The iPad 2 is more of a "progressed device" rather than holding its series title of being "innovative". I would agree with Steve Jobs statement, that "2010 was the year of the iPad", however not so true for 2011, even though claimed otherwise. Though the iPad 2 has lot to offer, it feels more like a cope up with the competition rather than re-invention.
In the keynote, Jobs mentions that the competitors are barely coping up with the iPad sales, which are now over 15 million units. The fact is that there was no true Android tablets last year to give some competition to the iPad. The only tablet was by Samsung, which managed to sell over 2 million units world wide. At the Mobile World Conference this year, Android just ruled. Tablets were announced by every manufacturer you can think of. The major players to name a few would be Motorola, Samsung, LG and HTC. Android has over 22% market share worldwide. It is now the second largest OS in use in the smart phone market. The iPad 2 is not going to change this, neither do I think that the iPad 2 sales would be more than the original iPad sales, far less, if you ask me. Reasons for this, firstly is "Reach". Android has 4 major manufacturers producing tablets and who have reach in more than 200 countries when combined together. iPad 2 on the other hand like the original iPad is launching in limited countries only. Secondly the iPad 2 is not running alone any more. There are anticipated devices like the Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, LG Optimus Pad and the HTC Flyer which are very competitive compared to the iPad.
What has the iPad 2 got to offer?
Faster, 1Ghz Dual Core Processor powered by the A5 chipset. The chip provides 2x the processing speed and upto 9x faster graphics power
Rear and Front Cameras
33% Thinner, only 8.8mm (Thinner than even the iPhone 4)
Lighter, weights about 607g
Pricing same as the original iPad with 6 model variations, 5 out of which come under the 750 USD mark
65,000 apps ready and compatible with the iPad 2
Black and White Versions both available at launch
Supports both Verizon and AT&T networks from launch
Runs on the new iOS 4.3
Gyroscope support like the iPhone 4
Same 10 hrs of battery life like the iPad
HDMI Video Mirroring with optional accessory
Support of Smart Covers
PhotoBooth which lets you apply fun visual effects, including eight photo special effects like Squeeze, Twirl and Kaleidoscope, to photos captured by either camera.
How much will the iPad 2 cost?
16GB, Wi-Fi: $499
32GB, Wi-Fi: $599
64GB, Wi-Fi: $699
16GB, Wi-Fi and 3G: $629
32GB, Wi-Fi and 3G: $729
64GB, Wi-Fi and 3G: $829
When is the iPad 2 going to be available?
iPad 2 is launching on March 11th, 2011 in the United States.
On March 26, 2011, iPad 2 will be hitting another 26 countries which are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Luxemborg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK.
Smart Covers are cool and innovative!
One thing that is really innovative are smart covers. These covers are just awesome. They come in polyurethane material (used to make space suits) and leather. Smart Covers use magnetic technology to cover and protect the iPad’s display. These corresponding magnets are in build the iPad 2 sides. When you put them on, they automatically align plus they can be transformed into a stand to watch movies, plays games, surf the web or even used as a typing stand. The Polyurethane Smart Covers cost $39 and the leather ones cost $69. Both of them come in a variety of colours which match both black and white iPads. These Smart covers do not add too much additional weight or thickness and maintain the beauty of the iPad 2.
The Digital AV Adapter does not require any sort of setup. Just connect your iPad 2 with any HDMI TV and you get streaming of the iPad 2 display in HD. Whatever you see on the iPad 2, comes on the HDTV, this includes games, apps, home screen, menus, movies, etc. You can also charge your iPad 2 when connected. Apple calls this technology Video Mirroring, it is basically HDMI streaming.
