iPad 2 rated 4.25 out of 5 by Wireless and Mobile News' Review of Reviews
Reviewers of the iPad 2 all praised the new iPad 2 for its thinness, faster processor and two cameras. Two reviewers referred to the iPad 2 as the King of Tablets and gave it Editor's Choice. Two reviewers did not like that the screen resolution of the iPad 2 has not improved since the original iPad. The other missing features that reviewers noted are Adobe Flash, 4G data, microSD card expansion, and HDMI/USB ports (you need a special adapter).
Even though the iPad 2 lacks a few features, it has that Apple cache and style that reviewers love, especially the light, sleek design. You have thousands of apps to choose from for the iPad 2, and although reading books are better on an eReader in bright light, there are plenty of books to read. FaceTime video-calling worked well but can only be used with Wi-Fi connections. The camera quality is very mediocre and will not replace a smartphone camera.
Where the reviewers disagree is that, if you already have an iPad, will the improvements warrant you buying another iPad, which boils down to whether you have money to burn, you really need the FaceTime app, or you're an iPadahcolic. Original iPad owners can update software to iOS 4.3 for free.
The iPad 2 features a dual-core A5 processor, front-facing VGA camera, rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, 1,024x768-pixel touchscreen, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. iPad delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.
Wi-Fi iPad 2 prices start at $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB. 3G versions with AT&T and Verizon cost $130 more. Verizon Wireless and AT&T model prices are $629.99 for the 16GB model, $729.99 for the 32GB model, and $829.99 for the 64GB model, and they are available in black or white (see data plan comparison).
According to recent reports, the iPad 2 has sold out of many retail stores, and there is a two-to-three week delay to buy one from Apple online with a limit of two per customer. It is available from AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Best Buy and Apple. Once again, Apple set the tech bar higher than before.
Mark Spoonauer, at Laptop, rated the iPad 2 4 out of 5 for its thinner, lighter design, dual-core processor, fast FaceTime calls, snappy smart cover, and 11 hours of battery life. The lightness makes the iPad 2 easy to hold. The best additions are the two cameras and JavaScript runs much faster. He found social media notifications to be obtrusive. Video editing was fast but could be more intuitive. He thought that Smart Covers, with integrated magnets that automatically attach to the iPad 2, were great because, when you put on the cover, it puts the iPad 2 to sleep. He noted that the camera quality isn't great, and there's no 4G data or mobile hotspot. The Motorola Xoom does a better job of notifications, but the iPad still remains the King of tablets.
Tim Gideon at PCMag rated the Apple iPad 2 4.5 out of 5 and gave it Editors' Choice for thinness, new, faster chips, smart cover, AirPaly, and HDMI out. He didn't' like the poor iamge quality, front-facing non-HD camera, lack of Flash support and that ear buds are not included. iPad's still images are just 0.7 megaxpixels (960 by 720). FaceTime only works on Wi-Fi and is easy to use.
Donald Bell at CNET rated the iPad 2 4 out of 5 for being thinner, having two cameras, a faster processor and 3G options. He didn't like that the screen resolution has remained the same, the photo quality is mediocre, no Adobe Flash support, and in order to use HDMI or USB cables, you need an adapter. He is the second reviewer to call it the "king of tablets." The thinness is still rugged with an aluminum back. The speaker has better sound quality. The Smart Covers are nifty but he suggest a wrap-around for better protection. Photos are essentially video stills. The new video-out port, with a $39 adapter, allows for users to see everything on the iPad 2 on an external TV or monitor. A selling point for the AT&T Version is that in other countries you can swap out the SIM for a different carrier. He prefers eBook readers in sunlight, which are easier to read. It is sensible for original iPad owners not to upgrade but should wait for the iPad 3.
Walter Mossberg at the Wall Street Journal wrote that the iPad 2 offers an excellent balance of size, functionality and price, and keeps Apple ahead in the tablet race, at least for now. Unless you need a camera, he doesn't recommend racing to get a new version. He did not find a dramatic speed difference between the original iPad and the iPad 2 but did notice that it was faster. He thought the cameras took mediocre photos, and the battery life isn't as strong as the original iPad. He didn't like that it does not support Flash and 4G data. Competition is heating up in the future but "As of now, I can comfortably recommend it as the best tablet for average consumers."
Rachel Metz at AP wrote that the Apple is making an already excellent tablet more enticing.
David Pogue at the New York times wrote "iPad will still dominate the market, because it dominates in all the most important criteria: thinness, weight, integration, beauty -- and apps."