iPad 2

The iPad 2 is smaller, one-third thinner (0.34"), a bit lighter, and a lot more flexible than the first generation iPad. Powered by a dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5 CPU, the new version includes two cameras - a rear facing one for regular photos and video plus a front facing FaceTime camera for video chat. Apple claims "up to 9 times faster" graphics performance due to the A5 CPU.

The iPad 2 comes in black or white.

For the first time, the iPad is available in more than just black. Perhaps the white iPad 2 is designed to compete with the Kindle and other white ebook readers.

There are two 3G versions of the iPad 2 - one that supports the same protocols as the current version and a second version that uses CDMA and is compatible with Verizon and other CDMA carriers.

Despite rumors that Apple's high-resolution Retina Display would appear on the iPad 2, it uses the same 9.7" 1024 x 768 display as the original. Capacities are 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB, just like the first generation iPad.

The iPad is just 0.34" thick.

One of Apple's clever new innovation is the iPad Smart Cover, which holds in place magnetically and can also fold to create a support for your iPad 2. Apple has 10 colors to choose from.

The iPad is very green: no arsenic, BFR, mercury, or PVC, and it's highly recyclable. It can run all iPhone apps out of the box, either at native size or scaled up ("doubled") to full screen.

Prices: 16 GB, no 3G, $499; 32 GB, $599; 64 GB, $699. 16 GB with 3G, $629; 32 GB, $729; 64 GB, $829.

For serious keyboarders, Apple has a full size wireless Bluetooth keyboard.

If you already have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can use your existing apps with the iPad - no need to buy them again.

Specifications

• announced 2011.03.02; available 2011.03.11 in US, 2011.3.25 overseas; price for 16 GB model reduced by $100 on 2012.03.07 with introduction of the 3rd generation iPad
• requires iPhone OS 4.3 or later
• CPU: dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5
• RAM: 512 MB
• Level 2 cache: 1 MB
• performance: Geekbench
• overall: 761
• integer: 688
• floating point: 918
• memory: 829
• stream: 337
• display: 9.7" 1024 x 768 LED backlit, 132 ppi resolution
• video out: with adapter
• flash drive: 16, 32, and 64 GB
• ports: Apple dock connector, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, SIM card tray (3G model only)
• WiFi: 802.11n
• Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR
• G3: UMTS/HSDPA/GSM/EDGE or CDMA
• sensors: accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass
• microphone: built in
• Battery: rated at 10 hours, one month on standby
• size: 9.50 x 7.31 x 0.34" (241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm)
• weight
• WiFi: 1.33 lb. (601 g)
• 3G: 1.34 lb. (607 g)

Online Resources

• iPad perfect for handheld computing, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2010.02.05. You can hold the iPad in one hand and operate it with the other, giving it real advantages over a laptop computer.
• Touch shifts the Apple empire, Tim Nash, Taking Back the Market, 2010.02.05. Apple dominates mobile computing, and it will be difficult for competitors to match the value of the iPad.
• iPad targets netbook users, iPad 'flaws' don't matter, in-page search for iPhone Safari, and more, iNews Review, 2010.02.05. Also FSF considers iPad 'iBad' for freedom, Touch Mouse app turns iPhone into wireless keyboard and trackpad, privacy screen for iPhone, and more.
• iPad should support a stylus, CoolBook quiets MacBooks, Puppy Linux for PowerPC Macs, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2010.02.03. Also the iPad as a genie in a bottle, Eudora Classic 6.2, notebook battery life, and more uses for 'obsolete' technology.
• Is the iPad Apple's true successor to the 12" PowerBook?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2010.02.02. The iPad has the same 1024 x 768 display as generations of G3 PowerBooks, iBooks, and the 12" PowerBook G4 - but it offers a whole lot more than any laptop ever has.
• The iPad shows the failure of journalism, Jason Walsh, Mac Life, 2010.02.02. Tech pundits latch on to every perceived shortcoming of Apple's iPad while looking to it to save the publishing industry.
• iPad a better choice than a netbook, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2010.02.01. Apple's iPad is a new category of product explicitly designed for getting work done on the go.
• The iPad changes the mobile game, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2010.01.29. The iPad goes beyond Apple's Newton and iPod touch legacy to create a new and compelling mobile platform.
• iPad score card, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2010.01.29. Apple's iPad is almost everything expected, but there are areas where it comes up short.
• iPad to kill off laptops?, office app with Google Docs integration, SpotACop app, and more, iNews Review, 2010.01.29. Also iPad pros and cons, AutoPark helps avoid parking tickets, WhiteHouse.gov: Anywhere, Dragon Dictation reviewed, first iPad bags announced, and more.
• iPad priced from $499, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2010.01.27. The 9.7" iPad has a custom 1 GHz Apple CPU, runs iPhone apps, ships in 60 days, and defines a whole new category of products.
• Making the computer even more personal, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2010.01.25. Portability and wireless networking make computing on the go easier and more personal than ever.
• Why I didn't wait for the Apple tablet, Jason Walsh, Mac Life, 2010.01.20. Jason Walsh explains why he bought Dell Mini and made a 'Hackintosh' of it rather than waiting for Apple's new mobile computer.