Tablet PC Comparison | Tablet Reviews



Tablet Comparison

Comprehensive side-by-side comparisons of the latest tablet computers. Compare tablet pcs by operating system, cpu, size, weight, screen resolution, disk size, battery and price.

Read our in-depth tablet pc reviews of various brands and models. Go through our detailed tablet pc buyer's guide and checklist before buying any tablet computer.

 

Apple iPad 2 Review

A Review Of The Apple iPad 2 Tablet PC

In the world of tablet computers today, the Apple iPad currently leads the race and still holds the crown. The current generation, the Apple iPad 2, saw a further improvements to the original iPad. The most notable improvements are the addition of two digital cameras and an improvement on the original processor to boost its speed. The Apple iPad 2 is also much more sleeker and slimmer than ever, but is it really the right tablet pc for you?

Apple iPad 2 Tablet PC

Main Specifications Of The Apple iPad 2

* Costs $499 - $829
* Released in 2011
* Operates on Apple iOS 4 (soon to be iOS 5)
* 9.5 by 7.31 by 0.34 inches in size
* Weighs 1.33 lb / 0.60 kg
* 9.7 inch display screen
* 1024 by 768 resolution
* Storage options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
* Apple A5 1 GHz processor
* Wi-Fi/ 3G & Bluetooth connectivity
* 1 MP & 0.3 MP cameras
* 10 hours battery life

Apple iPad 2 Review - The Advantages

Design

Let us begin with one of the iPad's most outstanding features - the design. There is no denying that the iPad 2 looks impressive, and feels really great in your hands. iPad now offers a choice of black or white versions, and the new sleek and smart covers help users to personalize their color even further.

Apple has again set the bar high when it comes to developing quality products. Other tablet computers have come close to the iPad 2 in terms of the way they are design and look, but there's no denying of the fact that the iPad has always lead the way in terms of how tablet pcs are expected to look.

Weight

The new iPad 2 is lighter and slimmer than its predecessor, weighing at 1.33 lb. Compared to the other popular tablets on the market, iPad 2 is extremely light. It is only beaten by the Galaxy Tab from Samsung. This is a significant improvement. Not only does it make iPad 2 even more portable but it also means that the iPad is now easier for users to use for an extended period of time.

Processor

The new dual core processor of the iPad 2 makes it on par with the other high-end tablet pcs currently available on the market. Users can now surf the internet or run software applications with faster speed compared to the original iPad.

Gaming

There are many people who use the iPad to play computer games, and the good news for them is that the graphics are evidently much better with iPad 2. Couple this with having the largest app store globally, the iPad 2 is not surprising the most sought after tablet pc option for gamers.

Apps

As mentioned earlier, the Apple App Store is the largest in the world. There are over hundreds of thousands of apps available for download. This is where Apple really has an edge over all the other tablets running either the Android or Windows platform. That said, Android Market is catching up really fast and is more open to software developers. This only means that the Apple App Store may not necessarily hold the crown forever. For now, Apple App Store most probably have everything any users could ever ask for.

Operating System

The App Store isn't the only great incentive of owning an Apple iPad 2. Apple iOS is also widely regarded as having the best interface among all the other tablet computers. It works well and seamlessly, with a number of intelligent inbuilt "gestures" that help users navigate the device easily and achieve what they require by simply moving their fingers around.

That said, there are actually some complaints of the iOS system. There are many people who opt for Android tablet pcs because they are already accustomed to the Android OS being used in their current smartphone, or they simply just dislike Apple's system for notifications and multi-tasking. There is no doubt that the operating system you choose does boil down a lot to personal preference. If you are already using and love the iPhone, then it is very naturally that you'll be happiest sticking to iOS for your tablet pc as well.

Keyboard

The iPad 2 keyboard works extremely well. Not only is it very responsive, Apple also has a unique autocorrect function when users type things incorrectly. This feature is particularly important especially for touchscreen keyboard. If you type regularly, be it typing email or sms messages or documents, then a good quality keyboard is a must have. You also have the option to purchase an external keyboard dock or a wireless keyboard to turn your iPad 2 into a more convenient and powerful desktop computer alternative.

Accessories

Because the iPad is one of the most popular tablet pcs on the market today, there is a huge selection of accessories available for purchase, both from the manufacturer and third-parties. Whether you are looking for a trendy case for your iPad, external speakers, a keyboard dock, car charger or anything else, it is not difficult to find one, both offline and online.

With the release of the latest iPad 2, Apple has also unveiled the new Smart Cover. Although the cover doesn't come cheap, it is somewhat unique and useful in the world of tablet computers. The Smart Cover attaches itself to your iPad magnetically, and automatically wakes up or puts your iPad 2 to sleep when you remove it or put it back on. Your iPad 2 will get scratched if you leave it uncovered and this Smart Cover is a great and colorful way to keep your screen scratch-free.

Battery Life

The iPad 2 battery life is excellent and second to none. Currently, there are only 2 other tablet pcs that can match the advertised 10 hours battery life. They are Samsung Galaxy and Motorola Xoom tablet pcs. This is good news for heavy users always on-the-go, who want to take their iPad out and for long periods of time, away from any electrical source.

Apple iPad 2 Review - The Disadvantages

No Flash Support

Any Apple iPad 2 review will often include one of its most common complaints - iPad 2 does not support Flash on its device! Apple has purposely chosen not to support Adobe Flash. This is despite the fact that Flash is widely used in many games, websites as well as videos on the web. Fortunately, Apple does include streaming technology which means users can watch online videos from YouTube and other video sites. However, if you are a hardcore Flash game player, then this could be a deal-breaker for you.

Screen

There is no denying that the iPad 2 screen looks really great, and has a good viewing angle. However, at 9.7 inches and with a resolution of 1024 by 768, there have been no improvements over the original iPad. Many people have been asking why Apple did not introduce a HD screen, even though their inbuilt camera can record HD quality videos.
 
Cameras

In the past, people have also questioned Apple why didn't they include cameras in the original iPad. Although the cameras make a welcome addition to the latest iPad 2, they are still far behind compared to most other tablet computers on the market. The front-facing camera, which is mainly designed for video chats using FaceTime, captures low quality images. And the rear-facing camera, for taking photographs and recording videos, isn't much better either. These cameras don't capture fantastic images, they merely perform the very basic job.

No USB

This is another common and strong criticism of Apple's iPad 2. USB ports are extremely useful, especially when there are many USB enabled external devices available these days. Many of iPad's rivals have chosen to include it. The lack of USB ports means that users cannot attach external peripherals or flash storage drives, unless they use Apple's specific connection. iPad 2 also does not have any memory slot for adding additional storage space.

Should You Choose Apple iPad 2 Tablet PC?

As you can read from the above review, even the king of the tablet pcs is far from perfect. Up to now, there really is no such thing as a perfect tablet computer. For those who are currently using Apple operating system either on their smartphones on iPods, then iPad 2 may be the obvious choice. It's very difficult to match iPad 2 in terms of its user interface and sheer style. You have the option to choose other tablet computers if USB ports, Flash or expandable memory are something you are looking for and are important features you must have in your search for the ideal tablet pc.

To order your Apple iPad 2 Tablet PC today - click here.

 Check The Latest Tablet PC Offers And Discounts

 

Back To Top Of Apple iPad 2 Review