iPad 2

Fellow Revolutionaries,


The Apple iPad 2 is really rather good (although some one seems to think otherwise - http://fecund-musings.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-you-shouldnt-buy-ipad-2.html ) and seeing as I have recently purchased one, I decided to write a few answers to some frequently asked questions about the device.


 What is it?

The iPad 2 is a tablet computer, which means it has roughly the same capabilities as a laptop, but is smaller. In terms of what it can do, it has access to all the same apps as an iPhone, and without 3G acts rather like an iPod Touch (except it's five times bigger)

Do I really need one?

In short, no. There is nothing that you can do on an iPad that you can't do with an iPhone, a laptop and an eReader. The advantage of an iPad is that it puts all these functionalities in the same place, and if you count up the costs, is probably cheaper than buying gadgets with all these abilities separately. This is not to say that you should throw away your camera and laptop after you buy one, though, since they still can do some things that iPad can't, like flash photography or accessing websites with Java.

Shouldn't I wait for the next iPad?

No one's even sure that there's going to be another iPad. If one is announced, however, and it doesn't add much that's new, then I would go for the iPad 2, as it will be cheaper by then.

What about buying the old one?

The original iPad is heavier and bulkier than the new one, and it doesn't have a rear-facing camera. It is also significantly slower, although it really depends on how much you would use it. If the answer is a lot, then pay the extra hundred pounds and get an iPad 2.

So what can't it do?

As I mentioned before, the iPad cannot access websites using Java, or play games that use Java on the internet. Also, due to a legal dispute, it does not work with Flash, meaning that websites that use fancy graphics are inaccessible. The cameras on both sides only work in perfect lighting conditions, since they don't have a flash, and you'll be too afraid ever to use them outside for fear of damaging your iPad.

What's it best at?

The keyboard feels as natural to use as a normal keyboard in landscape mode, and with all the apps you can buy from the Apple App Store, you'll find trouble running out of things to do. The battery is also incredibly long-lasting, it can run without being charged for an entire day's use. A camera at the front allows you to use FaceTime, similar to Skype.

How much is it?

The cheapest version costs £399, that's with 16 gigabytes of hard drive and only Wi-Fi connectivity. More expensive versions have 32 and 64 gigabytes of memory, with optional 3G internet, allowing you to use the internet anywhere where you have a phone signal.


Good night and good luck,


Paul Norris