ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

The iPad 2 hands-on verdict

ShortList gets hands-on

The iPad 2 hands-on verdict
07 March 2011

Our five favourite things about Apple’s new tablet On announcing his new tablet to the world, Apple CEO Steve Jobs declared 2011 to be the year of the iPad 2. And after getting our hands on one, we’ve no reason to doubt him. These are the five things that impressed us most.

1. The Size

It’s 15 per cent lighter and 33 per cent thinner — at just 8.8mm, it’s leaner than an iPhone 4. The reduced weight is particularly evident when compared with the original.

2. The Cameras

One on the front and one on the back — it was the prediction everybody got right. And allows the iPad 2 to support FaceTime video-calling.

3. The Speed

It’s twice as fast and is capable of running multiple apps at once. Also, in a boost to the machine’s gaming credentials, the graphics speed is nine times faster.

4. The Apps

The cameras mean you can shoot directly into iMovie, which has more user-friendly editing, while GarageBand has virtual recreations of drums, guitars and pianos, plus an eight-track recording studio.

5. The Cover

Apple’s biggest innovation (pictured behind the iPad). It smart-attaches in the same place thanks to magnets, puts the machine to sleep when it covers the screen and folds back to make a stand. The micro-fibre back even cleans the screen.

(Image: Rex Features)