1.33 pounds.

The iPad 2 also comes with two cameras, one on the front and one on the back, which can be used to take pictures and video as well as support FaceTime and video calling. The rear camera is capable of recording in 720P at 30 frames per second and can also take still images with a 5X zoom. The front facing camera is designed mainly to support video calling and supports a VGA resolution at 30 FPS as well as the ability to take still images of VGA quality. You are able to control the exposure by tapping on the screen and the photos can be geotagged when connected to WiFi so that you know where you took them.

Another exterior difference is the availability of a white iPad 2. Previously the iPad was only available in black. With the launch, users will now be able to choose from black or white.

Inside, the iPad 2 has a new, faster, dual core A5 processor which delivers two-times the performance of the original iPad and nine-times the graphics performance. The new processor will allow developers to create richer, more immersive, applications that provide even greater visuals.

The iPad 2 will also be available with a Verizon 3G connection, a change from the original iPad which was available with a mobile data connection from AT&T.

Also inside the iPad 2 is a three axis gyroscope which has previously been added to the iPhone 4 and allows for more sensitive motion controls in apps.

Hidden inside the iPad 2 are a number of magnets which allow the iPad 2 to be used with the Apple Smart Cover and eventually third party cases that connect to the iPad with magnets, allowing for protection without giving up a slim form factor. The Smart Covers can also be used to place the iPad 2 into positions for typing and viewing content.

iPad 2 Features:

The inclusion of two cameras on the iPad 2 brings photography to the Apple tablet and Apple is including two new apps that will allow user to take advantage of the cameras. The first new app is FaceTime which allows you to video chat with other iPads, iPhones, iPod Touchs and also with Mac users.

Apple is also including Photo Booth for the iPad. Photo Booth makes it easy to take pictures of you and your friends and edit them in fun, and funny ways. There are a collection of built in filters, ranging from X-Ray to Light Tunnel, to tweak your photos and then you can share them via the mail app, in a slide show or in your photo library where you can share photos using other iPad apps.

Like the original iPad, the iPad 2 has a 9.7″ IPS display which is LED backlit. The display provides a very crisp image for both photos and videos. The IPS (in-plane switching) technology offers a wide 178 degree viewing angle, which means you can share the screen with a friend.

The iPad 2 has a multitouch screen which is how you interact with the iPad. Users can flip through images, pinch to zoom or flick across the screen to control the iPad 2. When you need to type an onscreen keyboard pops up and allows you to compose documents and emails. When you’re done, the keyboard slides off the screen until you need it again.

The iPad 2 ships with iOS 4.3, Apple’s latest operating system which is what powers the iPad experience and includes access to the 65,000 iPad apps. There are a collection of new features in iOS 4.3 including faster browsing, access to your iTunes content over your home network, improvements to AirPlay streaming and the ability to have the iPad switch control the orientation lock or to act as a mute switch.

iPad 2 Apps:

The iPad 2 ships with a collection of built in apps including the new FaceTime iPad app and the Photo Booth iPad app. The FaceTime iPad app allows you to make FaceTime video calls to other Apple devices and the Photo Booth app makes it easy to make fun edits to photos you take while hanging out with friends, as if you were in an actual photo booth.

Other built in apps include the Safari web browser which is now faster than on the original iPad and allows you to visit anywhere on the web. You can have several webpages open at a time with support for tabbed browsing.

Notably, it does not support Flash, so you won’t be able to play every online video, but most websites now support a video format that the iPad 2 can play.

The Mail app allows you to check your work and personal email accounts with support for major web email services, and Exchange which is used at many companies. The Mail App can connect to Pop3 and IMAP accounts as well. There is support for reading, responding and opening attachments right on your iPad.

iBooks, Apple’s eBook and PDF reading app is also installed giving you access to a wide variety of books. You can also install many other eBook reading applications like the Kindle iPad app or the Nook iPad app.

The iPad 2 ships with the Videos app and Photos app which allow you to watch your purchased or downloaded videos as well as those you take with the iPad. The Photos app can be used to play a slideshow on the iPad, or wirelessly to your Apple TV.

The iPad 2 also has a built in iPod app, which is where you control your music, choose playlists and flip through your albums. You can be playing music in the iPad app while you use the iPad for other activities.

For purchasing content and apps you can use the iTunes and App Store apps which provide access to movies, music and TV shows as well as over 65,000 iPad apps.

Rounding out the included apps are Maps, YouTube, Find My iPad, Game Center, Notes, Calendar and Contacts.  The Find my iPad app can help you track down a lost iPad. Game Center will keep track of how you are doing on the numerous iPad games and compare your progress to your friends. The rest of the apps so pretty much what the name implies; Map, show you YouTube videos, allow you to take notes, and display your calendar and contacts as synced from various online accounts.

In addition to these built in apps you have access to over 65,000 iPad applications already released. The iPad apps made for the original iPad will work with the iPad 2, and you can use iPhone applications on the iPad 2. If you use an iPhone application though, the app will either take up a portion of the screen, or will be scaled up to fill the screen.

Apple announced two new apps today that will launch with the iPad 2. First is iMovie which is a portable movie editing studio that will let you edit the video you take or import to your iPad and then share it with your friends. Next up is Garage Band which can help you learn how to play music, or be used to create tunes on the iPad 2 with up to 8 tracks mixed in. Both apps launch on March 11th and are $4.99 a piece.

iPad 2 Models, Pricing and Availability:

WiFi Only iPad 2

• 16GB – $499
• 32GB – $599
• 64GB – $699

WiFi + 3G iPad 2 on Verizon or AT&T

• 16GB – $629
• 32GB – $729
• 64GB – $829

Which iPad 2 is Right for You, WiFi Only or WiFi + 3G?

The iPad 2 can be purchased with a WiFi only connection starting at $499 which is great for users who plan to use the iPad 2 on the couch, around the house, in coffee shops or other places with Wireless access.  This model can also connect to personal hotspots like the MiFi or the hotspot apps available for the iPhone 4 or on Android smart phones.

The iPad 2 WiFi + 3G is ideal for users who need constant access on their iPad 2 while traveling for business or pleasure. There are two models of the iPad WiFi + 3G, one for Verizon and one for AT&T. The 3G iPad 2 models will not require a contract, but will require users to purchase a data package to use the 3G connectivity. Prices will vary from carrier to carrier and have not yet been announced.

iPad 2 Cases:

The iPad 2 makes use of magnets to attach the Apple Smart Cover cases to the iPad. The new Smart Cover cases attach via magnets and solve one of the biggest problems users have with touchscreen devices, fingerprints. The inside of the Smart Cover case is lined with microfiber which cleans the screen while it protects your iPad.

In addition to the protection, the Smart Cover can fold up to position your iPad 2 at an angle for typing or fold up to prop the iPad 2 in landscape mode for watching videos or using an external keyboard.

The Smart Covers come in 10 colors ranging from bright to business like black in both polyurethane and Italian leather. The polyurethane Smart Covers cost $39.95 and the leather Smart Covers are $49.95. You can purchase these covers online at the Apple Store or at Apple Retail locations.

Third party cases are expected to arrive shortly for the iPad 2 and will be able to take advantage of the magnetic connection system.

GottaBeMobile Hands on with the Apple Smart Cover:

iPad 2 Accessories:

The iPad 2 is launching with a variety of accessories that allow users to take take advantage of new features and extend the usability of the iPad 2.

One of the most exciting iPad 2 accessories is the Apple Digital AV Adapter which connects to the iPad dock connection and provides an HDMI connection that allows you to connect to an HDTV and play content and apps on your big screen in 1080p. There is also a connection that allows you to charge your iPad at the same time.

The iPad 2 will also come with a dock connector like the original iPad did. The iPad 2 Dock provides a portrait view and allows you to connect your iPad to a set of powered speakers via a line out connection and to charge your iPad. The iPad 2 Dock works with the Apple Digital AV Adapter and the iPad Camera Connection Kit.

Because the iPad 2 uses the 30-pin Apple dock connector the iPad Camera Connection kit will also work with the iPad 2. The Camera Connection kit allows users to connect their camera or SD card to the iPad to transfer, and share, your photos while you are out.

The iPad 2 will also be compatible with the Apple Wireless keyboard, Apple Composite AV Cable and Apple Component Cable adapters.

When shopping for iPad 2 accessories keep in mind that most iPad accessories won’t fit the iPad 2, but because the connection is the same, adapters should work with the iPad 2. Original iPad docks may work with the iPad 2, but the fit will not be the same so make sure that you check before purchasing.

Apple iPad 2 Hands On Videos and Demonstrations: (Hands On)

GottaBeMobile iPad 2 Hands On:

Engadget Hands on with the iPad 2:

First Look at the iPad 2:

iMovie on the iPad 2 Demo:

Garage Band for the iPad 2 Demo:

FaceTime on the iPad 2 Demo:

Steve Jobs unveils the iPad 2 on stage in San Francisco: Full iPad 2 Announcement Video

iPad 2 Specifications: