The Road to the iPad 2

It’s been days since the Apple Media Event in San Francisco. What we’ve learned from the event:

  • The expected release of the iPad 2;
  • The expected release of iOS 4.3;
  • Some updated apps especially made for the iPad 2, such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, and iMovie;

Personally, I’m not that impressed with the specs of the new iPad. From what Pinoy Tech Blog has pointed out as key differences from the original iPad, I don’t think I’ll easily buy to that processor upgrade, or the addition of front and rear cameras, or the reduction in thickness (or thinness, if you may) and weight, especially if it only officially reaches the Philippine shores in another eight months.

Apple iPad 2 Specs (via Yugatech):
1GHz Apple A5 chip Dual-Core processor
9.7″ display @ 1024×768 pixels
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (3G model)
720p Back Camera @ 30fps video recording
VGA front-facing camera
Three-axis gyro
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Assisted GPS

With Apple touting the 2x faster processing power and 9x better graphic with its new A5 chip, I’m not even sure if I’ll notice that processor upgrade. The two cameras for Facetime — heck, I even barely use Facetime in my iPhone 4. The iPad 2 is 33% thinner and 15% lighter, but unless they make it with screen smaller (for a change), that wouldn’t make it a totally new product from the first gen.

Yet, it’s interesting to note how iPad 2 stack up to competition with this side by side (or specs by specs) comparison against Motorola Xoom, LG Optimus Pad, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10, HP Touchpad and Blackberry Playbook (via TiPb):

iPad 2 vs. Xoom vs. Optimus Pad vs. Galaxy Tab 10 vs. HP Touchpad vs. Playbook (Click image to zoom)

With this diagram, in my opinion, while Apple releasing a 2nd Gen before other competitors could be able to do so with their first product, the iPad 2 is a clear winner – especially with the upgraded specs from the original iPad.

Personally, though, I’m more excited about the release of iOS 4.3 (expected March 11, 2011) and the new Personal Hotspot feature. I can wait for the iPad 3 instead, which according to rumors could come as early as September this year. That’s what might be I’m looking forward to right now.

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