Loving the iPad 2

image from apple.com

So, i sold my first generation iPad to my cousin and got an iPad 2.  I’ve had it for a few weeks now, and had plenty of time to play around with it.  Not that it’s significantly different from the iPad, but it comes with new features like the camera, facetime, photobooth, and the super cool smart cover.





The front and back camera come standard with iPad 2, which were nonexistent in the iPad.  I feel that it’s not a necessary part of the tablet because it seems rather odd to be holding a big device to take pictures or videos.  I can use my canon point-and-shoot or Sony HD camcorder for that with better quality.  However, the cameras are useful for facetime and video chatting, and random video recording.  I found it convenient to tap a button to switch camera views (from back to front, or vice versa) when on facetime or video chat.

Last week, I had the chance to use Evernote app in class.  I was able to record the lecture (which was over an hour long) and type the notes on the same page.  Play-back was decent quality, better than I thought since I was sitting a few rows back in a small-sized auditorium lecture hall.  It sounds better on headphones though.

GoodReader app is my ultimate pdf (and doc) reader.  It rocks! It can open large files without any hitch.

For some reason, youtube videos on the iPad 2 are better.  Even the quality of audio playback is crispier and louder.  I noticed that it’s also lighter and thinner, making it easier to carry around in my tote bag.  I can walk 3 miles and not be bothered by its weight.

I’ve read 5 books on ibooks, so far.  Enjoying every page of each book... Sometimes, the glare on the screen can get annoying, but tolerable.  I’m thinking about getting a screen protector, which I heard can reduce the glare.  I still have to do more research on that.

Anyway, I’m loving the iPad 2.  I don’t regret getting it.  There are so many ways to make use of it.. I use it for school, for reading, for watching videos, for games, even for educating my 10 month old son.  There is an app for just about anything you can think of. No reason to limit yourself.  Think outside the box.