iPad 2

Front of iPad 2

Back of iPad 2

Now I don't claim to be any tech expert but I thought I would share my story and opinion on the iPad2.

Not owning the original iPad I only had a small idea of what to expect from playing with them at the apple store and seeing what others were using them for.

So I took the plunge. I waited up until 1am on the 25th March to ensure that I had one secured through the online store. I had in the back of my mind that maybe JBHiFi or Dick Smith might have then on Launch day at 5pm.
When I awoke on the 25th I rang Dick Smith and they said yes they will have them and will release them at 5pm, the same time as Apple. I was thinking should I or shouldn't I line up?

As the day went on I said Yes I will line up. So unlike all those people who lined up for days in front of the apple store in Sydney for the iPad I waited only 2 hours with a Lemon Lime bitters slurpee in my hand from 7-11 and secured one once 5pm came around.
I wasn't alone. 2 of my friends Drue and Woosang also obtained iPad 2 with no problems. Read Woosangs story on her blog here.

There are not many differences between the iPad and iPad 2. The differences are:

• Faster processor - Apple's dual core A5 chip
• Thinner design
• Lighter weight
• Facetime and HD Video
• Front and rear facing camera

Rear Facing Camera

• built in Gyroscope for assisted GPS
• Video mirroring up to 1080p

Lets start at the after purchase with the photos. 

I purchased a White 16gb 3G WiFi iPad 2 with a Grey smart cover.

iPad 2

My purchase
White iPad 2 and grey Smart cover

iPad 2 Unboxing

iPad 2 Unboxing

The speed of the iPad 2 is noticablly different to iPad 1 and the graphics don't lag much at all. It may only be a smidgen lighter but you can tell the difference, don't ask me how but you can. The front facing camera is good for facetime but thats about it. the rear facing camera is only 1 megapixel so don't expect much from it. 

Apple also released a completely new product for the iPad which is the iPad Smart Cover. As part of the settings on the iPad 2 you can have it so when you open the smart cover the iPad wakes up and when you close the smart cover the iPad goes to sleep. The feature uses magnets which are located in the smart cover and the iPad 2.

Magnet Bar on smart cover

Smart Cover Attached to iPad 2

Smart cover half open on iPad2

Smart Cover closed on iPad 2

Using the smart cover as a stand

Using the smartcover as a stand

I have used the back of my Mac Book in these shots as I think it is a nice clean background which allows anything that is put in front of it stand out and look good.

This brings my apple collection to three items. A 13" Mac book, iPhone 4 and now an iPad 2. So I'm not really that much of a fanboi just yet!