The world has now entered the second generation of the category-defining iPad, after Wednesday’s unveiling in San Francisco of the iPad 2. Reactions from industry observers are largely favorable — even if there are no major changes to the successful product — although there are some disappointments.
The newest model offers an A5 microprocessor that runs twice as fast as the original, but with the same power requirements. The more powerful processor will come in handy for users of the tablet-optimized, processor-intensive iMovie and GarageBand applications that Apple has announced.
$100 Off
It’s also lighter by 0.2 pound, has a front and back camera, and will be in available in white as well as black. Other additions include a new version of the iOS, version 4.3, which allows users to access their home computer-resident iTunes collections via their iPad. A “smart cover” magnetically connects to and locks the unit, in addition to cleaning the screen and acting as a stand to prop the unit up while watching video.
But, for some Apple-watchers, the new features didn’t go far enough. Some are disappointed that the new model doesn’t have a higher resolution screen, with a pixel density equal to that available on the iPhone 4 and the iPod Touch. Others were looking for a USB port, or even holding out hope that the ultra-high-speed connection port recently announced for the new MacBook Pro’s, Thunderbolt, would show up on the device.
While some always expect Apple product announcement events to hit grand slams, the company only needs to stay in the game. Industry research group Forrester, for instance, has forecast that Apple will sell 80 percent of the tablets purchased over the next year. Others project that Apple will continue to own 50 to 60 percent of the rapidly growing category, for at least the next…