The iPad 2 is here! You've run down the specs - including the 2x as fast A5 processor, the lighter 1.33lb weight, and the crazy-thin .34 inch "thickness." You've considered whether it's worth it for iPad 2 owners to upgrade. You've taken a look at what's new in iOS 4.3. Heck, you've even read up on how to transfer your data from your original iPad to the iPad 2. What's left to do? Check out TiPb breathlessly unpacking and examining the real deal.
If you waited in line today and picked one up - congrats! If you are wondering what we think of Apple's latest, here's the short version: it's a thinner, lighter, faster iPad with a couple of cameras. That may sound anti-climactic - but after using the iPad 2 for just a very short while we're starting to suspect that it's anti-climactic in the same way that "the iPad is just a big iPhone" was anti-climactic in 2010. In other words: it's an experience that can't quite be quantified but gets under your skin in the same way the original iPad did. There's "nothing new" here to most people, but the execution of all the little details adds up to something pretty special.
As far as the hardware is concerned, we're impressed. Looking at the spec differences between the iPad 1 and the iPad 2, you might be tempted to say that there's not much improvement here. But .5" vs .34" only tells part of the story. The full story is that the tapered back of the iPad 2 makes it feel thinner than any device this size has a right to be. It's kind of amazing. Unfortunately, we can't quite say the same for the weight - while the iPad 2 is lighter, it's still not something you're going to happily hold at arm's length unsupported for any appreciable length of time.
A full photo gallery is after the break and video is coming right quick - keep it locked to TiPb as we unpack our thoughts and impressions of the iPad 2 this weekend and, heck, for the months to come.
