iPad 2 Review Roundup: The Critics Are Head-Over-Heels (PHOTOS)

The iPad 2 debuted on March 2 to great fanfare. Apple revealed several improvements consumers had been demanding since the release of the first iPad. The new tablet is slimmer, it's lighter, it's faster, it's packing two cameras and a few new features--all for the same price as the original.

The iPad 2 hits stores March 11, and reviews have started pouring in.

So what do gadget experts have to say about the new tablet? Does it blow its competition away, or does it keep pace with the pack? And should original iPad owners scrap their old tablet and upgrade immediately? Find out with our roundup of reviews from Engadget, TechCrunch, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

For a quick and comprehensive overview of the iPad 2's new features, click here.

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Engadget

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Engadget's Joshua Topolsky raved about the device. "[T]he iPad 2 isn't just the best tablet on the market, it feels like the only tablet on the market," he wrote. "As much as we'd like to say that something like the Xoom has threatened Apple's presence in this space, it's difficult (if not impossible) to do that." Topolsky noted his disappointment with the cameras and griped about some new software bugs, but he was impressed overall. "At a price point of $499, and lots of options after that (like more storage and models that work on both Verizon's and AT&T's 3G networks), there's little to argue about in the way of price, and in terms of usability, apps like GarageBand prove that we haven't even scratched the surface of what the iPad can do." Does the iPad 2 render the iPad 1 obsolete? Not quite, Topolsky says, but if you're a first-timer, "the iPad 2 is as good as it gets right now. And it's really quite good."

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Engadget's Joshua Topolsky raved about the device. "[T]he iPad 2 isn't just the best tablet on the market, it feels like the only tablet on the market," he wrote. "As much as we'd like to say that something like the Xoom has threatened Apple's presence in this space, it's difficult (if not impossible) to do that." Topolsky noted his disappointment with the cameras and griped about some new software bugs, but he was impressed overall. "At a price point of $499, and lots of options after that (like more storage and models that work on both Verizon's and AT&T's 3G networks), there's little to argue about in the way of price, and in terms of usability, apps like GarageBand prove that we haven't even scratched the surface of what the iPad can do."

Does the iPad 2 render the iPad 1 obsolete? Not quite, Topolsky says, but if you're a first-timer, "the iPad 2 is as good as it gets right now. And it's really quite good."

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Comments

[ran6110]

11:19 AM on 03/13/2011

I have an iPad 1 and really, really wanted a Macbook Air.

Gave it some serious critical thought and decided to put a 240Gig SSD drive into my < 1 year old Macbook instead. Also got an adapter to put my existing 500Gig Drive where my DVD drive use to be (really, I have never used the DVD drive).

The iPad I gave to my wife (OK, she took it) and she uses it daily and loves it. For what she wants an iPad is perfect.

That said I've looked at the iPad 2 and have decided to wait. Not because of the device or its limitations. It's just that most of what I do (software developer) requires a full blown OS.

[memery]

06:27 PM on 03/12/2011

Best avatar EVER!

[rjm2786]

07:27 PM on 03/11/2011

Why wait in line for an I pad 2 at some mall? Instead of waiting in line for more tech garbage people should be outside, engaging in physical activity like hiking, frisbee or running. Take your loved ones out for a stroll and make dinner together. Get outside people and engage others in the real world and not online.

[Voltage]

08:43 AM on 03/25/2011

I'd like to make dinner for my family, but I can't do it without the iPad 2 and a robust meal planning app.

[brooklyncitizen]

06:40 PM on 03/11/2011

why do you need garage band?

[theveggiedude]

02:33 AM on 03/12/2011

1) You are a musician, or 2) you are an ordinary person that likes the thought of making music, even though you are not trained as a musician.

[James Phoenix]

03:15 PM on 03/11/2011

Im just not down with the tablets yet. Im fine with my laptop.

[ran6110]

11:16 AM on 03/13/2011

Good post!

[JJovana]

11:20 AM on 03/11/2011

Just got mine :). Ive thought about it long and hard, and im glad I waited for Ipad 2.

[OneLiberalLady]

12:23 PM on 03/11/2011

What time zone are you in?

[JJovana]

12:32 PM on 03/11/2011

Central US

[JJovana]

01:08 PM on 03/11/2011

As in I ordered it online. Sorry:(

[MISCONDUCKT]

11:12 AM on 03/11/2011

i love my IPad and will keep it until its old and gray

[chrisrodney]

12:10 AM on 03/12/2011

The back is already grey. Time for an upgrade! :)

[Cogent]

09:40 AM on 03/11/2011

i have an i4, had an ipad and currently a xoom tablet. i'm what folks consider an " apple fanboy" but i took a leap and purchased a xoom tablet

pros
ios is fluid almost glitch free system, plenty of accessories, price
android multitasking, great cameras, free apps

cons
ios. no flash, ipad crappy cameras, no multitasking
android not as fluid, battery life, no netflix.

if i could merge the two systems and get an ixoom, i would have the perfect pad. i've grown use to flash when i surf the net using android and the choice of free apps and google interface, so aside from the ridiculous price i paid for the xoom i give the nod to motorola in this battle.

[theveggiedude]

02:45 AM on 03/12/2011

I was amused to hear that the creator of GNOME has a iPhone, two original iPads and was planning to get the newest iPad 2 today. This guy is mr. open source. But he decided against Android, because he knows how awkward Linux is, and he just wants something that works. That is a great endorsement of the Apple iOS. In similar news, the VP of Firefox blasted Flash as the major cause of the browsers crashes. He openly admits to joining the anti-Flash bandwagon. So, good luck with that!

[bradyd]

09:23 AM on 03/11/2011

I think I will stick with a real computer... I don't think the ipad 2 will be that beneficial with the many papers, research, studying, and online projects I do for class...I guess I will wait for the ipad 7, when it makes more sense.. So another 6 months right????

[Charles Hamel]

09:22 AM on 03/11/2011

In case anyone was in the mood for a good laugh:

Charlie and the Apple Factory
(http://blog.collegehumor.com/post/3605740933/charlie-and-the-apple-factory-the-best-new-ipad)

[CaptainObvvious]

08:50 AM on 03/11/2011

The problem with Apple haters is how transparent they are.

Instead of admitting the iPhone and the iPad are amazing devices (which they are) they bash them as utter garbage then say how amazing their Android is.

Just admit that Apple makes amazing stuff but you prefer X device more and will thus not be buying the iPad.

Liking Android doesn't by default make Apple garbage.

[novalion]

10:07 AM on 03/11/2011

And I will add to that....admit that there IS A MARKET for tablet devices. Tablet form factors, and touch interfaces have been something that lots of companies have tried, and almost every single one failed. Apple has managed to get it right, really with the iPhone first and now the iPad. Their form factor and interface is being duplicated by every other competitor...Android include (and i love my droid).

Not everyone has the type of workflow or entertainment needs that an iPad (or any tablet device) makes sense. Just like not everyone needs a pickup truck...or a sports car.

[brooklyncitizen]

06:43 PM on 03/11/2011

what is android?
who should get an IPAD?

[DarleenMB]

10:51 AM on 03/11/2011

And had it NOT been for the iPhone and iPad the Android and copycat tablets wouldn't exist.

[jt1980]

05:29 PM on 03/12/2011

The Palm smartphones predated the iPhone's.

[XFilesTheTruthIsOutThere]

08:42 AM on 03/11/2011

My novel is finally available at Amazon.com! I've provided a link and will post it on Take Me Home page!

http://www.amazon.com/Take-Me-Home-ebook/dp/B004RCNWNO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1299801169&sr=1-1

[John Crane]

07:39 AM on 03/11/2011

I have checked out the iPad and the Xoom. I still see no reason or need, for me, to buy either one of them. Don't buy something just because it is there and people tell you it is cool and you have to buy it. Examine your own needs and lifestyle, and THEN decide whether the money you shell out to buy it is actually worth the value you would receive back for it. So far, for me, and answer is NO.

[JamesBondQuixote]

08:59 AM on 03/11/2011

a very wise post.

[Charles Hamel]

09:25 AM on 03/11/2011

This makes a lot of sense, but it is counter-current to what consumers are encouraged to think. Especially when materialism is so strongly linked to identity.

[thegiver]

07:15 AM on 03/11/2011

Walt Mossberg - "I can comfortably recommend it as the best tablet for average consumers" - A below average apple rear end kisser trying to write reviews for average consumers !

[metropixie]

07:43 AM on 03/11/2011

IF you had actually read his review you'd noticed his rather long list of "drawbacks..."

[CaptainObvvious]

08:39 AM on 03/11/2011

So you're going to pour over the reviews to try and find any negative you can. Look through that review and see he mentioned that every Android tablet he tested crashed on him. There is a negative.

[TheNewShadeofBlue]

06:54 AM on 03/11/2011

Early Adopters = suckers!!! The Ipad 2 is underwhelming. The camera quality is outdated and just not that great given the current technology, there is no 4G, why is the retina display not incorporated, Flash content is still used through out the web, it doesn't have USB or SD. Perhaps by the 3rd iteration, they will have gotten it right.

[CaptainObvvious]

08:41 AM on 03/11/2011

You seem to be talking in the face of every single review which has so far been positive.

Most people don't need SD, USB or Retina.

Also who cares about the video on a huge tablet? It is designed for video conferencing not studio quality photos.

[JamesBondQuixote]

09:16 AM on 03/11/2011

I love Apple. I have an Imac, and am very pleased with it. But I'm reluctant to get the Ipad2... "Most people don't need SD, USB "... Retina I could live without. But Flash support, yes please, Stevie put that in!! And SD and USB ...it would be so right to have these features for the $500 bucks Ipad2 costs. I may have to hold out for Ipad3...they say it can come out by November this year.

[TheNewShadeofBlue]

12:12 PM on 03/11/2011

You are so off the mark in regards to tablet development. Apple hands down is the way to go for their MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac, iMac and MacAir products. The same level should be applied to their approach to tablets. You are being spoon fed a mediocre product at best. Their guys know it, technical people are aware of it, and strategic partners are aware of one of the best technical scams to date.

[theveggiedude]

02:39 AM on 03/12/2011

There is no 4G. Correct, there is no 4G built-in, but that does not exclude it from using 4G.

Consider the $399 price of the original iPad, a Mifi from Sprint for $50, and use Sprint's 4G network, $50/mo for unlimited use.

Beat's the $799 Xoom.

[TheNewShadeofBlue]

06:40 AM on 03/13/2011

Oh no doubt, Motorola is crazy to even put a laptop price for a portable web browsing tablet out there. As much as I like the idea of the devices, I remain in a holding pattern until 2012.