A Weekend with my new iPad2

I’m going to come right out and say it:

I emphatically heart the iPad2.

The iPad2 is not a traditional computer. To me, it’s a better computer, particularly for anyone who uses a laptop for e-mail and the web. But it’s so much more than that, as I’m sure I’ll write about when I have more experience with the device.

What you’ll get for now are my first impressions of the iPad2:

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I received my iPad2 on Friday, and I swear, I cannot put this device down. It’s replaced my laptop for 90% of the tasks I use it for. It’s cool to the touch and doesn’t heat up like a furnace like a conventional laptop (like my early 2008 Macbook Pro).

When you first hold the iPad2, you notice that it feels solid. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is simply amazing. It’s light enough to carry, but has enough weight to keep it from accidentally slipping out of your fingers. I bought an orange Smart Cover – it does a beautiful job protecting the unit’s screen, and snaps perfectly in place without any weird alignment issues. You just have to see this for yourself.

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When the case opens, the iPad2 display comes on instantaneously. It’s pretty sweet.

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The screen is sharp and easy to read for long periods of time without eye strain. As someone who sits in front of his computer for a disproportionate amount of time during the day, I can definitely notice the difference. My eyes feel more rested while using the iPad2, compared to a traditional computer display.

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The video camera looks and works great, while still photos are of acceptable quality. The iPad2 comes with a USB cable and power adaptor. The iPad2 connector snaps easily into place, but removing it requires some minor force.

Without sounding like a fanboy, this tablet has changed the way I consume content. I’m particularly blown away by Flipboard, which I feel is the killer app for consuming feeds and social media. I can view my RSS feeds, social media, Flickr photos, etc. as if I was reading a magazine. The presentation has to be seen to be believed.

My iPad2 got a ton of use this weekend, as evidenced with the smudgy fingerprints all over it. Thankfully the screen is very easy to clean. I use iKlear’s Cleaning Kit and it does a beautiful job returning the screen back to its pristine self.

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I’m particularly excited to use the iPad2 as a learning device for my daughter. I’m on the lookout for excellent learning apps that would be suitable for 3 year olds, so if you have a recommendation, please let me know.

In summary, I think Apple’s got a winner here. I was pretty skeptical about the iPad2, particularly since I was critiquing it primarily as a drawing device. But after using it for two days, I’m now thoroughly convinced that I made the right decision.

-Krishna

These beautiful and intelligent people wrote

  • JamesReply
    May 9, 2011 at 8:13 am

    Check out the Zite app. Load your feeds and interest categories and it finds content for you. Better than Flipbook as far as finding stuff I love to read about all on it’s own. You can use thumbs up or down and it will learn from that as well.

    Reeder is my favorite RSS Google Reader sync tool. Very fast and a super clean interface. Instapaper is a must have. Load content for offline reading.

    http://www.plexapp.com/ is great for streaming your media around the house. Also a remote control for Plex as well as a player on iPad. Roku supported, AppleTV if you Jailbreak it. Future LG TV, etc.

  • KrishnaReply
    May 9, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Thanks James. I’ve downloaded Zite based on your recommendation. I’ll check out Reeder and Instapaper too.

  • AntoineReply
    May 9, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Wow, just tried Flipboard, one word: incredible!

    And now James is saying there are better apps! Back to Ipad grinding I guess! :)

  • Daniel ZambranoReply
    May 9, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Hey Krishna! I’d love to have one of your wallpapers on my iPhone4. Please make one :).

    Thanks for the review btw, I’m thinking about getting one too!

    Greetings from Venezuela!!

    • KrishnaReply
      May 9, 2011 at 5:22 pm

      You got it Daniel! I’ll work on an iPhone4 wallpaper soon and have it up on the website.

      • Daniel ZambranoReply
        May 9, 2011 at 5:36 pm

        Thanks! I’ll post a screenshot :)

  • Gerald ShieldsReply
    May 9, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Though I like Flipboard and Zite, I also like HitPad too.

  • RickReply
    May 11, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Re macbook heat, get smcfancontrol. Set fans to run full-tilt when on mains power.

  • Dave BergschneiderReply
    May 18, 2011 at 10:28 am

    I’ll take the dive in iPad realm when you do a review and can confidently say you can illustrate your entire comic from it with pressure sensitivity and all.

Tell me what you think!

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