Operating experience of the iPad 2 and its software rebirth

the iPad - a device space! But, dear readers, do not rush to hang labels on me fanboys, eplofaga and others in connection with such a statement. Let me first tell you about the experience of operation of iPad 2, adventures with the transition to iOS 5 and the peculiarities of working with an updated gadget. By the way, I've felt, and alternatives such as Galaxy Tab 10.1, briefly, superficially, but some conclusions which it was enough.

The way Apple tablet was no less tortuous than the iPhone. Last was the first phone, a simple "dialer" with an unusual interface, and now it is one of the most popular, technologically advanced and user-friendly smartphones in the world. Thanks to the iPhone industry came out of the swamp, shook herself, and today we can choose not strashnenkih representatives based on Windows Mobile or Brake Symbian-devices, and from the mass of attractive and functional products, focused on finger control and maximum comfort in use. There are iPhone, there are plenty of interesting solutions

based on Android. In the end, even totally unfriendly to the Windows Mobile user degenerated into quite a good Windows Phone platform on the basis of which there are entertaining and inexpensive solutions. The same HTC Mozart, for example.

iPad also began his career as a strange device that many want, but do not understand why it is needed, what to do in everyday life? It's natural, when forming a new niche where there is an unusual consumer product, when its software ecosystem and people built around it looking and, most importantly, find ways to use gadget.

This experience was once I have. After a year and a half of using the tablet form the final circuit and even expanded, it is applicable to other members of the family and now it is one of the most important devices in the home. I am no longer the sole owner and the owner of the gadget, it is necessary for something to limit myself, but that's okay, that's fine, is a great example of how iPad is changing the lives of people far removed from the equipment and particularly do not want to understand it, learn something new. And the example of my family, he was not the only one.

One very good friend once asked me: "Roma, I became interested in the iPad, but I can not understand, as if he needed me?". It is also very far from the people and the technology it I was very surprised by his interest in Apple devices. Words to such a question is not answered, you just need to test the tablet in its own. I gave him a couple of days your gadget, assuming that it will lie this time somewhere on the coffee table and comes back. Imagine my surprise when, a few days after fellow and his wife said that they would take such a device itself, and urgently!

Web surfing on the couch, games, electronic photo album, reading - simple things that are implemented in the Apple tablet elegant and it is only a small part of its capabilities, flavored with simple and intuitive interface, which will understand and child. My friend actually bought the iPad itself and is now using it every day, he was very pleased and happy with his wife. The tablet has become a handy photo album that people take with them on trips to friends, it is a small window to the Internet, This game console is an amazing space and the device to which potential competitors still have a long grow.

But let's move on from the lengthy discussion to more specific things, and I'll start with the feel of your iPad 2, his comparison with the predecessorI will tell about the experience of the physical protection of the gadget.

Little thinner, a little lighter, but the difference is felt strongly

iPad 2 is thinner and one-third to 100 grams lighter than its predecessor. It's a little in principle, but in daily use, the difference is felt considerably. The tablet was really convenient to keep, plus a little bit changed tactile sensations. Such a feeling that in the hands of a tablet computer, a notebook or thin Daddy - it's real cool.

By the way, apparently the first generation iPad looks like something more solid, still looks like a successor to the stretched iPod touch fourth generation and original design interesting. But all doubts disappear after you take into the hands of a novice.

The almost complete absence of the aluminum frame around the front and a little glass make up an outstanding plate was visually much more compact, but due to the hull shape and its thickness in the hands to hold the device much more convenient.

Caught on the edge bevel volume rocker and the power button is easy to press, they do not cause problems. Also on this slant is and docking port, connect the cable to which it was initially more uncomfortable, but after a couple of days to get used to it, and a connector connected instantly and the first attempts.

The screen is bright and lit up, but not so devil as he is painted

The iPad 2 also uses a 9.7-inch LCD display on the basis of IPS-matrix with a resolution of 1024x768. That is, by definition picture is identical, but the brightness of about one third higher than the beginner. Colors were a little more juicy, white - a little whiter, plus when viewed from the side effect is hardly noticeable purple color on a black background. Ambient light sensor is responsible for the automatic brightness setting is working correctly, there is no claim to it.

However, there is one negative point in the display on the iPad 2. Although, in my opinion, this is not a problem at all, just a fly inflated elephant. This is the so-called glare of the matrix, which are visible on a black background. Rather, I see them only when you restart the device, when given the maximum brightness on a black background. In my copy glare there in a couple of corners, but I do not particularly notice the tablet active operation for four months and not annoyed about it. Not always we see a completely black background, or rather, it is rare. Plus with automatic adjustment of brightness even on the black background see the glare hard. Again, clearly this blemish LG and its matrix can be considered only if the maximum brightness.

The sound is louder, clearer, and he went off

IPad 2 sounds louder and clearer than its predecessor, but there is one feature. If the audio stream is directed iPad clearly in the side, in succession shifted to the rear panel. Thus, for example, when watching a movie on the first-generation tablet, the sound space is formed in front of the screen or next to it. But on the iPad 2, this space is for your tablet. Put the palm under the perforated speaker, folded her boat, and the sound is reflected from it, begin to shape sound space front of the screen, it becomes clearer and better.

That is part of the sound due to the dynamics of the new location, simply dissipated, it does not reach the user. On the other hand, if you throw on the back cover Smart Cover, then the sound will be reflected on the enhancement and directed toward the user.

Although it is possible and not to bother. The only difference is felt in a direct comparison, but in general, "rumbles" tablet bad. Power speakers is enough for scoring film, games, and even to create background music in the room. The only pity is that there is no stereo.

The experience of the physical protection of the tablet: labels, covers, films and bags

For iPad 2, there is an incredibly attractive in the literal and figurative sense of the word accessory Smart CoverI already described in detail. Really cool and handy thing, even though it is quite hefty. Along with the plaid planet weighs even slightly more than the first iPad. Although unfasten this thing and fasten it - it's a snap.

In private collection went gray polyurethane Smart Cover and black leather. In the first case I have experienced an accessory in conjunction with the Chinese silicone pad. It is cheap (something like $ 7) is made fairly high quality, but with time the front edge of the steel duck. Somewhere in the basement office of the Chinese still saved. as well polyurethane blanket itself gets dirty, both on the outside and inside. In the first case it is easy to clear, material resembles Apple Case for iPad and is the first in the order with a damp cloth microfiber. But the inner coating will be more difficult to clean, maybe even have to use soap.

I then went black leather Smart Cover, I added three accessories from SGP: tech semi-matt film on the screen - Steinheil Ultra Optics, Vinyl stickers on the rear panel - Carbon Skin GuardAnd a leather punch - illuzion Sleeve Series.

To start on a leather rug - he is a great, well, that's cool, and that's it. It causes a much more pleasant tactile feel than polyurethane Smart Cover, plus an outer coating, genuine leather, more practical. It almost does not get dirty and, in the case of which, it can be easily cleaned without the use of any special equipment. Internal coating microfiber as gentle as in the embodiment, the polyurethane.

Film on the screen of the iPad I once sworn never to stick, because when used carefully at home it is very difficult to scratch, but the prints are going well a transparent sticker and go all the pros oleophobic coverage. But I wanted to get rid of glare and reflections in the iPad 2 screen, which has decided to test a technological film SGP, absorbed the advantages of glossy films, which do not affect the image and matte - they get dirty and poorly relieve glare. In general, the experience was positive. Here are just a glue film was very difficult: the dust will fall and it had to clean tape, the curve lies, then wormed air bubble. But the result is the result exceeded all my expectations.

The screen has become relatively opaque (not completely, but glare and reflection lost myself beautiful, I have never seen under what conditions), fingerprints on the film remained, but in small quantities, and they are easy to clean. In general, everything was fine for two or three months, but then came under the film dark stains, as though there was garbage or fat or even start to roll in the LCD matrix. In the end it turned out that the problem is still in the film, or rather in a silicone-based, with the help of which it sticks to the screen. This framework became climb round or degrade, do not even know how to say. I had to abandon the film, but it was a pity. By the way, it makes the image a bit more washed out, it turned out that immediately after the peel-off (literally in an hour, I'm used to more juicy picture and could not remember the difference, as, indeed, and the film, which I did not notice the changes Images). However, a month without the film - normal flight. Yes there is glare, reflection, but actually in my scheme of operation of the device when it is in the main house, it does not bother.

With regard to the vinyl stickers, then I'm happy with it like a herd of elephants. Back plate protects the good, the grip improves, looks great and is glued quite easily. Moreover, it can be without consequences-stick on the other plate, which in fact I did. Now, with this sticker shows off iPad 2 of my very good friend, and a personal tablet has received a new cover, which will later (gadget can not fit into it with a sticker).

leather punch illuzion Sleeve Series I was also pleased. No complaints on him there - comfortable, very thin, it fits even the first-generation iPad or iPad 2 with Smart Cover. Even without the rug inside the gadget does not dangle. Perfect solution if the device you often carry around in your bag, where in addition to the iPad there are any small things like keys and other gadgets, and so on. D. Also found a new owner due to the emergence of another cover, which I currently think is the best solution for the iPad second generation - is Marware MicroShell Folio.

It is lightweight, weighing just over 100 grams, that is, the entire structure together with the tablet mass resembles iPad 1. The back plate is made of polycarbonate. It is matte, not dirty, it is very pleasant to the touch and has a pair of ribs, for which it is convenient to hold when carrying the tablet, plus they It is used when the cover is in stand mode (in addition to the options for printing and photo frames there are between them intermediate).

The upper part is a kind of analogue of the Smart Cover, only thinner and more practical polyurethane models. The material is also reminiscent of polyurethane, but it is more smooth and almost dirty. Cover the same on both sides, and it has built-in magnets, that is, an accessory can automatically turn on and off the screen. The result was a kind of mixture of Smart Cover and the plastic lining, but it is monolithic and is more compact than the design with the brand of Apple accessories.

I tried and different leather cases, a combination of Smart Cover and any overlap, but still remained with the Marware MicroShell Folio. Of course, it is a matter of taste, although leather counterparts longer weigh, not to mention the assorted versions of Smart Cover (Case Marware whole weighs about as Apple plaid).

In general iPad 2 itself is quite strong and it is difficult to damage with careful handling. Is that may eventually scratched the back panel. Much depends on the usage pattern of the gadget, and the owner too.

Magic iOS-rebirth

One of the unique qualities of the Apple devices is a long program support. Buy one gadget, a year there is a new operating system, and it turns into a completely new even more functional product. iPad is an excellent example. When I wrote the service experience original tablet, It still does not have multitasking support. Then came the firmware 4.2, along with the ability to switch between applications on the fly, and operational experience of the gadget completely changed. iPad has become functional. A little more time and, voila, there you have iOS 4.3 with nearly twice as rapid Safari, which does not overload every third tab. I'm not talking about gradual upgrade firmware, like iBooks. Apple improves its free gadgets for a long time, can not be said about other manufacturers.

Now we have iOS 5, which is available not only for the iPad 2, but also for its predecessor, albeit with some restrictions (no gesture support). And this is another leap forward in functionality, another free bonus for all users, "apple" tablet.

the complexity of the move

It should be noted that the update was not an easy one, the cause of which has become significantly increase the user base and launch a cloud service iCloud. All this led to the failure of the activation server. In addition, firmware brings many changes and, assuming that installation problems are to some extent linked with this. So, I personally have a lot of times I get an error 3002, other users are mistakes of 3200 and so on. D. Moreover, as experience has shown, this problem can also occur at a time when the load on the server is not Apple, from which I concluded that the difficulties on the part of the firmware. This error usually occurs when you update it when the device saves all user data and only operating system changes. Accordingly, it is better to do a pre-backup data in the gadget (right click on the device in iTunes → «Back Up"), and then install the new firmware through "Recovery." In this case, the gadget drive is formatted, and the system is clean. You can then restore your data from a backup. That's how I Udall install iOS 5 on the personal iPad 2 and iPhone 4, as well as on several devices of friends and acquaintances. Through the "Update" is not intended in any way, all the time flew error.

Delicious buns iOS 5

Well, the new system is installed, you can use! One of my favorite innovations - it is gestures: holding four fingers up - go to the Task Manager by flipping them the same left or right - to switch between applications, reduce his fingers in a pinch - go back to the desktop (the same as key Home). Three simple gestures that turn work with the iPad 2 into a real celebration. It is a trifle, but it saves time, it is convenient. Simply make a quick gesture, than reaching out for Home button - bravo, Apple!

However, the company received a sly, she did not include support for gestures in the first generation iPad. What is it - the attempt to transplant people on a new tablet? Ugly, I think. Hardware there are no restrictions, and this move by Apple side only encourage users to jailbreak, whose appearance for iOS 5 is not far away (I mean untethered jailbreak).

I waited very alternative layout on-screen keyboardWhen it is divided into two parts. In this option easy to use, keeping the weight of the tablet with both hands and typing with your thumbs. At first, a little uncomfortable, but eventually you get used to, and set the speed increases significantly. Include a keyboard can be, holding the bottom right button and selecting "Split", or if you hold it with two fingers on the sides when activated on-screen keyboard, as if tearing. If you keep your fingers, the keyboard layout will meet again in a single unit.

In general, the complaints of this feature, but there are nuances. For example, theoretically, can be moved around the screen split holding her finger, but in practice it is not always obtained. And it needs to move, because it happens that the separation of the keys to the middle of the screen crawl. What would this do not happen, it is better to switch to a split layout gesture.

In addition, when a split keyboard sometimes buggy some forms on web pages and programs. Similarly, the sites I do not remember, and of the programs can be called Facebook - with a comment using new layouts, no "Send" button in the dialog box. Only the keyboard is collected in a single panel - button appears. Hopefully, Apple catch these bugs and remove them in future firmware.

Liked firmware application "Reminders". A simple to-do list and reminder, and in everyday life is more than enough. You can be set signal and its recurrence in a day, a week, and so on. If desired, d. By the way, it is possible to choose different sounds to signal, among which there are quite loud, but notice this is difficult, when it's the reminder time. An important point is also the fact that these reminders are synced between devices via iCloud. I used to use 2Do: Tasks Done in Style - cool program, very functional. But too navorochena it, a lot of superfluous for me gladly replaced the firmware application from Apple.

Of course, it is impossible not to mention the iCloud - synchronization over the air notes, address book, contacts, documents, bookmarks between all your Apple devices - all this is very convenient. Here and I add about wireless synchronization with iTunes by Wi-Fi - a cool feature, but noticed one glyuchok. When you update over Wi-Fi software, they fall out of the folders on the device. Trifle, of course, but it is. On the other hand, you can update the application on the device through the App Store. For the rest, no complaints, wireless synchronization is stable. Oh, I almost forgot, now when you sync, you can use iGadzhetov. In previous firmware versions to do was impossible.

The new center of notifications is beautiful! And by the way, a patent for a realization of his Apple filed in 2007, when about Android still has not heard anything. Swipe your finger from top to bottom and get into the notifications menu, where you can see the current activity and go directly to the desired program or remove its notification. Pop-up on top of the small windows notification also liked a lot more vylazyaschih the middle of the screen plates. If desired, notification center is easy to customize and prioritize programs, registration pop-ups and so on. D. All succinctly, simply and conveniently.

Safari in its rebirth as too pleased. Finally appeared normal tabs instead of strange and slow switching icons and automatic opening links in a background tab. In addition, the Web browser is now even 20% faster. However, I still prefer an alternative option, and here we come to the next section of this article ...

... Favorite applications and experience with iPad 2

Web surfing I have been using iCab Mobile. It is the most actively growing browser in the App Store and let it not as fast as Safari, but in terms of functionality tears all as "Tuzik warmer." Mainly use it for full-screen mode (on the iPhone 4 is generally bombeznaya thing - the browser is a universal app). In addition, like such a thing as Trepad (tap with three fingers and the field appears to move quickly through long web pages), the possibility of save the page for later reading it offline, download manager, convert function Web pages in a PDF and the window quickly jump to your favorite sites. This is just a small fraction of browser capabilities. It is a pity that you can not customize this application as the default browser. In iOS, in principle, there is no such function. Enthusiasts realized it only when there is jailbreak.

Twtter-client on the iPad is incomparable (as well as on the iPhone). Like the system of moving in the horizontal plane of the window panels, the ability to view Web pages directly in the application, cool pictures and implemented demonstration t. D. I work with Twtter constantly, and on iGadzhetov proprietary client to use more convenient than on a Mac. Let me just note that sometimes the program crashes, but do not blame this iOS 5, as in the previous firmware departures were observed too.

Facebook-client reached the tablet is not just a long time, and for a long time, but in the end we got a gorgeous application, through which I began to appear in the social network more frequently. That only is the realization of viewing photo albums or the possibility to make a lot of activities without leaving the news feed. Very, very cool customer.

But on a tablet version of Skype I can only swear. Curve program, unable to cope with text chat, in which three people present and Bole. Well, where have you seen that the story of the couple-hundred messages Troki loaded almost half an hour? And and so is in the company's application - there is one message in a few seconds, the horror! Therefore, for Skype and other IM-mass systems I use imo.im. Simple in appearance, but functional multi-client, besides more and free.

Flipboard I use recently, but already very used to this program. Basically, I use it to read news on foreign websites and search of material to work with. You can do so via RSS (working with MobileRSS Pro), But the newspaper layout Flipboard literally beckons and configures a working mood.

I also read a lot on the iPad, and continue to use for that iBooks. Better alternatives, probably did not come up. Yes, only supports ePub and PDF, but more, in principle, not necessary. But you can create collections, translations and support all the program is very beautiful. IPad 2 turning pages was smoother than on the predecessor, and download books too. Naturally, much faster processed PDF-files, although their reading, I use GoodReader. Since my review of the program is much older, it has acquired a new, fast engine, PDF processing, and even support for iCloud.

Often use the tablet for typing on the go (or if too lazy to open the laptop), which apply Pages. In addition, it helps to work lingvo DictionariesIn which I enjoy the interaction function with the clipboard (Copy to clipboard unfamiliar word, moved to Lingvo, as it already is in the search box). Although the parallel use "Context"As its basic set of dictionaries, to put it mildly, is wider than that of a competitor.

If watching the video on the tablet, you can use Air Video, The benefit of a large home machine is almost always included. Through it also encode content in batches and if suddenly where long leave and want to pour on the tablet more interesting. Rather, the client encodes the movies on the PC, but the queue is formed through the plate (or via phone, universal program).

In Mail.app much change I had not noticed since the arrival of the support conversations and the work of this function I do not like. I would like to have the same as the implementation of it in Gmail. However, the e-mail client is very easy to use and is constantly used.

Games - are an important component of the iPad 2, with it something powerful video accelerator PowerVR SGX 543MP2, which is better at the moment there is nothing on the market. Even the Galaxy SII with its vaunted Mali-400 lags in productivity by about half. This monstrous power brought to the tablet Infinity Blade with significantly improved graphics (finally voluminous texture) my favorite Death Rally has received anti-aliasing, a similar effect is also in Dead Space - greatly improves picture. With pleasure rubles a Luxor 2, Peggle HD, Anodia, iSlash HD, 4 Elements, Puzzle Quest 2, Saqqarah HD, a novelty 7 Wonders: Magical Mystery Tour HD and a host of other toys mood.

The eldest son has also successfully mastered the tablet, even though he only iPad 2 for games. In addition, in the last couple of months gadget "rasprobovali" And a woman who is actively using it for web surfing and reading. Already starting in the family wars for electronic miracle, and I usually find myself losing party, the benefit of an iPhone 4, partially replacing the plate.

More gadgets in the home big navigation

Seriously, the iPad 2 has become a full-fledged family device such as a TV or stereo system, for example. Without it, it is hard to imagine life. Yes, you can do, but with the tablet more comfortable. This is an amazing and very easy to use device that is easy to master as a 3-year old child, and grandmother-pensioner. Competitors are growing up, but for the casual user is still no alternative. App Store - a great power, and iOS licked to a shine.

For example, my little experience with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been more negative than positive. And like all works, but the interface is somehow retarding, somehow crookedly it is organized, and that I do not always know where to tyknut finger, to say nothing of the housewives. Plus a third-party software leaves much to be desired. However, Android is growing, growing, evolving and it is good competition - the engine of progress.

With regard to, in fact, experience with the iPad 2 compared with the iPad 1, it is very good. Less weight, thickness, brighter screen, gestures, better performance, a more comfortable web surfing, better run game. However, the original tablet owners should not rush to upgrade. It all depends on the usage pattern of the gadget. As an Internet tablet, e-mail client, album it works no worse than a novice. Yes, and for any other purposes it can also be used perfectly. Let a little slower, but it works, and steadily. Although, if you have the opportunity to change, to change something, iPad 2 will not disappoint. But we all also expect iPad 3 with a Retina-dipsleem, and it will be a great time to be thrifty users to purchase its predecessor, but it is very profitable to buy at secondary market the original iPad. Here he does not exactly have alternatives for the price that the average gadget now stands.

Apple formed the tablet market, and it continues to keep it tight in his hands. Fora in seven months, during which the iPad was the only multimedia tablet on the market - it is a huge time and has used it to 100%. Now the competitors play the role of catch-up. They tried to keep up with the first generation iPad, and the company rolled out the iPad 2 for the price of the original. The first generation of cheaper and all competitors out in the cold, because they are with the iPad 1 hard to compete. Currently, the most serious enemy - is Samsung, «iron», the company elegant, but Android still has a long way of development, and not only him, but also tablet section Android Market.