iPad Accessories

The iPad 2 is absurdly thin. More importantly than it's thinness is its tapered edge which feels more natural in your hand. One of the biggest complaints about the original iPad was it really wasn't tremendously comfortable to hold for long periods at a time. For a tablet device designed to be held, that's a pretty big deal. Apple really has done an amazing job of cramming everything into an even smaller space than before and the difference is really noticeable when you're holding the device. In addition to the tapered edge, Apple managed to reduce the overall weight of the iPad 2. That might not seem like a huge deal to most, especially when you consider the weight difference isn't tremendous when you're already under 2 pounds, but I spend a good part of my day holding the iPad in my hands and the weight difference is surprising by the end of the day. The first generation isn't heavy by any means, but the iPad 2 outshines it.

New and "Improved"
Apple doubled the RAM in the iPad 2 from 256MB to 512MB. What does that mean? For most casual users, probably not a whole lot. There is a performance bump that everyone will see the effects of in things like loading times for webpages that are open in the background, but 256MB was sufficient for most daily use and games. If you're planning to use your device for some of the more graphically intense games the iPad 2 does offer a better method of graphics processing that'll help deliver faster images with fewer jerky movements. If you're just playing Angry birds and reading e-mail you're not going to know the difference.

The screen is the same for all real purposes. It is technically a "new" part in that it isn't identical to the old, it's a bit thinner and more efficient, but it's the same resolution. The Glass is thinner though, and this amounts to a fair bit of the weight loss from one generation to the next. In playing with the device it seems surprising but despite feeling lighter it actually feels more sturdy in your hands. I still wouldn't suggest dropping it, but if it were to fall the iPad 2 certainly feels like it might stand a better chance to survive. Try not to drop it though.

The addition of 2 cameras was expected. Some were a bit surprised to see the first generation released without the cameras. Whether it was for a price point consideration, or a means to get people to upgrade, Apple held off until iPad 2. The cameras do a reasonable job, but they're not going to replace a dedicated digital camera, or really even the camera on your phone for most still images. The cameras do a substantially better job with video, and FaceTime is probably one of the best reasons to get the iPad 2 over the original iPad. For those who might not be familiar, FaceTime is Apple's face to face conferencing system, kind of like Skype, or if you'd rather, kind of like the Jetson's TV/Phone. With the push of a button you can be having a face to face chat with a loved one just about anywhere in the world (provided they're on a wireless network at the time). FaceTime doesn't work over 3G natively (it can be used over a wifi connection created by a 3G device however) so you're not going to be able to use it in your car anytime soon. This is probably a good thing though. It is incredibly easy to use and if you know other people with an iPad 2, iPhone 4, or Mac it's a lot of fun.

Smart Covers are really very useful. Not only do they provide a stylistic enhancement of the device, but they serve a practical and functional purpose of doubling as a screen protector and stand in 2 configurations. You can find them in a variety of colors above in this lens and it's a safe bet that more will be out soon to capitalize on the magnetic sensors in the iPad 2. It's unfortunate that this same feature can't somehow be retrofitted to the iPad 1, I wouldn't have thought a case would be a compelling reason to consider a product over it's competitor, but these covers are really so useful it's hard to understand why they've not been there since the beginning.

Apple iPad 2 Smart Leather Cover, BlackSo much more than a case, the Smart Cover was designed alongside iPad 2 to be its perfect match: a thin, durable cover that magnetically aligns for a perfect fit. It automatically wakes and sleeps your iPad. It's a handy stand for reading, watching, and typing. Its microfiber lining keeps your iPad screen clean.And it's a way to make your iPad as personal on the outside as it is on the inside.

Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover, Blue (Polyurethane)iPad Smart Cover. One great idea on top of another!

The Smart Cover and iPad 2 were made for each other.

Built-in magnets draw the Smart Cover to iPad for a perfect fit that not only protects, but also wakes up, stands up, and brightens up your iPad
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The slim, yet sturdy Smart Cover protects your iPad screen without covering up its durable aluminum back. So your iPad still looks and feels like an iPad - just with a little extra protection.

Easy to slip onto your iPad 2 for long lasting protection. Access all of the iPad 2's features without taking off the case.
This is specifically designed for iPad 2 with details tailored to meet end users' every expectation. Now, we even made it to support Sleep Mode. It will put your iPad 2 to sleep when the cover is closed and it wakes it up when the cover is opened. (Sleep Mode needs to be turned on on your iPad 2).

Compatibility: Apple iPad 2 2nd Generation (16GB, 32GB, 64GB), Wi-Fi and 3G. NOT Compatible with 1st Generation iPad.
Material: 3-layer PET film from Japan. Invisible film - once applied, it protectors your screen and it's invisible
Static-cling Application
Designed to perfect fit your iPad 2 screen allowing full access to the controls.
Acaseview Films (3-pack), Application card, Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloth.

Apple Digital AV Adapter - MC953ZMA. Mirror Whatever's On Your iPad Screen On Your TV. Plays Movies At 720p Or 1080p(iPad 2 Only). HDMI Compatible. Routes Digital Audio To Screen. White Finish

It does however support several apps. It allowed me to play videos stored on my iPad. It also allows me to watch Netflix. Sound is transmitted as well as video on my HDTV. The quality appears to be standard definition from what I can tell.

* Connection Features: 30-pin Apple Connector
* Cable Application: iPad
* Compatibility: iPad 2

Have you considered getting an all in one bundle, they are great value for money

* Perfect Complete 15-Item Bundle
* Variety of Cases for Protection and Style
* Great for Traveling and Leisure Time
* Quality Chargers and Cables that will not harm your device
* Compatible with Apple iPad 3G tablet / Wifi model 16GB, 32GB, 64GB

Apple iPad Keyboard Dock. The keyboard is attached to a charging point which allows you to charge the power on your iPad whilst enabling the use of a full size keyboard. The ability to charge and power your keyboard from the same device is not the only benefit of the iPad Keyboard Dock, as you would expect from an Apple product, as the dock has a rear connector port which allows you to connect to any USB device.

You could use the dock to sync to your computer or use any one of numerous accessories such as USB flash drives or the iPad camera connection kit. A separate audio port (line out) enables you to connect to a stereo or some Apple speakers, or indeed your own portable speakers. The Keyboard Dock does not come with an audio cable however, which you will need to purchase yourself if you don't already own one. This fantastic combo is without a shadow of doubt the best iPad keyboard set available, allowing you to open up your iPad to a whole plethora of new usage possibilities.

A unique new iPad cover designed for gamers, kids, and rugged environments, with an additional design feature allowing for the attachment to a car headrest. The Ektopad is a silicone case with an integrated design featuring cushioned grips on the ends and back for gaming, an interior rib structure for added protection, and openings on the corners for attaching the included woven elastic strap Ultimate Gaming Feel Side grips modeled after Formula 1 steering Whether speeding down the raceway, stomping through the forest, skimming over the water surface, or rocketing through the sky, the Ektopad creates a whole new feel when gaming on the iPad. The Ektopad silicon cover beefs up the feel and gives gamers something supple to clutch.

The result: more control and more fun! Highest Protection Intricate rib structure adds unmatched cushioning The Ektopad has taken a cellular approach to adding maximum protection to your iPad without adding much weight and while complementing the great style of the iPad. The Ektopad silicon skin consists of an intricate array of ribs and cells that compress and expand and will never lose it's cellular elasticity. Attach Anywhere Includes sporty woven elastic strap Not everyone has a video screen on the rear of their headrest for the backseat crew to watch videos...but now they can. Other places to strap the iPad using the Ektopad cover include airplane seatback and the gym treadmill.