The highly anticipated iPad 2 release date is today, and if you’re looking for a comprehensive review of the latest tablet from Apple – read on. Here is the Tech Reviews and News iPad 2 review.

iPad 2 Review

As opposed to most review sites, we like to give quick and concise reports on the tablet for consumers who want to get the facts without the usual ramblings. So let’s get right down to it.

iPad 2 Changes

If you haven’t heard, the Apple iPad 2 provides slight upgrades to its original iPad. If you’re expecting a whole new revolutionary tablet device, then you will be sorely disappointed in Apple’s latest offering. The Apple iPad 2 is no slouch however, and brings upgrades to a device that most already believe to be the top tablet on the market. In short the new iPad 2 is faster, slimmer, and lighter with a few notable other changes.

iPad 2 Faster:
The new iPad contains a new A5 dual core CPU and a GPU that is 9x the speed of the original – this roughly translates to doubling the speed of the original iPad.

iPad 2 Slimmer:
The iPad 2 33% thinner than the original with a 8.4mm making it sleeker than ever before.

iPad 2 Lighter:
The iPad 2 weight is 1.3 pounds (590g) – this is 15% lighter than the iPad 1.

iPad 2 Camera:
The iPad 2 packs 2 cameras, one ‘HD’ camera in the rear and one VGA cam in the front. The quality is sub-standard with neither shooting stills very well. When used in conjunction with the FaceTime app, it gets the job done and finally allows video chatting (something the 15 million plus iPad owners have had to do without.

iPad 2 iOS 4.3:
The new iPad 2 also introduces the new iOS 4.3. The latest OS touts better browser performance, broader AirPlay support, option to mute switch for rotation lock duties, and capability for Personal Hotspot to GSM devices.

iPad 2 Look:
It might not look it from the pictures, but the iPhone 2 looks and feels much better than the original. Available first the first time in a new color, the white iPad 2 will allow new purchasers to show off their ‘geekery’ easily. The black iPad 2 will still be available if you prefer.

iPad 2 Price

All those changes have essentially been made for ‘free’ for iPad fans as no price change has been introduced. Here are the prices for all the different iPad 2 models:

iPad 2 16GB WiFi is $499.

iPad 2 32GB WiFi is $599.

iPad 2 64GB WiFi is $699.

iPad 2 16 GB 3G+WiFi is $629. (Verizon or AT&T)

iPad 2 32GB 3G+WiFi is $729. (Verizon or AT&T)

iPad 2 32GB 3G+WiFi is $829. (Verizon or AT&T)

iPad 2 accessories

iPad 2 HDMI Dongle:

The iPad 2 boasts a new HDMI dongle that is available for $39. When plugged into your HDTV, you will be able to see everything on your screen in true HD on your television. Possibles uses include: browsing the web, looking at pictures, watching series and movies, and playing games.

iPad 2 SmartCovers:

These new Apple Smartcovers serve as screen protectors but are more advanced than the usual covers you might be accustomed to. The cover includes smart magnets that can be used to prop the iPad 2 up for easier viewing/typing.

How to buy iPad 2

Lines for new Apple releases are notorious for being long but this year’s iPad 2 release will be available in many of the top retail stores which should make buying the iPad 2 much easier than the original. You can also order iPad 2 from the Apple Store and get free shipping, starting on March 11.

iPad 2 Verdict:

So is the iPad 2 worth it? It really depends what type of consumer you are. Let’s analyze it based on this viewpoint:

Existing iPad owner: For this group the latest iPad is not worth the upgrade. The only exception is if you’ve been dying to use your iPad for video chatting. But even for this group, using a laptop or desktop or even iPhone is possible so we can’t exactly see it being worth it.

Non iPad owners interested in tablets: This is the prime time to get in. Competitors have shown promise with the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab, but none have the mainstream appeal of the Apple iPad 2. Not only is the iPad 2 touting some of the best specs on the market, but it is also the cheapest. This is something that’s quite rare for Apple products.

Non iPad owners not interested in tablets: This new iPad 2 is unlikely to get you riled up to join the tablet craze. You will have to wait for creative competitors or perhaps even the iPad 3 to jump on the ship. UMPC’s such as the Viliv N5 might also be more to your liking. Unfortunately the iPad 2 still isn’t any more portable than a netbook and has severe deficiencies to be a laptop replacer or major productivity tool.

So that wraps up our iPad 2 review. In conclusion the iPad 2 boasts some nice upgrades, but whether they were necessary is another matter entirely. Still, Apple already had the market leadership position and this is unlikely to change with the newer iPad 2 that maintains prices that competitors have not found a way to match just yet. For now, the iPad 2 is king.