iPad 2 – Apple Stays Ahead of the Competition

Today, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad 2, which is to go on sale on March 11.

While some reviewers have expressed disappointment in the lack of head-turning new features, others rave about the new design.  I for one, fall in the latter camp and believe that Apple has another winner on their hands that will be tough for competitors to beat over the next year.  And after all, isn’t that all that Apple needs?

As Jony Ive (Senior VP, Design) stated in the video on Apple’s website, ” The original iPad defined a category.”  I would take this one step further by stating that “iPad 2 has refined a category”.

An Engineering Marvel

The engineering achievement of the iPad 2 is nothing short of a marvel.  Apple managed to nearly double the throughput with the new A5 dual core processor, drastically increase graphics throughput (up to 9x faster), added both front and rear facing cameras, stereo audio as well as a gyroscope, and did all of this in a beautiful unibody construction case that is 1/3 thinner than the original iPad and slightly lighter in weight, while at the same time maintaining the 10 hour battery life.  And the beauty is that this new iPad 2 is offered at the same price as the original iPad, which will soon be discontinued.

What Does this Mean for the Consumer?

However as Apple may be the first to point out, engineering feats do not sell products.  So what does this mean to consumers?  Well to start, it means a very sleek and easy-to-hold design.  It also means much more processing power to take advantage of for an improved gaming experience as well as for video creation.  With the addition of cameras, the user can now shoot 720p HD video and use the new iMovie app to edit the video directly on the iPad 2.  You can also use the iPad 2 to make video calls.  And now there is the GarageBand app so not only Mac owners, but also  iPad 2 owners can get creative, composing/playing music from their iPad 2.

It’s Not Just About the Device – Apple is Creating an Ecosystem

Apple improves the user experience by creating an ecosystem.  The iPad 2 of course connects to iTunes where you can download apps, music and video.  But now you can stream your multimedia content to your Apple TV-connected HDTV using AirPlay.  Watch your favorite TV show or the HD movie you just shot on a family outing on your HDTV without any wires.

And if you don’t have an Apple TV?  Use an adapter to plug your iPad 2 into an HDTV or projector to mirror what is displaying on your iPad.

And if for some reason you need a hard copy of something on the iPad 2 screen?  You can now print it out over your Wi-Fi network without any drivers or software to install.

The Icing on the Cake

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the iPad 2 is the new Smart Cover.  This cover was designed at the same time as the iPad 2 so that it attaches in a seamless and effortless manner.  The cover, which comes in many colors, can be folded to provide a stand for typing or viewing (different angles for each).  And when the cover is fully attached over the screen, it automatically puts the iPad 2 to sleep.  Start lifting the cover and the iPad 2 turns on instantly – this is a very nice design.

Response to Pundits

The pundits mention their disappointment that the iPad 2 still doesn’t have a SD memory card expansion slot, USB port or support for Adobe Flash video.  Some are also disappointed that the iPad 2 display isn’t greater resolution or doesn’t use Apple’s Retina display that is found on the iPhone 4.

To these pundits, I have two responses:

1) Apple provides an ecosystem that works.  Do you really need the SD card slot or USB port when you have wireless access and connectivity to iTunes?  And ability to play Flash video may be nice, but right or wrong, Apple has already stated their position on this and will not likely change.  Apple is providing an ecosystem that is well thought out and works.  The competition has a few items that they can try to exploit such as inability to play Flash video, memory card expansion slots and USB.  But in the end, are these items enough to get you to buy another vendor’s tablet instead of the iPad?  Perhaps not – particularly with Apple’s lead in the number and quality of Apps available for their platform.

2) Regarding the display, it’s not always easy to improve the specs on display technology with each new product introduction – particularly while maintaining the same price point.  Just because the Retina display was feasible on the iPhone 4 does not mean it is necessarily cost effective yet to implement on a 9.7″ iPad.  Sometimes engineering/marketing trade-offs must be made.  Sure I’d love to see the retina display on an iPad – but I likely won’t pay a large adder for it if it cannot be produced cost effectively in a 9.7″ size.

In Summary

So is the iPad 2 a revolutionary device?  Perhaps not.  However, Apple has upped the ante enough to make this a compelling product that will be very successful.  Competitors will have difficulty offering a tablet with similar form factor, weight and functionality at this price point.  This will ensure that Apple will continue to lead the tablet market for the next year, which is, after all, what this device needs to deliver for Apple.

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