iPad 2

Unless you've been hiding under a rock the last few days, you are probably aware that Apple on Wednesday announced an update to the iPad - iPad 2. A lot of people say that this is just an evolutionary update rather than a revolutionary update. They are right. Apple released the iPad less than a year ago to great success, much more than any one anticipated, even Apple. A revolution was not needed at this point.

That said, this is a pretty big update - faster dual core processor, double the RAM, same battery life out of a 1/3 thinner package that keeps it's same amazing battery life. Add in two cameras, one of which is capable of recording 720p video at 30 frames per second and full 1080p playback. Oh yeah, they also added a gyroscope and full screen mirroring output - more on that in a minute. About the only thing unchanged in the new iPad is the display. While some people are disappointed, myself included, the cost on these higher resolution displays plus the toll they take on the battery, cannot justify their use quite yet.

Apple also announced two new killer apps they've created that you're not going to find on any other tablet - Garageband and iMovie. I'm sure Android tablets have music creation and movie editing software, but there is no way they compare to what Apple has created. In the brief demo given in the keynote and what is available online, I say that these may be the two best apps written for mobile platforms, ever.

iMovieGarageband recordingGarageband Drum Kit

Full screen mirroring and 1080p video output.The added gyroscope coupled with full mirroring video out via and HDMI cable might create a really good presentation platform, but it will create a killer home gaming system! I can already imagine playing driving games sitting on my couch on the big screen.

The design geniuses at Apple have also created a new cover that latches to magnets that are built in to the iPad. At first I thought this was a tad gimmicky, but when I saw how it worked, and the utility of it folding in to a stand, I began to change my mind. The key that convinced me that you would want one of these is when the cover's far right flap is opened just a little, the iPad wakes from sleep instantly, and does not require the somewhat annoying swipe-to-unlock motion. Brilliant! You simply must watch this video to see how cool it is.

New covers.

So the bottom line is: will I be updating? Absolutely yes! I had considered waiting for an iPad with a higher resolution display, especially to display my photography, but this version of the iPad addresses my main concerns with version 1 - speed. Every now and then it will slow down, and I find it not quite as responsive as I'd like. Yes, I will be getting a black 16GB wi-fi only version on March 11, along with a cover and the HDMI adapter, and purchasing iMovie and Garageband from the app store. Now you know what I'll be doing next weekend!