iPad 2

Consumer Reports Names iPad 2 its Top Tablet

Cody Lee ∙ April 5, 2011

Consumer Reports hasn't been a big Apple fan lately. In recent reviews of the iPhone 4, they have stated that they couldn't recommend the smartphone to consumers due to problems with the antenna. If you remember, Apple took a lot of public criticism with the iPhone 4's antenna design.

In fact, Consumer Reports gave both versions of the iPhone 4 (GSM and CDMA) failing scores because of the issue, but they seem to see Apple's tablets in a different light. They put the iPad 2 up against several competitors and the results shouldn't surprise you.

The iPad 2 went up against the likes of Dell, Motorola, Samsung, and several other tablets varying in price range. Even the original iPad was thrown in for comparison. Each tablet was tested on 17 different criteria including portability, ease of use, touch screen responsiveness, and many others.

Surprisingly, the original iPad beat out most of the competitors, and actually tied with the Motorola Xoom. The tablet from Motorola was the closest competitor to the iPad 2, but recorded awful scores for ease of use and portability. The iPad 2 easily trumped the rest of the competition, making it Consumer Reports' top tablet.

The test results confirm Apple's theory behind the iPad 2's success. Consumers don't care about hardware stats. It's things like ease of use and portability that really appeal to customers looking to buy a tablet. They are looking to browse the internet and play mindless games, who cares if the thing has 4 processors? Although the competition is getting better, it seems as though they're still missing the boat.

What do you think?

First Official iPad 2 Commercial Hits Air Waves

Cody Lee ∙ April 3, 2011

Although we've brought you iPad 2 videos before, they were obviously pokes at the famous Cupertino commercials and not the real deal. Apple's marketing team has been relatively quiet about the iPad 2, until now. Yesterday, the first official iPad 2 commercial hit the air waves.

In typical Apple fashion it was simple, elegant, and to the point. The 30 second spot showed off some popular iPad 2 apps like Garage Band and iBooks, but what really stood out was the commentary.

In what appears to be a nod to puzzled competitors, the voice over vaguely reveals Apple's secret to the iPad's success.

"Faster, thinner, lighter, those are all good things. But when technology gets out of the way, everything becomes more delightful, even magical. That's when you leap forward."

While other companies are worried about the technical specs, Apple is after the best end user experience. This explains why tablets such as the Motorola Xoom are experiencing dismal sales.

If you market your product with buzz words like dual core and megapixels, you are pitching to a small audience that actually cares about hardware specs. That's why Apple uses magical in their commercials, it appeals to more people.

Check the commercial out below. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyEpaPEbjzI

The Dev Team's 4.3.1 Jailbreak Doesn't Work With iPad 2

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

If you just recently got an iPad 2 and are wondering if there is a jailbreak available, there isn't. The iOS 4.3.1 jailbreak that is so close to being released by the Dev Team, will not work on Apple's new tablet. Those who were looking forward to hacking their new gadgets will have to wait a little longer.

A series of tweets from known iDevice hacker MuscleNerd yesterday helped shine some light on the current status of the iOS 4.3 jailbreak. He hinted that the 4.3.1 jailbreak by the Dev Team, popular iDevice hackers, will be released sometime in the near future.

It will likely be distributed via RedSn0w and Pwnage Tool, and should work fine for iOS 4.3.1 on the original iPad. Although MuscleNerd claimed the RedSn0w-bound exploit would't work on Apple's latest tablet, he did mention that Comex has found another solution that does.

For those who weren't aware, Comex had a jailbreak for 4.3 almost ready to go, and then Apple dropped iOS 4.3.1 last week. This update magically patched the hole that Comex was using for his hack, forcing him back to the drawing board.

Comex's new exploit is based on the same one he used for Jailbreak Me, so hopefully iPad 2 owners get the benefit of a Userland jailbreak. This method is the easiest by far from a user's perspective, as it just requires them to navigate to a website in Safari. Other jailbreak techniques require additional software and multistep processes.

The bottom line is that an official jailbreak for the iPad 2 is imminent, we just aren't sure of when that will be. As always we will keep you updated on the latest iPad and iPad 2 jailbreak news.

Does anyone have an iPad 2 and are dying to jailbreak it?

iPhone Jailbreak for 4.3.1 is Getting Closer

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 1, 2011

Can you feel it in the air? I surely can. I get the same feeling before virtually every big jailbreak solution.

There's an eerie quiet among the folks taking the lead in the jailbreaking community, demos have been demonstrated, and tweets have been tweeted.

Now all we can do is wait, and wait patiently. Although we're expecting it literally any hour or day now, it's always a nice surprise when it finally arrives...

To tide us over, MuscleNerd dropped a few hints about the imminence of the Dev Team's new version of RedSn0w and PwnageTool; each will support 4.3.1...

iPad 2 Hack Allows HDMI Video Out Without the Wires

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 8, 2017

We've all watched in awe as Firemint showed off their gorgeous Real Racing app on a big screen HDTV. No they aren't a console company. The iPad 2 is so powerful it can support the output of full 1080p video to an HDTV.

With Apple's new HDMI adapter they released alongside the iPad 2, connecting your tablet to the big screen was supposed to be easier than ever, right?

Not according to inventive hackers Eric Govoruhk and Kelly McAteer. These two managed to put together a wireless adapter for the HDMI port that would allow you to send the HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver tapped into the back of your T.V.

They even fit this adapter into a molded iPad 2 case, so everything still looks nice and clean. Not only that, but they completed the entire project with materials bought at their local electronics store.

The hack involves an Apple Digital AV Adapter which is hooked into a wireless HDMI transmitter, and a battery capable of powering the transmitter for up to 2 hours. The total cost of the project was just under $300.

They claim that wireless presentations were the goal behind this project, but this could open up a world of possibilities for developers. While Firemint's racing game looked cool on the big screen, the HDMI cable would certainly limit your game play.

Something like this would enable wireless, big screen gaming from your iPad at a fairly affordable price, as mass production would certainly drive costs down. Or we could see Apple do something with AirPlay that would give similar benefits at little or no costs.

They go over what they used to make the adapter in the video below, would you attempt to do something like this with your iPad 2?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnM8ciByJps

Apple Sends Man Free iPad 2

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 20, 2016

I know a lot of people who waited in long lines for iPad 2s. I waited quite a while myself and didn't even manage to snag one due to lack of inventory .

But what about the people who got their hands on iPad 2s and then returned them to the Apple store? What reason could someone have for returning such a beautiful device?

Apparently Apple execs have been extremely curious about that as well. iPhoneAlley is reporting that they have a retail connection who claims that Apple has been asking reps to note why customers are returning iPads so they can troubleshoot any concerning issues.

One story in particular made it pretty far up the chain in Apple command. After going through returned iPad 2s with notes that read "Not that much different than the first iPad" and "Microphone was too fuzzy", one came up with a sticky note that said "Wife said no."

This apparently tickled the employees so much that they escalated the issue up the corporate ladder. The gentleman who returned the iPad 2 after waiting so long in freezing, rainy conditions was about to get a nice surprise.

iPhone Alley reports that the guy whose wife forced him to return the device, got a package a few weeks later in the mail from Cupertino. It was a new iPad 2 with a sticky note that read "Apple said yes."

This is no doubt good publicity for Apple as their iPad 2 continues to be a hit worldwide. The site maintains that the story 100% real, but I just can't see Apple sending out a free iPad 2.

What do you think? Did Apple send out a free iPad 2? Tell use your thoughts below!

Even The President Carries an iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Barack Obama is helping keep the White House up to date with technology. From establishing a White House Twitter account to his public love of his BlackBerry, The President has certainly been keeping up with the times.

Now it looks like we can add Obama's name to the list of millions that have gone out and purchased Apple's successful tablet device. MarketWatch is reporting that at a meeting in Washington on Monday, The President confirmed he indeed owns an iPad.

Reporter Jorge Ramos asked The President at the assembly if he owned one of Apple's hit tablet devices. Obama responded,"I do have an iPad," and later joked that he had his own computer too.

Just in case you were wondering just how far Apple's reach was with their innovative products, it goes all the way to Washington, D.C. There were no specifics on what The President used the iPad for, but he did mention he would tether it to his BlackBerry.

Are you surprised Obama has an iPad? What do you think he does with it? Tell us your thoughts below!

Acer Lowers Q1 Predictions Due to iPad 2 Success

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

When the original iPad launched, it seemed netbook manufacturers were going to have to find a new gig. As the more powerful iPad 2 continues to break sales records, maybe it's time for PC makers to panic.

CENS, a Taiwan Economic News website, is reporting today that the world's top PC vender is lowering its first quarter PC sales goal. The projection went from a 3% increase in growth from the prior quarter to a 10% decrease, causing their stock to plummet 7% on the Taiwan Stock Exchange this morning.

Acer claims that weakened demand from the U.S. and Europe is the reason for the drop off in sales. The truth is Acer (and every other major PC manufacturer) might be in real trouble. As the iPad 2 lines around the globe have pointed out, Apple's on to something.

It's hard to explain really. The combination of design and functionality really set Apple devices apart from other consumer electronics. Although it's not quite there yet, the iPad is just an update or 2 away from completely replacing a lot of peoples every day laptop.

I was in an Apple store in Santa Monica the other day and overheard a gentleman tell an Apple rep that his G4 MacBook was aging and that he was trying to decide between an iPad 2 and a MacBook Air as a replacement.

As Acer and other companies struggle to respond to the handheld tablet craze that Apple has sparked with its iPad lineup, it may be too little too late. A year after the original iPad was released, the competition is just now starting to look decent. But Apple priced the iPad 2 so aggressively that when it comes down to cost for a consumer, the iPad is generally cheaper than other tablets with similar specs.

The bottom line is tablets and other post-PC devices aren't a passing trend, they are the future. And it looks like Acer and other PC manufacturers are starting to find that out the hard way.

Has anyone replaced a laptop or netbook with an iPad? Do you plan to? Tell us below!

Is the iPad 2 Competition Heating Up?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 24, 2017

Almost a full month after the announcement of the iPad 2, rumors about competitor offerings continue to swirl. Blackberry is making headlines with its PlayBook tablet because it will run applications built for Google's popular Android OS.

Samsung was also trying to garner some attention from CTIA attendees last week by taking shots at Apple's tablet. Remember the Samsung executives that sent TAB designers back to the drawing board after seeing Apple's latest version of the iPad?

Well they were back, with a new and improved Galaxy Tab 10.1. So new in fact that Fritz Nelson of InformationWeek reports Samsung wouldn't let them turn it on. This could be because it was a non working prototype.

The interesting thing is that Samsung was marketing the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 as being thinner than the iPad 2 at 8.6 mm thin. But this picture taken by InformationWeek seems to suggest otherwise. When Samsung was questioned about the photos depicting a slimmer iPad 2, the spokesman just repeated the public Galaxy 10.1 specifications.

Finally there is the Motorola Xoom. It has garnered some attention from current Verizon subscribers, but outside of that sales are faint. The Xoom's spec sheet and possibility of 4G are impressive, but the tablet is more expensive than the iPad 2 and it has almost no dedicated applications.

With an HP tablet, carrying Palm's Web OS set to join the other suitable opponents, you could say that competition is heating up for the iPad 2. But as companies cram dual processors and high resolution cameras into their tablets, can they possibly achieve the success that Apple has seen? Doubtful. With lines still wrapped around the globe for their latest product, Apple is clearly still king of the tablets.

Does anyone think Apple has some good competition for their iPad 2? Tell us below!

iPad 2 Can Output 1080p Video With Dual Displays

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

There has been a lot of talk about the horsepower Apple has packed into the new iPad 2. It's running the new dual-core A5 chip and is showing graphic rendering speeds of up to 9 times faster than the original iPad.

Benchmark testers have already proven that the iPad 2 is nearly twice as fast as its competitors, even the ones that have dual processors themselves. But just how powerful is Apple's latest tablet?

iOS game developer Firemint is determined to find out. TouchArcade is showing a video of a beta version of Firemint's Real Racing 2 HD for the iPad 2. While I've seen video out from an iPad many times before, I've never seen it look this good.

The new HDMI cable Apple released with the iPad 2 translates game play from your iPad to the big screen effortlessly. It will play in full 1080p on any compatible HDTV, with no black borders or scaling.

Since you will be watching the gameplay on your big TV, Firemint didn't want the screen on your iPad to go to waste. While you twist and turn your iPad to steer your race car, glance down at it every so often to see a map and race statistics.

I'm excited to see what app makers continue to come up with for the iPad 2. Its power obviously leaves more room for innovation by developers. I'd like to see game play move over to AirPlay and ditch the HDMI cable al together, but that's just me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALKm0Leuc7c

Does anyone play any games using the video out feature? Tell us below!

Phil Schiller Says No iPad 2 Keyboard Dock in the Works

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

If you were one of the people lucky enough to grab an iPad 2 while they were still available, you might be looking for an alternative to the iPad's built in soft keyboard. With the original iPad, Apple released a keyboard dock that would connect an Apple keyboard to your iPad and charge it at the same time.

If you are searching for a similar accessory from Apple for the iPad 2, keep looking. 9to5mac is reporting that one of their readers emailed Apple Senior Vice President of Marketing Phil Schiller on this very topic.

From what I've heard, the Apple keyboard dock is not made for the iPad 2. Is there an ipad 2 version that I can't find on your online store - or is it coming soon?

It seems Schiller's reply to the email doesn't necessarily answer the question, but definitely gives you the idea that Apple will not be making an iPad 2 keyboard dock.

People prefer to use the iPad's built in soft keyboard most all of the time, it works very well. Those that do choose to use an external keyboard most often choose to use Apple's bluetooth wireless keyboard for the convenience it provides.

It's not surprising that Schiller is indirect with his response. But 3 weeks after the iPad 2 launch and no announcement, the answer is no. So it looks we'll just have to buy Smart Covers to use as stands and Apple bluetooth keyboards for our external input.

Good news though, for those of you who already owned an original iPad keyboard dock, 9to5mac is claiming it works with the iPad 2.

What do you use for an external keyboard for your iPad or iPad 2? Tell us below!

Apparently People Stand in Line for the iPad 2 Everywhere

Cody Lee ∙ March 26, 2011

When I wrote about my disappointing 3 hour wait in line for an iPad 2 I knew my time was low. But I had no idea how microscopic it was compared to other Apple fanatics.

The iPad 2 went on sale in 25 countries around the world yesterday and the amount of people that turned out was astonishing. BGR is reporting that people were waiting as long as 53 hours prior to yesterday's launch in Sydney, Australia.

In addition, similar lines were reported across the globe including Germany, The Netherlands, and Canada. In fact, a BGR reader sent in a video of one of the lines at Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

Those who remember the U.S. iPad 2 launch will recall that they did not go on sale until 5:00 p.m. We posted the video below and it's really worth watching, I couldn't believe how far back the line went. It's at least worth watching through the first minute ;p.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6dymsG2INs

How long did you wait in line for your iPad 2? Tell us below!