Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Apple iPad 2 Review

Want to experience an iPad that is faster and slimmer than its predecessors? Tablet computing is now made easier with the launch of iPad 2 from Apple. This thinner and lighter machine will be launched soon this month with lots of Apps in it. This device comes with loads of new features for both the regular user and students.

A Slim Machine

When compared to its predecessor, iPad 2 is built thinner and lighter with the thickness of 8.8mm as against 13.4mm of the previous iPad. The ultra slim computing device is supported with the aluminium case to make it a sturdy machine. The 3G version weighs 613g and the Wi-Fi only version weighs 601g. The dimension of this machine is 186mm (W) x 241mm (H) x 9mm (D).

Faster Machine

The new processor, 1GHz dual core A5 that comes with this device makes it a faster machine compared to the original iPad. The refreshed version of iOS operating system, iOS 4.3 makes the iPad 2 twice as fast as the earlier version to process heavy tasks and nine times faster for processing graphics. Processing is done in a faster way as iPad2 is packed with two cores that are powerful, and thus this device is capable of operating with twice the speed of the earlier version. The difference can be noticed when the user makes FaceTime video calls, surfing, gaming, switching between apps and watching movies. A5 dual core processor is more advantageous when the user does multitasking as the apps load faster than before and works better. This operating system comes with grid of icons and multitasking features to make the operation of this iPad 2 easier. Camera of this device opens faster and hence shots can be taken instantly. Web browser also opens faster. However it does not support Flash in the browser.

Game lovers can benefit fully from this processor as the performance of the graphics is nine times faster than the earlier versions. Video graphics are faster too.

Battery performance is also amazing. It comes with 10 hours of battery just like its previous version. That’s pretty handful for the user to perform his necessary activities on this device. Both iOS and A5 chip help in the long life of the battery.

Screen

The screen size of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 1,024 x 768 allow the user to view high resolution movies, photos, books, web pages and more. The screen is built with LED backlighting that produces crisp, sharp and vivid images even in low light areas. iPad can be rotated in any way such landscape or portrait to adjust the image accordingly. This feature is supported by compass, accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope. The viewing angle of this iPad 2 is 178°. Viewers sitting in any corner of the room can get a complete view of the screen without glare.

Camera

iPad 2 comes with new 0.3 mega pixel front and 0.91 mega pixel rear cameras along with an app called the PhotoBooth. Users can use and work with this app to create casual photos but not for any serious way of editing. Users can also chat with people on Facebook having iPhone 4, Mac or iPad2. The sad part is that the user of this device cannot chat with other users having Android phones. Apple is also coming up with two more apps such as GarageBand and iMovie versions for the iPad 2.

Two tiny cameras that are fitted in this device allow the user for FaceTime video calling that allow the user to see people laughing, smiling and talking back to him. The front camera will bring together the friend to whom the user is talking to and the user himself while the rear camera may be used to show what is going on around. Back camera can also be used to record any movie when the user is not using FaceTime. PhotoBooth is another important feature in this tablet.

The caller must find for the name from the Favorites list to make a video call and then tap on the FaceTime button. An invitation pops up on the screen of the receiver of the call on his iPhone, iPad2, Mac or iPod touch and the video call begins when the receiver accepts the invitation. User requires an Apple ID and an email address for this purpose. Apple has carefully designed this feature for its users in a purposeful way.

HD Video

iPad 2 comes with HD video camera to capture those rare moments that are not reversible. When users find something interesting just roll the camera and capture the interesting situations. Clippings can be later combined together to create a masterpiece and can be shared with others. The advanced backside illumination captures moments even in low light. Users can create their own movies with iMovie. Users can also add designed themes, titles, transitions and even sound track and upload it on the Facebook or UsersTube to share it with others.

Touch and see how it works!

iPad 2 is built with Multi-Touch technology that senses the movement of the fingers and performs actions accordingly. When the finger touches the screen of iPad, the screen senses it using the electrical fields. Thus various actions such as swipes, touch, flicks and pinches are transformed in to life like actions.

Photo Booth

Photo Booth is a new feature added in iPad 2. It uses front facing camera to take a shot of the person. But before taking the shot a bright light is flashed upon the person to make the face brighter. The preview of the photo thus taken can be viewed before taking the shot. Then squeeze and twist the photo in different ways to see different forms of the face. Users can transform the photo to a twist, alien, X-ray, a comic book character and many other forms and make fun. Photos that are in Photo Booth are stored in the photo library. These photos can be viewed in slide show as well.

Operating system

iOS 4 for iPad allows the user to read, browse and see everything by just touching the screen. There are more than 65,000 apps created for iPad in this platform. Multitasking is another important feature of this operating system. iOS 4 platform has the largest collection of mobile phone apps.

Smart cover

The smart cover that comes with this iPad 2 is made up of magnets that are built right into the frame and this helps for the effortless fitting. It works well both on the top and underneath the tablet. The smart cover is made using magnetic technology that holds the screen together. It covers just the top and not the bottom. The screen wakes up when the smart cover is removed from the screen and goes to sleep when put on. Home button also can be pressed to wake up the machine. The cover for this iPad is available in both leather and fabric form. The magnetic iPad cover falls perfectly in place and covers the whole screen properly. This iPad cover can also be converted in to a stand for playing games, watching movies, surfing and for typing in an easier way. It is available in 10 different colours and is made up of aniline-dyed Italian leather.

iPad 2 in business

iPad 2 can help the users not only in entertainment but also in business. Get complete access to contacts, calendar and emails through Exchange ActiveSync. Users can connect to private corporate networks through the IPSec, SSL VPN and WPA2 Enterprise Wi-Fi. Users can also connect to Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange through Exchange ActiveSync by providing the users with calendar events, push email and contacts. Certificate based authentication means that approved users get access to encrypted SSL communication. Users can sync email and notes with IMAP servers. Access the corporate directories with the CardDAV and LDAP support. Users can also access critical business information by connecting the iPad to corporate VPN servers. Access Wi-Fi networks with WPA2 Enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X authentication. Stay connected with loved ones with the Persistent Wi-Fi and Automatic Wi-Fi Login. Hardware encryption method protects the data on the iPad. Mail messages and attachments can also be made secure with the unique device passcode. iPad is built with security features for the device, network, platform and data. There are also apps for business purpose.

iPad in Education

iPad can be extensively used by the students in the classrooms too. There are tens and thousands of apps available in the App store. Students can take notes and prepare for their exams effectively. This device is also useful for the teachers to take lessons and monitor the progress of the students. iWork helps both the teachers and the students to work with Microsoft Office documents, presentations and spreadsheets. iPad 2 comes with Pages, a powerful word processor that has simple layout tools to use and a large onscreen keyboard. Students can also benefit from iMovie and GarageBand. Apple’s iTunes U comes with more than 350,000 free lectures, books, video and podcasts from the learning institutions around the globe. iBooks is yet another feature that brings knowledge right in front of the user.

Stay connected

Along with the 802.11n wireless technology, users can also enjoy 3G connectivity on Verizon or AT&T wireless networks. This is useful when users do not have Wi-Fi but want to check emails, know the directions or surf the web.

Latest updates

iPad 2 can stream both video and photo slideshows for the users through Airplay. Audio and video can be streamed from websites and apps through Airplay. The software supports iTunes home sharing. Users can also easily stream videos and music wirelessly through the home Wi-Fi network. Sharing of the phone’s 3G internet connection with the other gadgets through Wi-Fi can also be done.

Other highlight features

AirPlay

Stream the photos, music and video to the HDTV and speakers and share it with others. Activate it with just a tap on theirPlay icon.

Video mirroring

Just plug in the Apple VGA Adapter or Apple Digital AV Adapter and watch the bigger version of iPad on the HDTV or projector.

AirPrint

With Wi-Fi on iPad, users can print photos, email, documents and web pages. Software, drivers or cables for printing are not required.




Features of the Apple iPad 2 include:
  • iOS Operating System
  • Black, Silver color
  • HD Video
  • Display: Full Touch size: 9.7 inches LED-backlit
  • Video Camera
  • Audio Player
  • Video Player
  • Memory: 16 / 32 / 64GB
  • Size:  9.50 x 7.31 x 0.34 mm
  • Weight: 613g
  • Talktime:  9 hours with 3G
  • Battery standby: 9 hours with 3G
  • Ports: 3.5mm mini stereo headphone jack USB 2.0 port
  • Social Network: Video Mirroring, AirPlay, AirPrint, Apps-FaceTime, Photo Booth, iBooks, Find my iPad, Game center, Maps, etc.

No comments:

Post a Comment