iPad2 review - is it worth it?

When the iPad was released in April 2010, I had pre-ordered a top of the line device. Apple, being the corporate control freaks they are, had arranged that the tablet would be available in it's stores, resellers' outlets and delivered all on the same day.

Now, that made for a great media spectacle, with plenty of lines outside shops playing on the TV news, but in my case the delivery was made at around 5.50pm that day - and I had to leave at 6pm for a meeting. Still, the device was so easy to set up that I left it plugged in to my PC with the iTunes sync function uploading some 3000+ songs, 5000+ pictures, series of Rumpole, The Sopranos, The West Wing and a few stray movies. I knew that would take a couple of hours.

Did Apple learn anything from that exercise? Apparently not. This time with the release of the iPad 2 they didn't even bother taking pre-orders, so that whatever stock was shipped on the day was all that there was. Fortunately, I was in the city for the day at a strategic planning workshop, so that when I wandered down to a retailer that I knew would be receiving stock, and was tucked away such that they would be ignored by most people. A leisurely coffee later, I entered the shop, browsed for a while and then had a queue form behind me to pick up a new iPad 2.

While the TV showed that night 500+ people queuing outside the Apple shop at Chersmide, there were probably 25-30 people where I was. The iPad was released at 5pm. I was out of there, iPad in hand at 5.10pm!

So, is it worth having?

After two days of on-and-off testing, playing, configuring and comparing to the first generation I'd have to say yes. Why? Well, it's faster - maybe not the twice as fast as Apple touts, but enough to be noticeable. The dual core processor also means that there are less interrupts as you multi task. It's certainly thinner and that's a plus. I don't think that 15% lighter is that noteworthy, but if the iPad 3 does have the carbon fibre shell that's been rumoured that will make a huge difference.

Nonetheless, it is useful as a business tool. I keep all my papers - board, committee, agendas, constitutions, rulings & decisions etc - on the device. I can add or modify any contact, appointment, note or file on any of my devices. It automatically syncs those entries and backs up every time I connect it to my PC. I have the iPad password protected, and more sensitive documents protected by two factor authentication.

By using Apple's "MobileMe" facility, appointments made on my PC, iPhone or iPad are all automatically synced. However, the most important feature of this service (to my peace of mind) is the "find me" feature. If any of my portable devices are stolen or lost I can locate them via GPS or I can wipe all the data remotely if need be.

I'm not a big fan of the "Cult of Jobs". I think devices that run the iOS operating system (iPhone, iPod, iPad) are the state of the art - the best of breed - and that's why I use them. In my opinion a PC running Windows 7 is a better business tool for many applications. Using a combination of the different technologies is a lethal combination!

Harry