First Look: Apple iPad 2

Donald Bell gets his first hands-on time with the iPad 2, the second generation of Apple's tablet. The iPad 2 is thinner, lighter, and faster than its predecessor and is ready for some new apps including GarageBand and iMovie.

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[derekbanas]

I love my iPad 1, but will pass. I think all of the problems I have are based on software and not hardware. If it had an sd card slot or usb I might get it? What I really want is a browser that works like a desktop browser and I'm not even talking about the lack of flash.

[justanut]

@Cand581 I've been using the iPad since last April, and I must say that I'm still getting impressed by how much it has taken over my life. Battery life is still awesome 11 months on.

I don't know about you, but I can never hold a PC/Laptop in one hand while on the train. Or just recline in my comfy chair and just surf. I'm just using the 16gb version, which is more than enough because I stream my videos from my PC. Its not a total PC replacement, but it has replaced alot of the web experience

[justanut]

I think what's amazing is how they reduced the size, upped processing power, and yet maintained the 10-hr battery life.

What made the iPad so enjoyable to use is being able to spend hours on it without worrying about battery life. I use it for web surfing, Youtube vids... oh and did anyone mention they are AWESOME for comics? Can your PC change to a Portrait orientation for comics?

Of cos I still do my photo and video edits on the desktop tho...

[myaa]

@ExtraTerrestrials the HD camera is on the back he was using the video calling camera infront

[sKidsSchoolLibrary]

Love my first generation iPad but I'm upgrading to the iPad 2. Can't wait!

[xtremechuckles]

@Missimo24 everything, its portable and its easy to use, the size of the iPad2 is just a compliment to its unique design

[KanwarAnand]

Apple is becoming bigger and bigger. I love my ipod touch for now.

[Norwaynumber]

@fdr100100 its not meant to replace a pc, its meant to be a more portable device for entertainment and such when you dont really need a laptop whith you. it really isnt a necessary device but i like to use it, especially when i travel

[BraamKees]

The white version looks just gorgeous!

[TommyNowDoesGaming]

I still have an iPad 2 and it used to be super fast before iOS 7 came. Now it's slow glitchy and lagging as hell. I have to upgrade to Air 2

[Yupiyeahs]

@gamer4595 Last time I checked, Android wasn't exactly crawling with viruses either. Also, Skyfire does not support Flash. It merely downloads the videos in background, a very situational feature.

[odoylerulz]

@FearSyndr0me you clearly haven't used any tablet. I was one of the first one bashing Apple for the bezel but once you hold it, you wil realize why it's there and really appreciate it. Sure edge to edge screen would look super sexy but how will you hold it? without bezel how are you going to hold a touchscreen tablet and use it too? it's impossible! bezel is very important and now im glad it's there!

[kesel]

@kesel5588 apps aren't exactly new. Apps are just programs(games, tools, ect.) like the ones you can download online for pcs. I wouldn't be half as excited as you are if your only intent in buying an ipad is for the marketplace.

[bombdottcom]

makes me want to go get my ipod touch and just marvel over it like I did when I first got it!

[xBayx]

I can't wait til next friday! I'm liking the white version. I don't facetime but they could of upped it to at least 2mp.

[knghwk]

@Maythas yes, if you can spare the extra quid, it's an excellent piece of tech.

[armandolara]

@mariopawnch You realize the Xoom costs almost twice as much as the iPad 2 right?

[medhatalberta]

@Zepaps I read an article yesterday about how much this ipad would have cost Apple to make compared to this year. You're right, Apple could have included two cameras and possibly made it thinner and other upgrades for the first generation ipad but then the price would have been much, much higher (as evidenced by some of the poorly executed competition). I'm still waiting a couple more months to see if an android competes at the entry price point.

[yomadderisphat]

i presume that since they put the cameras in the ipad 2 we wont b getting flash support till the next version?

[enviasinez]

I'm getting one! but I still can't decide on which color I should get:/