Apple iPad2: The Breakdown

Here it is folks the highly anticipated iPad2 :

As you can see it maintains the unique design that Apple has become synonymous with. But what we really want to know is why is this thing worth buying? The iPad2 will be released on Friday, March 11th, with pricing beginning at $499 for 16gb wifi only version and $629 for the wifi+3G version. But if that is not enough to convince you to buy this device then you and I are of one mind. But worry not there is more information on this "magical" device after the break.

The iPad2 will be released in two colors: white and black, and come with an array of new features not see in the original iPad.

Design and Build Quality
We have to start our discussion of any Apple product with one if its most notable features. The iPad2 is similar in design to the original iPad. They both possess a sleek minimalistic front side with one home button. While the back of the iPad2 is encased in the same aluminum chassis the original iPad sports. Based on many hand-on accounts I have read and heard the device is well built. It does not feel plasticy of flimsy as many other tablets do, and even without hands on experience with this device Apples resume of excellent build quality and design ensure that this device will live up to previous Apple products. The iPad2 also boasts the same 10 hour battery life that the original iPad has. Notable differences between these two devices are the VGA front and 720p rear cameras that are present on the iPad2. Also the iPad2 is 8.8 mm thick while the original iPad is 13.4 mm thick.

The iPad2 also boasts of a new "smart cover" that is available in polyurethane or leather that magnetically attaches to the iPad2 and can also be converted into a stand. This smart cover also cleans the screen every time it is opened.

Pricing
Like most tablets the iPad2 will be offered at an unsubsidized price by mobile carriers because you are not obligated to purchase a 3G contract from them.

The Technical side of things
Now lets get into the real differences between these two devices. Based on an editorial account from Engadget.com the iPad2 is fast. very fast. The iPad2 maintains the same 9.7inch screen and 1024x768 resolution of its predecessor. The new 1GHz A5, and a plethora of other improvements and tweaks to set this device apart from its competitors.

iPad

iPad 2

Display	9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD	9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD
Resolution	1024 x 768	1024 x 768
Processor	1GHz Apple A4	1GHz dual-core Apple A5
Graphics	PowerVR SGX 535	?
Memory	256MB RAM	?
Storage	16GB / 32GB / 64GB	16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Front camera	none	VGA
Rear camera	none	720p
Cellular radio	EDGE plus triband HSPA	EDGE plus quadband HSPA or CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A
WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth	2.1 + EDR	2.1 + EDR
Accelerometer	3-axis	3-axis
Gyroscope	No	3-axis
Thickness	13.4mm	8.8mm
Weight	680g (WiFi), 730g (WiFi + 3G)	601g (WiFi), 607g (Verizon), 613g (AT&T)

Courtesy of Engadget.com
Should I buy?Tablets themselves have a very small niche in today's society. Tablets make certain things easier such as text processing, email, games, mobile video chat, books, etc. However they will never be a full replacement for laptops. That being said the iPad2 makes a very persuasive argument for the necessity of tablets and with the advent of operating systems specifically designed for phones and tablets I can see the popularity and worldwide consumption of tablets skyrocket. I would advice you not to make a decision until you have checked out the competition:  Hp Touchpad, Blackberry Playbook, Motorola Xoom. I will be sure to do a comparison of these four tablets in an upcoming post.