What are the Changes with the Second Generation iPad?

iPad 2

iPad 2 (Image by Dekuwa via Flickr)

It’s official – the second generation iPad or iPad 2 is out and of course it will be a huge campaign, no matter what you think of the changes. For all of the iGeneration gadget lovers, this is another one of Apple’s products that is going to hit the ground running.

Any new iPad description will tell you it’s available in both black and white, with an all-new camera. But how much has really changed since the original iPad? Here’s a guide to some of the key features of both models.

The Size and Dimensions of the iPad

Any iPad description you read will make note of the new slimmer size for the iPad 2, and it’s one of the bigger features that Apple is promoting. The differences are very small, though anything that improves portability is useful for a device like this. If you’re used to the old iPad, you’ll probably notice the changes.

Height:
* iPad 1: 9.56 inches
* iPad 2: 9.50 inches

Width:
* iPad 1: 7.47 inches
* iPad 2: 7.31 inches

Depth:
* iPad 1: 0.50 inches
* iPad 2: 0.34 inches

Weight:
* iPad 1 Wi-Fi Only: 1.5 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi Only: 1.33 pounds
* iPad 1 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.6 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.35 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G For Verizon: 1.34 pounds

Display And Storage

Both of these aspects of the iPad are easy to compare between the versions: they have stayed the same.

Both the iPad 1 and iPad 2 have a 9.7 inch LED-backlit glossy display with 1024 by 768 pixel resolution, and both models come with the same storage options (16GB, 32GB and 64GB in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G).

The Addition of Cameras on the Second Generation iPad

One huge new addition to the iPad 2 is a camera! Not just one camera, in fact, but two!

The camera on the back can be used for HD (720p) video recording up to 30 frames per second with audio, or as a still camera with 5x digital zoom.

The front camera is designed for face to face video calls, can record VGA up to 30 frames per second, and take VGA-quality still images. Photos and videos can be geotagged over a Wi-Fi connection.

Battery Life for iPads

Battery life is essential for any highly portable device, so some people might be disappointed to hear that this is one area Apple has not improved on for the iPad 2 – however, with the new features, it’s good to know that battery life hasn’t taken a hit. Battery life still sits at 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 hours when using 3G.

New Inputs For The iPad 2?

The iPad 2 features all of the inputs of the iPad 1 (the 3.5mm headphone minijack, built in speakers, microphone, SIM card tray for the Wi-Fi + 3G model and the 30-pin dock connector port).

Unfortunately there are still no USB ports and no SD card ports which may disappoint some people.

What Else Has Changed?

Some other changes to this second generation iPad includes:

  • Upgrade to the 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor from the original 1GHz Apple A4 processor. This means that the iPad 2 will run faster than the original model.
  • The iPad 2 also includes a new gyroscope as well as the accelerometer of the iPad 1. What this means is improved motion sensing accuracy, the ability for the iPad to know the direction you’re moving in space, and how fast you’re moving it. This has great potential for more accurate motion sensor based games or apps.
  • Lastly, the iPad 2 comes with the latest operating system: iOS 4.3. This brings a number of new features, namely improved streaming capabilities to devices around the home with iTunes Home Sharing, faster browsing and more.

Overall, the new iPad description seems to suggest that the iPad 2 is going to be sleeker and faster than before, with the huge bonus of a new camera for those who want to shoot photos, videos, or hold video calls on the road.

Whether the changes impress you or disappoint you will depend on exactly what you’re looking for in the iPad. The good news is that it isn’t going to cost any more than the original iPad model did on release!

For those who don’t already own an iPad, this may be your chance to get it with the release of the second generation iPad.

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NOOKcolor eBook Tablet Review


NOOKcolor eBook Tablet

NOOKcolor eBook Tablet

From: Barnes & Noble

Price:

NOOKcolor eBook Tablet

Availability:

Product Description

Nothing brings your reading to life like our VividViewTM Color Touchscreen. The rich high resolution backlit display uses more than 16 million colors to illuminate stunning images and crisp text for easy reading day or night. NOOKcolor lets you go beyond reading with our built-in Wi-Fi® connection. Surf the web, check your email, read a favorite blog or search GoogleTM – it’s all just a touch away. Our exclusive LendMeTM app lets you lend and borrow books from friends, all with just a few taps. You can also share passages and recommend books right from the page you’re reading via Facebook® or Twitter®. From designing your home page to personalizing your bookshelves or choosing just the right font, NOOKcolor lets you create a customized reading experience that you can really call your own. Get ideas for books you’ll love with our exclusive NOOKbook Personal Shopping. Our expert booksellers will make recommendations based on books you like, so you can enjoy one great read after another. Kick back and have a little fun with the growing array of exclusive NOOKextras. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Chess and Pandora® internet radio are among the fun additions to the NOOKcolor experience.

Product Details

  • Brand: Barnes & Noble
  • Model: color

Features

  • Stunning 7-inch color touchscreen
  • Magazines & newspapers in rich color
  • Kids’ books come alive
  • Over 2 million titles at your fingertips
  • Get social, surf the web, play games, even listen to music

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