ITunes Home Sharing

iTunes Home Sharing is a big improvement to the iOS 4.3 system. This means you can play your whole iTunes library no matter where you are in the house. It works by connecting the devices over a Wi-Fi network and accessing the content from your Mac or PC.

Airplay

The iOS 4.3 update brings improvements to Airplay, the function that lets you stream music throughout the home without wires. The upgrade means that you can now stream videos from the Photos app, and view AirPlay enabled apps and websites on the big screen.

Improved Safari Performance

Any browsing performance is always welcomed with every upgrade, and Apple states that iOS 4.3 will bring a much more responsive internet surfing experience, running JavaScript up to twice as fast as with iOS 4.2.2 and loading interactive features much quicker.

iPad Orientation Switch

The side switch on the iPad previously only worked to mute the device, but iOS 4.3 now adds the option to allow users to choose whether they want it as a mute switch, or as a way of locking the orientation of the screen.

Personal Hotspots

This is an update to iPhone 4 users: a feature that can turn the iPhone into a Wi-Fi access point for other Wi-Fi devices. However, this all depends on whether your carrier supports the feature. A maximum of three Wi-Fi devices can be connected at any one time.

iOS 4.3 And the iPad 2

The iPad 2 brings with it a new dual-core processor, meaning that everything will be faster than it was before. And with the new iPad OS 4.3 operating system released at the same time as the iPad 2, you can be sure that, together, they will noticeably improve the performance of the device.

The Size

Any iPad description you read will make note of the new slimmer size for the iPad 2, and it’s one of the bigger features that Apple are promoting. The differences are very small, though anything that improves portability is useful for a device like this. If you’re used to the old iPad, you’ll probably notice the changes.

Height:
* iPad 1: 9.56 inches
* iPad 2: 9.50 inches

Width:
* iPad 1: 7.47 inches
* iPad 2: 7.31 inches

Depth:
* iPad 1: 0.50 inches
* iPad 2: 0.34 inches

Weight:
* iPad 1 Wi-Fi Only: 1.5 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi Only: 1.33 pounds
* iPad 1 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.6 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G: 1.35 pounds
* iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G For Verizon: 1.34 pounds

Display And Storage

Both of these aspects of the iPad are easy to compare between the versions: they have stayed the same. Both the iPad 1 and iPad 2 have a 9.7 inch LED-backlit glossy display with 1024 by 768 pixel resolution, and both models come with the same storage options (16GB, 32GB and 64GB in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G).

New Camera

One huge new addition to the iPad 2 is a camera! Not just one camera, in fact, but two! The back camera can be used for HD (720p) video recording up to 30 frames per second with audio, or as a still camera with 5x digital zoom. The front camera is designed for face to face video calls, can record VGA up to 30 frames per second, and take VGA-quality still images. Photos and videos can be geotagged over a Wi-Fi connection.

Battery Life

Battery life is essential for any highly portable device, so some people might be disappointed to hear that this is one area Apple haven’t improved on for the iPad 2 – however, with the new features, it’s good to know that battery life hasn’t taken a hit. Battery life still sits at 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 hours when using 3G.

New Inputs For The iPad 2?

The iPad 2 features all of the inputs of the iPad 1 (the 3.5mm headphone minijack, built in speakers, microphone, SIM card tray for the Wi-Fi + 3G model and the 30-pin dock connector port). Unfortunately there are still no USB ports and no SD card ports which may disappoint some people.

What Else Has Changed?

Some other changes include the upgrade to the 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor from the original 1GHz Apple A4 processor. This means that the iPad 2 will run faster than the original model.

The iPad 2 also includes a new gyroscope as well as the accelerometer of the iPad 1. What this means is improved motion sensing accuracy, the ability for the iPad to know the direction you’re moving in space, and how fast you’re moving it. This has great potential for more accurate motion sensor based games or apps.

Lastly, the iPad 2 comes with the latest operating system: iOS 4.3. This brings a number of new features, namely improved streaming capabilities to devices around the home with iTunes Home Sharing, faster browsing and more.

All in all, the new iPad description seems to suggest that the iPad 2 is going to be sleeker and faster than before, with the huge bonus of a new camera for those who want to shoot photos, videos, or hold video calls on the road. Whether the changes wow you or disappoint you will depend on exactly what you’re looking for in the iPad. The good news is that it isn’t going to cost any more than the original iPad model did on release!

Making Back The Costs By Selling Your Older iPad

As soon as the iPad 2 was announced, Apple also dropped the price of the first iPad by $100 to clear old stock. The iPad 2 took over at the standard iPad price point. This means that, for those looking to pay for their upgrade by selling the old model, you’ll expect to make a loss of a couple of hundred dollars, if your iPad is in good condition. This should be your reference point when deciding whether the upgrade is worth it. Are the new features worth a couple of hundred dollars to you?

How Much Does Speed Matter?

One of the most notable differences between the iPad next generation device and the original is that the iPad 2 is faster. Its new dual-core processor means that it can handle all kinds of functions quicker, and this is boosted with the recent improvements from iOS 4.3. Whether this is worth the money or not depends upon what you want to use your iPad for.

Are you just a casual user who uses your iPad to check email and browse the web from the couch? Or have you always wanted to use the iPad for more high-end tasks, such as playing some of the most advanced iPad games? If you’re in the former camp, an upgrade might not be worth it. If you’re in the latter, however, it could greatly improve your productivity.

Separating iPad 2 Features From iOS 4.3 Features

iOS 4.3 is also available for the original iPad, so it’s important to distinguish between improvements that are available to everyone, and those that are specific to the iPad next generation device. For example, the iOS update includes faster Safari Speeds, iTunes Home Sharing and improvements to Airplay without the need to buy the new iPad. However, the new processor, camera, video editing etc. are only available to iPad 2 users.

Do You Want To Take Advantage Of The Newest Apps and Features?

Some improvements in the iPad 2 means that certain apps will work far better on the newer model. For example, the iPad 2 features a gyroscope, bring far more precision to motion based apps and games. Apps such as iMovie are also available to iPad 2 users only. This could make a huge difference if these apps directly relate to what you need the iPad to do for you.

Not to mention the fact that the iPad next generation model has a front facing camera for FaceTime, and a backward camera to shoot movies and take photographs. This is something that many users wanted of the original iPad, and could make the upgrade more than worthwhile for many.

The iPad 2 iMovie Version

iMovie will work perfectly with the built in cameras on the iPad to help you edit your videos exactly how you need to.

Every time you shoot a new movie with the iPad 2, it’ll automatically be sent to iMovie for editing. The features are extremely similar to the Mac version of iMovie, including:

* Video themes to enhance your movie,
* Ability to insert photos into your movie,
* Face detection to keep faces in the frame,
* Ability to add text and graphics,
* Combine and edit clips,
* Add soundtracks or sound effects,
* Share movies over the web,
* Stream movies directly to your Apple TV,
* Use the Apple Digital AV Adapter to play on your HDTV,
* Transfer movies using iTunes.

In short, the iPad 2 iMovie app is a great advancement for those who love editing videos and want to take these capabilities on the road. What’s more, the app is affordable and easy to use.

Garageband for iPad

Garageband has traditionally been included with all Mac computers to allow users to create their own music, no matter how inexperienced.

The addition of Garageband to the iPad 2 means that users will be able to record music and create new pieces no matter where they are. To do this, Garageband features a number of virtual musical instruments that can all be controlled with touchers of the fingers. These include:
* Drums,
* Keyboards,
* Synthesizers,
* Guitars.

For those who don’t want to use the built in instruments, simply record your own music into the device and mix tracks while you’re on the go. The app is fully compatible with GarageBand on the Mac, perfect for those who need to switch between devices. The end result can then be shared via email, or added to the iTunes library.

The release of the iPad 2 iMovie and GarageBand apps certainly adds a whole new dimension to the iPad for those who are into music and video editing. Take your business and hobbies with you on the go!

The Digital AV Adapter

The new Digital AV Adapter (an HDMI port that connects to the 30-pin port on the iPad) is a new cable that will allow iPad 2 users to connect the device to their TV or other HDMI-ready display. The adaptor also supports video mirroring technology, meaning that the screen will display exactly what’s happening on the iPad, whether this means browsing websites, showing off your presentations, watching movies and so on. When you plug in the new Digital AV Adapter it works without any extra configuration, and also works with audio.

The Digital AV Adapter is available for $39 from Apple, and it isn’t just exclusive to the iPad 2 – it can also be connected to the original iPad, the iPhone 4, and 4th generation iPod Touch.

The iPad 2 Smart Cover

This is one of the most talked about of the new iPad 2 accessories, thanks to the way it works perfectly with the iPad to perform extra features above and beyond simply protecting the screen. It stays in place through a magnetic connection to the iPad screen, and will automatically send the iPad to sleep when you apply it. Then, when the smart cover is removed, your iPad will wake up ready to use.

Apple are touting this cover as a sleek, slim alternative to buying a “bulky”, more traditional iPad case. It also has multiple functions, and can be used as a stand to make watching movies, typing, making video calls or any other activities easier. Because of the way the magnets work, the case can be folded over and stuck to itself to form a stand at the back of the device. The smart cover comes in at $39.

The iPad 2 Dock

Apple have also released a new iPad 2 dock to fit the new smaller size of the iPad 2. The dock is designed with easy access to ports for synching, charging and connecting external speakers, and also works with other iPad accessories.

Traditional iPad 1 Accessories

For those who are upgrading and wondering if they need to buy all-new iPad 2 accessories, don’t worry! The traditional iPad 1 accessories, like the camera connection kit, the wireless keyboard, AVG adapter and so on will still be sold with the iPad 2.

At this point in time, the main competitors to the iPad 2 are the Motorola Xoom, Blackberry PlayBook and the HP TouchPad. Here are a few key points of comparison to help you make that all-important buying decision.

Operating System

The tablet computers feature the following operating systems:
* iPad 2 – iOS 4.3
* Motorola Xoom – Android 3.0
* HP TouchPad – webOS 3.0
* Blackberry PlayBook – BB Tablet OS (QNX)

Many people who own an iPhone will naturally choose the iOS operating system over the others, but there are pros and cons of all of them. The Android system is known as the main contender to Apple’s own, and it’s especially popular thanks to its customizable features. However, what really matters is what feels intuitive to you, so you’ll want to try out some demo models before you buy.

Price

When it comes to price, one of the best things about the iPad 2 vs. other tablets is that you do have a lot of choice. The prices start at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi Only model, going all the way up $829 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G models. Other manufacturers are slowly starting to follow Apple’s lead.

Other Features

There isn’t much between the leading tablet models when it comes to the camera (the newest addition to the iPad 2). One area where the iPad 2 falls short is the RAM – its competitors were well ahead of the game already. However, the processing speed is comparable among all the devices, as is the storage and the screen resolution.

In the apps market, the iPad 2 vs. other tablets debate has a clear winner: nobody can match the scope of the Apple app store. What’s more, many of us are used to using apps on our iPhone or iPod Touch, so it feels natural to move to the iPad 2 where we can still expect a huge range of apps available.

Ultimately it’s difficult to pick a winner in the iPad 2 vs. other tablets debate. When it comes down to it, picking the operating system that you feel comfortable with is a huge factor. However, there are no signs that the iPad’s reign at the top of the tablet market is coming to an end just yet!

With the new version of the iPad now available, many people are quick to ask “why buy iPad 2?” Is it really worth buying the new model when there are other tablets on the market, and is it worth current iPad users upgrading their device?

Here are 7 good answers to the question “why buy iPad 2?”

1) You Love Having The Latest Greatest Thing

Not everyone will admit it, but there are millions of people out there who queue up at the Apple Store on release date simply because they love to have the latest greatest thing before everybody else. Even if you haven’t gone to that extreme, the iPad 2 is still a “must-have” gadget! You’d be missing out if you didn’t get your hands on one.

2) It Won’t Cost Any Extra

Apple have decided to price the iPad 2 at exactly the same price as the original model, which means you’re not going to have to pay any more money for getting a sleeker design, front and back cameras, faster operating system and more.

3) You Already Use iTunes or Have An iPhone

There’s no denying that there are plenty of rival tablets out there to choose from, but if you already use other Apple devices, and software like iTunes, then you’ll find that it makes a lot more sense to stick with the iPad 2. What’s more, if you already have apps for your iPhone or iPod Touch, you can find many of the same apps adapted and available for the iPad 2.

4) You Need A Camera

If you already have the original iPad but find that you need a camera (whether for video calling, taking photographs, shooting movies and so on) then the iPad 2 is definitely the solution for you. The new cameras on the front and back of the device are its main new features. If you held off buying the iPad because it didn’t have a camera, or you miss the camera functionality on the original device, then the iPad 2 is the answer for you.

5) You Want A Large Choice of Apps

Although there are a number of other tablets on the market, pretty much none of them have as many app choices as the iPad. There are hundreds of thousands of iPad apps available in the Apple App store, and more are being developed every single day. This is a huge advantage when it comes to choice, and the new iOS operating system upgrade brings even more potential.

6) You Want A Gyroscope For Better Gaming

Although the word gyroscope might not mean anything to you, what it can bring to the iPad 2 might. The iPad 2 now features an added gyroscope for much more accurate motion censoring. This means that a number of games and apps will become even better!

7) You Don’t Already Have An iPad

The major reason why you would choose to buy the iPad 2 is if you don’t already own an iPad. The success of the original iPad has shown the critics that this really is a useful, stylish, easy to use and worthwhile device that truly has a place on the market. Why haven’t you got one yet?

Portability

Both laptops and iPads are designed with portability in mind, but the iPad is the clear winner in this respect. The iPad 2 is slimmer and lighter than ever before, but with the same glossy screen and resolution. It’s easy to slip it into a bag and take it with you wherever you go, and it certainly won’t weigh you down in the way that a laptop will. And, with the release of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, it’s easy to prop up your iPad should you want to use it hands free to watch a movie!

It’s important not to forget that battery life is essential for any portable device. With new features added to the iPad 2 model, some people were worried that it would lead to a shorter battery life. This isn’t the case, and the iPad 2 features the same long 10 hour battery life of the iPad 1. There aren’t many laptops (except for Apple’s own MacBooks) that can boast such a long life when away from a power source!

A Lack of Ports

One important point of the iPad vs. laptop comparison is that the iPad 2 is still lacking a number of ports when compared to laptops. This includes a USB port, SD memory card slot, and basically anything other than the 30-pin Apple port. Apple have come out with a camera connector kit that means certain simple USB devices can connect to the iPad 2, but that’s the only way that buyers can do it. It’s also important to point out that the iPad 2 makes use of a touch screen rather than physical keyboard input, but this can be changed with the addition of the Apple iPad keyboard accessory.

Apps And Functionality

The iPad boasts a whole range of apps, but there still isn’t as much flexibility as with a laptop. When you buy an iPad 2, you’re being forced to using its specific operating system, and only downloading the apps that Apple approves.

With a laptop, you have far more choice when it comes to operating systems, and far more flexibility with the way that the operating system works. However, the iPad 2 is generally aimed at those who know what they need the iPad for, and the truth is that the iPad does have an app for just about any function! Multitasking on the iPad is also possible, bringing it closer in line with laptops in terms of functionality.

What Do You Need It For?

The truth is that the answer to the iPad vs. laptop debate has to be a personal one. If you already own a desktop computer then the iPad could be all you need to take specific things on the go. Or you may find that you want a laptop that can read DVD disks, connect to external USB devices and so on. Some people even claim that Apple never intended to enter into the laptop computer market – the iPad is simply an extension to other computers.

It really does depend on what you’ll use it for, but one thing’s for sure: more and more people are now getting their hands on tablet computers and taking their personal and business lives and interests with them on the move!

This case retails at $39 for the polyurethane version, or $69 for a leather version to give the iPad that professional touch. The former comes in pink, orange, green, blue and gray, and the latter is available in beige, black, gray and red.

The iPad 2 Smart Cover boasts a lot more features than a simple iPad case, but is it really worth the money?

Pros

Some reviewers are already claiming that the iPad 2 Smart Cover is going to make it difficult for third party case manufacturers to sell as many of their products, due to the fact that the case is just about as small and simple as it can get (bearing in mind all the functionality that it brings).

The major pros of this case include:
* It’s really stylish and comes in a huge variety of colors,
* It’s made by Apple so fits the iPad 2 perfectly,
* It puts the iPad to sleep when you apply the case, and turns the iPad on when you remove it,
* It can be applied to the front or the back of the device,
* It can be folded and used as a stand for watching movies, typing, video calls etc.
* It’s so thin that it doesn’t add bulk to the iPad 2.

Cons

The main drawback of the new iPad 2 Smart Cover is that it doesn’t offer any protection to the back of the device. As anyone who has owned an iPad before will tell you, the back of the device is prone to scratches. And, when you place the iPad on any surface, it’s the back that’s going to be left vulnerable.

However, the good news is that you can move the Smart Cover to the back of the device to protect it while you don’t need to cover the screen, but that’s not so useful for the times when both sides will be vulnerable – for example, when traveling with the iPad in your bag. It’s also not going to offer any protection if you drop it, just like many other iPad sleeves.

Owning an iPad is a lot about style as well as functionality, and when you’re spending $500+ on a device, you want to keep it looking as nice as possible. This might not be the case if you leave the back unprotected. This means you’ll either have to find purchase an extra Smart Cover if you need to protect both the front and the back at the same time (an extra $39 cost), or opt for an all round case to protect the whole of the iPad.

There’s also no getting around the fact that the new iPad 2 Smart Cover is expensive, but aren’t all the accessories from Apple? People who buy from Apple are willing to pay more money for something that’s been designed both with style and practicality in mind, and the new cover seems to tick all the boxes.