iPad And iPad 2 Differences Will Determine Your Buying Decision

Aug 11, 2011
Caroline Steman

iPad Tablet - Apple

When the iPad 2 was already replacing Apple's original iPad, released just a year earlier, It raised the simple question, Why?

While the researched proved there was not a lot of difference between the two; the following is a description of what did improve in the upgrade and a description of the improvement that will help you decide the best investment for your money.

iPad Revolutionized The Tablet Technology

With the release of the iPad in April of 2010, Apple revolutionized the emerging tablet computing world and introduced the technology that far surpassed anything that had been seen before. The device supports the latest iPad apps and is also backwards compatible with most of the iPhone apps, making it ideal for users who have already purchased programs and games.

With its easy-to-use touch technology and bright, colourful display, the 9.7 inch screen has a 1024 x 768 resolution and crystal clear imagery that offers two display types; portrait and landscape that automatically shift depending on how it’s held. This tilt-sensitive technology improves the live action experience for gamers.

But… it is far from perfect. Without a glare-free screen it is hard to use outside, even with the brightness turned all the way up and the lack of a USB port limits how it interacts with other devices. It also is missing a camera, a vital feature in most competing tablets, so no video communicating for business or social networking.

Early Predictions Anticipated Upgrades That Were Not Included

While early predictions suggested that the iPad 2 screen would shrink to 7 inches it remained the same size as the iPad which could not be considered bulky. The upgraded version, however is 33 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter The back is still made of aluminium, but Apple has given it a less gradual bevelled edge.

The anticipated USB port and SD card slot are also regrettably missing from the iPad 2. Instead Apple's solution is a camera adapter accessory that uses the iPad's 30-pin plug to interface with either an SD memory card, or any USB camera.

The most important difference between the iPad 2 and its predecessor and the main reason to chose this more expensive newer generation tablet is the front and rear facing camera setup that allows users to use video chatting software and makes business video conferencing possible. The rear camera is able to record 720p video.

The iPad 2 is more powerful with a 1GHz dual-core A5 processor will power. The screen resolution remains the same at 1024x768 display, however it is able to support 1080p video out and mirrored video through an HDMI adapter.

Rumours Suggest The iPad 3 Will Be Available By Christmas 2011

If you haven’t invested in your iPad yet, you may want to wait until later this year when it is rumoured that Apple will release the iPad 3; possibly it’s most innovative technology to-date.

Some of the upgraded features anticipated on the iPad 2 before it was released are rumoured to be included on the third generation tablet. These include the smaller 7-inch screen with a retina display that will eliminate the glare problem.

The new release is also expected to include HDMI compatibility, which will allow users to connect the tablet to a television to view movie or other high definition video. Again, for business users this would be ideal for high definition conferencing and would be an exhilarating experience for gamers who could play on a bigger screen.

The iPad 3 is anticipated to include an improved Quad-Core Processor A6 that will make the tablet as powerful as any high-end desktop computer.

My decision was for the iPad first generation. The upgrades didn’t seem enough to warrant the extra cost and I hope that the informatin found here will make your decision clearer.