ipad upgrade
The iPad Next Generation: Is It Worth Upgrading If You Already Have The iPad 1?
With the new release of the iPad next generation model – the iPad 2 – many current iPad owners are wondering whether it’s worth upgrading or not. If that sounds like you then here are some of the most important points to consider before you decide.
Making Back The Costs By Selling Your Older iPad
As soon as the iPad 2 was announced, Apple also dropped the price of the first iPad by $100 to clear old stock. The iPad 2 took over at the standard iPad price point. This means that, for those looking to pay for their upgrade by selling the old model, you’ll expect to make a loss of a couple of hundred dollars, if your iPad is in good condition. This should be your reference point when deciding whether the upgrade is worth it. Are the new features worth a couple of hundred dollars to you?
How Much Does Speed Matter?
One of the most notable differences between the iPad next generation device andthe originalis that the iPad 2 is faster. Its new dual-core processor means that it can handle all kinds of functions quicker, and this is boosted with the recent improvements from iOS 4.3. Whether this is worth the money or not depends upon what you want to use your iPad for.
Are you just a casual user who uses your iPad to check email and browse the web from the couch? Or have you always wanted to use the iPad for more high-end tasks, such as playing some of the most advanced iPad games? If you’re in the former camp, an upgrade might not be worth it. If you’re in the latter, however, it could greatly improve your productivity.
Separating iPad 2 Features From iOS 4.3 Features
iOS 4.3 is also available forthe originaliPad, so it’s important to distinguish between improvements that are available to everyone, and those that are specific to the iPad next generation device. For example, the iOS update includes faster Safari Speeds, iTunes Home Sharing and improvements to Airplay without the need to buy the new iPad. However, the new processor, camera, video editing etc. are only available to iPad 2 users.
Do You Want To Take Advantage Of The Newest Apps and Features?
Some improvements in the iPad 2 means that certain apps will work far better on the newer model. For example, the iPad 2 features a gyroscope, bring far more precision to motion based apps and games. Apps such as iMovie are also available to iPad 2 users only. This could make a huge difference if these apps directly relate to what you need the iPad to do for you.
Not to mention the fact that the iPad next generation model has a front facing camera for FaceTime, and a backward camera to shoot movies and take photographs. This is something that many users wanted ofthe originaliPad, and could make the upgrade more than worthwhile for many.
ipad 2 compared to laptop
iPad vs. Laptop: Is The iPad Slowly Taking Over The World Of Portable Computing?
The iPad vs. laptop debate has come a long way sincethe originaliPad model was released. Now, with the release of the improved iPad 2, more and more people are set to get into the world of tablet computers. But can they really replace your laptop?
Portability
Both laptops and iPads are designed with portability in mind, but the iPad is the clear winner in this respect. The iPad 2 is slimmer and lighter than ever before, but with the same glossy screen and resolution. It’s easy to slip it into a bag and take it with you wherever you go, and it certainly won’t weigh you down in the way that a laptop will. And, with the release of the iPad 2SmartCover, it’s easy to prop up your iPad should you want to use it hands free to watch a movie!
It’s important not to forget that battery life is essential for any portable device. With new features added to the iPad 2 model, some people were worried that it would lead to a shorter battery life. This isn’t the case, and the iPad 2 features the same long 10 hour battery life of the iPad 1. There aren’t many laptops (except for Apple’s own MacBooks) that can boast such a long life when away from a power source!
A Lack of Ports
One important point of the iPad vs. laptop comparison is that the iPad 2 is still lacking a number of ports when compared to laptops. This includes a USB port, SD memory card slot, and basically anything other than the 30-pin Apple port. Apple have come out with a camera connector kit that means certain simple USB devices can connect to the iPad 2, but that’s the only way that buyers can do it. It’s also important to point out that the iPad 2 makes use of a touch screen rather than physical keyboard input, but this can be changed with the addition of the Apple iPad keyboard accessory.
Apps And Functionality
The iPad boasts a whole range of apps, but there still isn’t as much flexibility as with a laptop. When you buy an iPad 2, you’re being forced to using its specific operating system, and only downloading the apps that Apple approves.
With a laptop, you have far more choice when it comes to operating systems, and far more flexibility with the way that the operating system works. However, the iPad 2 is generally aimed at those who know what they need the iPad for, and the truth is that the iPad does have an app for just about any function! Multitasking on the iPad is also possible, bringing it closer in line with laptops in terms of functionality.
What Do You Need It For?
The truth is that the answer to the iPad vs. laptop debate has to be a personal one. If you already own a desktop computer then the iPad could be all you need to take specific things on the go. Or you may find that you want a laptop that can read DVD disks, connect to external USB devices and so on. Some people even claim that Apple never intended to enter into the laptop computer market – the iPad is simply an extension to other computers.
It really does depend on what you’ll use it for, but one thing’s for sure: more and more people are now getting their hands on tablet computers and taking their personal and business lives and interests with them on the move!
ipad 2 review
Having been surrounded by much speculation for the past few months, the public has finally been allowed to see the iPad 2 for the first time. The specifications as released have lived up to the speculation in part, but have been a let down in others. Where does the iPad 2 win? The new design iPad is smaller than before-33% thinner and 15% lighter, making it far easier to hold.
A new cover has been designed and included that attaches to the iPad magnetically, making it secure and easy to use. It is able to wake the iPad or put it into sleep mode just like opening or closing a laptop does, saving battery power when you have to quickly step away. The cover can also be used as a stand. The iPad has finally been equipped with a camera-two in fact. The rear facing camera has a good resolution and shoots video as well, and the front camera is lower resolution. It is designed not for general use, but for making video calls such as the FaceTime application makes.
This allows for free video calls to any other person who holds a FaceTime account. The processor is a 1Ghz A5 chip, which in itself is no better than much of the competition. However this one is dual core, which doubles the speed, and makes for a much smooth experience when multitasking. Graphics are vastly improved, because although the screen resolution has not changed, the graphics processing unit has. The new graphics chip gives performance that is up to nine times better than the original iPad, and yet it is a low power drain chip so that the overall power requirements of the device are unchanged.
The iPad 2 therefore has a ten hour battery life, just like its predecessor, more than enough for average use. There are two big disappointments with the recent release. The first is the screen resolution, which was expected to increase to somewhat closer to that of the iPhone 4-or above that resolution. In fact, it will stay the same as the resolution of the original iPad. Given the fact that the Motorola Zoom now significantly outstrips this with regards to resolution, and other tablets too are beginning to use higher resolution, this is somewhat of a let down. So too is the fact that there is no mention of the inclusion of the Thunderbolt port. This high speed USB connection is more than twice as fast as USB 3.0, bringing a huge increase in speed, especially compared to the more widely used USB 2.0.
However, it may just be that Thunderbolt was simply not mentioned in the press release. The iPad 2 has just enough in the way of new features and upgraded hardware to be likely to attract a large number of buyers. However the lack of certain features when compared to competitor devices mean that the second generation iPad is a little overshadowed in some respects. The improvements in graphics processing and processing speed may just be enough to make up for this.
ipad 2 vs other tablets
The iPad 2 vs. Other Tablets: Which One Should You Buy?
Although the iPad 2 may be the media’s favorite choice, there are, in fact, a whole range of competing tablets sold by a number of differentmanufacturers, incorporating a range of operating systems. The question of whether you should by the iPad 2 vs. other tablets is important when it comes to getting the best value for your money.
At this point in time, the main competitors to the iPad 2 are theMotorolaXoom, Blackberry PlayBook and the HP TouchPad. Here are a few key points of comparison to help you make that all-important buying decision.
Operating System
The tablet computers feature the following operating systems:
* iPad 2 – iOS 4.3
* Motorola Xoom – Android 3.0
* HP TouchPad – webOS 3.0
* Blackberry PlayBook – BB Tablet OS (QNX)
Many people who own an iPhone will naturally choose the iOS operating system over the others, but there are pros and cons of all of them. The Android system is known as the main contender to Apple’s own, and it’s especially popular thanks to its customizable features. However, what really matters is what feels intuitive to you, so you’ll want to try out some demo models before you buy.
Price
When it comes to price, one of the best things about the iPad 2 vs. other tablets is that you do have a lot of choice. The prices start at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi Only model, going all the way up $829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G models. Othermanufacturersare slowly starting to follow Apple’s lead.
Other Features
There isn’t much between the leading tablet models when it comes to the camera (the newest addition to the iPad 2). One area where the iPad 2 falls short is the RAM – its competitors were well ahead of the game already. However, the processing speed is comparable among all the devices, as is the storage and the screen resolution.
In the apps market, the iPad 2 vs. other tablets debate has a clear winner: nobody can match the scope of the Apple app store. What’s more, many of us are used to using apps on our iPhone or iPod Touch, so it feels natural to move to the iPad 2 where we can still expect a huge range of apps available.
Ultimately it’s difficult to pick a winner in the iPad 2 vs. other tablets debate. When it comes down to it, picking the operating system that you feel comfortable with is a huge factor. However, there are no signs that the iPad’s reign at the top of the tablet market is coming to an end just yet!
ipad 2 smart cover review
With the release of the new iPad 2 also comes the release of a number of accessories, notably the iPad 2SmartCover, designed and sold by Apple.
This case retails at $39 for the polyurethane version, or $69 for a leather version to give the iPad that professional touch. The former comes in pink, orange, green, blue and gray, and the latter is available in beige, black, gray and red.
The iPad 2SmartCover boasts a lot more features than a simple iPad case, but is it really worth the money?
Pros
Some reviewers are already claiming that the iPad 2SmartCover is going to make it difficult for third party casemanufacturersto sell as many of their products, due to the fact that the case is just about as small and simple as it can get (bearing in mind all the functionality that it brings).
The major pros of this case include:
* It’s really stylish and comes in a huge variety of colors,
* It’s made by Apple so fits the iPad 2 perfectly,
* It puts the iPad to sleep when you apply the case, and turns the iPad on when you remove it,
* It can be applied to the front or the back of the device,
* It can be folded and used as a stand for watching movies, typing, video calls etc.
* It’s so thin that it doesn’t add bulk to the iPad 2.
Cons
The main drawback of the new iPad 2SmartCover is that it doesn’t offer any protection to the back of the device. As anyone who has owned an iPad before will tell you, the back of the device is prone to scratches. And, when you place the iPad on any surface, it’s the back that’s going to be left vulnerable.
However, the good news is that you can move theSmartCover to the back of the device to protect it while you don’t need to cover the screen, but that’s not so useful for the times when both sides will be vulnerable – for example, when traveling with the iPad in your bag. It’s also not going to offer any protection if you drop it, just like many other iPad sleeves.
Owning an iPad is a lot about style as well as functionality, and when you’re spending $500+ on a device, you want to keep it looking as nice as possible. This might not be the case if you leave the back unprotected. This means you’ll either have to find purchase an extraSmartCover if you need to protect both the front and the back at the same time (an extra $39 cost), or opt for an all round case to protect the whole of the iPad.
There’s also no getting around the fact that the new iPad 2SmartCover is expensive, but aren’t all the accessories from Apple? People who buy from Apple are willing to pay more money for something that’s been designed both with style and practicality in mind, and the new cover seems to tick all the boxes.
