The Apple iPad 2 represents a significant upgrade to the original iPad in terms of pure processing power, with a dual-core A5 chip reported to be as twice as fast. The iPad 2 also includes an enhanced graphics processor and both front-facing and back-facing cameras.
iPad 2 Features: Key Details
- Dual-core A5 chip (twice as fast as the original iPad)
- Both front-facing and back-facing cameras capable of shooting HD video
- 9.5 inches long and 7.3 inches wide
- 1.3 lbs and only 0.34 inches thick
- 9.7 inch IPS display with LED backlight
- 1024x768 resolution support 720p
- Supports 1080p video via HDMI when combined with the HDMI-out adapter
- 16 to 64 GB Flash storage
- WiFi 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- 3G support on AT&T and Verizon networks
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Compass
- External speaker
- Microphone
- 30-pin connector
- 10 hours of battery life, 1 month standby
- Compatible with iPad apps and all iPhone apps
- iOS 4.3 with AirPlay support
iPad 2 Features: A Worthy Upgrade?
The key differences between the original iPad and the iPad 2 are the increased processing power offered by the dual core chip, a more powerful graphics processor and the front-facing and back-facing cameras, which give the iPad 2 support for FaceTime. The increased processing power should come in handy for those using processor-intensive applications and those who take advantage of the iPad's multitasking capabilities.
The iPad 2 will also support 1080p video out to an HDTV via the HDMI-out adapter. While this adapter can be used on the original iPad, only the iPad 2 supports 1080p video with the adapter.
Should you upgrade to the iPad 2?
iPad 2 Features: Pricing
The iPad 2 features a similar pricing structure as the original iPad, with two distinct models (3G and WiFi-only) and three different sizes for storage (16GB, 32GB, 64GB). Here is the pricing breakdown for the different models:
- WiFi-only: $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32 GB model and $699 for the 64 GB model
- 3G: $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32 GB model and $829 for the 64 GB model
