I thought it was an excellent review. It was the most comprehensive review I've seen to date in the iPad 2, and it had the best info on hardware specs, best comparisons to Xoom and iPad 1, best explanations of limitations, drawbacks, caveats with iPad 2.
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AnandTech: The iPad 2 Review
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hitekalex
macrumors 68000
What in the world are you talking about?? I have read AnandTech review cover to cover, and it's amazing in its depth and attention to every detail. There is simply no other review of this quality in the tech blogosphere. They actually take their time week to USE the device, and properly test every aspect of it.. unlike NYT, WSJ, and even Engadget, who all seem to be in a race to get something out there.
If you want the usual Apple fanboy gushing reviews - Anand isn't the place for you. Stick to Mossberg and Pogue - their depth and format seem to be more up your alley.
The writer started by disqualifying himself as a good candidate for an iPad. He just doesn't "get" the iPad. It doesn't have a keyboard for the same reason it doesn't have wings or wheels (or USB ports).
I travel several days a week on tiny airplanes to teach, show videos and give presentations. I will be delighted to leave my laptop behind and just take an iPad. iPad is aimed at people like me, who are mostly information consumers (at least when I'm traveling). I make my notes in a paper notebook and collect data mostly by taking pictures and videos. I write my reports in the office, where I have a coffee maker and a computer. They should have had someone like me review the iPad. Someone who "gets" it.
I travel several days a week on tiny airplanes to teach, show videos and give presentations. I will be delighted to leave my laptop behind and just take an iPad. iPad is aimed at people like me, who are mostly information consumers (at least when I'm traveling). I make my notes in a paper notebook and collect data mostly by taking pictures and videos. I write my reports in the office, where I have a coffee maker and a computer. They should have had someone like me review the iPad. Someone who "gets" it.
I just don't think he's that big on the tablet form factor to begin with and he's pretty open about it in the review, which is fine as tablet really isn't for everyone. However throughout the massive review, there's that consistent feeling of pessimism permeating regarding the usability of the tablet as a device so that's something to consider.
The ironic part is that if you recall Anand really loved the first iPhone and was an early converter and many people hated him for that. 😉
Most of the complaints about the Xoom are that it didn't come with features it was advertised to be capable of (4G and Flash) or that the OS is just rough around the edges. Apple released the first iPad and didn't have multitasking on it for a while, lacked a camera for FaceTime, etc. And there have always been bugs with iOS that eventually get fixed (even if too late, e.g. alarm clock issues).
Anandtech's review is a good review. Sure, it doesn't encompass all people (those who frequently need to give presentations on the run, little kids who just want to play games, grandparents, etc) but it does fit with the majority of its readers. Anandtech is geared to the tech crowd, people who build their own computers and use their computers to generate content, crunch numbers, etc.
Personally, I fit pretty well with the reviewers. I did decide to go with an iPad because I need a tablet to watch videos and read PDF files on the go, and could see myself using it for web browsing and such at home. However, despite what Mr. Jobs tells me, it is not going to replace my PC. Multitasking is still too cumbersome. I still can't use some percentage of web sites (at least on my iPhone). It doesn't have the processing power to do everything I need a computer to do. I can't make or edit complicated spreadsheets. And it's too hard to transfer data from one machine to another. (to name a few things).
I've used the Xoom a fair amount and can see that it's closer to replacing the laptop than the iPad. Flash doesn't quite work as well as it should, but at least it COULD. Multitasking and notifications are handled much better. And I like that I can set up a home screen where I can take a quick glance at the tablet and get a bunch of information, rather than tapping through multiple apps (why Apple can't make the weather app icon show the current weather is beyond my comprehension). Still, since it has a way to go, I went with the more polished product rather than spending time tinkering with the Xoom.
This year is still going to be the year of the iPad. I'm very interested in what happens next year, once Honeycomb has had a year to mature; device makers find the right balance of hardware, form factor, and price; and Apple releases its new iteration of the iPad. Without a big step forward in iOS, next year could be the year of the Ice cream sandwich.
AppleScruff1
macrumors G4
Do you think the average iOS user even reads tech reviews?
You do know that Anand uses a Macbook Pro and a MBA, right? So I think he's
got a pretty good overview of things and he choses Mac.
I think they write some of the best, in depth, unbiased reviews on the net. They don't sugar coat anything. People here are getting butt hurt because they don't find the iPad useful for their use.
So the writer doesn't "get it"? So someone has to "get it" to understand and use an iPad? LMAO! He said it isn't useful for him. It may be great for you. What is there to get?
We are obviously used to typing on a keyboard, but with time we will get used to tapping. It is the next evolution. Less concern we would have spilling drinks and killing the computer. Maybe in 10 years, typing is no longer in our vocabulary. It will be tapping or clicking.
Mac.World
macrumors 68000
nStyle,
Your analogy is flawed and harkens a political ideology more commonly found with a socialist-marxist. For example, I can say that you can get by with a horse, so why do you need a car? You can live in a tin shack, so why do you need a house? Where do you draw the line on what is necessary for an individual? What may be a luxury for you, may be a necessity for another.
Additionally, you fail to mention that a MBP allows the user to determine if he wants to use OSX or Windows 7, or even Ubuntu. If there is PC software out there I want, I'm not restricted from it. I can still use it. If I own a PC and there is Apple software I want, I'm screwed.
Actually I think the writer goes out of his way to slam the iPad. For a tech writer, he is pretty obtuse. It almost appears that he doesn't understand the device's intent/function. Plus, it's obvious that it's in it's developmental infancy.
My take is that it wasn't very objective, he's not a fan and is somewhat of a momma's boy!
Tsuchiya
macrumors 68020
I was wondering when someone would wade in and talk some sense in this thread.
It was a decent review, I felt that he highlighted some of my own personal concerns about iOS in general.
I'll probably still be getting the iPad 2 next week purely because for my specific needs it will perform admirably, but the point about tablets right now still not being quite "there" is fairly correct.
It didn't have to be an iPad, but I do NEED a computing device that does what the iPad can do.
Just for the sake of debate, I'm interested in a deceive that I can check email, RDP back to my main computer, open large PDFs, has a 10 hours battery, quality IPS screen so I can sit next to someone and not worry the have a poor viewing angle. Please point out this device and I will happily agree I don't need an iPad. These uses just scratch the surface of how I utilize it for both work and entertainment.
It is a portable device I've been looking for as long as I been in sales. Sure it has limitations but currently it's a very useful tool that fundamentally changed how I go about my day. Oh and that device that can replace my iPad should be $500 bucks or less.
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The reviewer needs to "get it" in the same way a typewriter reviewer needed to "get" personal computers and word-processors in their infancy. As a tech "writer", failure to recognize and admit that the face of computing is undergoing drastic fundamental change, will ensure their commentary is considered irrelevant.
Again, this isn't as much about Apple/iPad, as it is about a failure to grasp the concept of tablets and mobile computing in general.
tigres
macrumors 601
My point was, as it flew right over you; is that are obviously flaunting your wealth, or simply being obtuse.
Exactly.
Or for 349 for that matter. 😉 Refurb, 1year bumper to bumper warranty.
steadysignal
macrumors 6502a
Responding to an opinion with an insult on a Mac Forum is the epitome of a fanboy.
A used laptop can do what you want for cheaper. For the sake of the conversation on what is a 'need' and what is a 'want, no one needs a computer. There are plenty of jobs that can keep you alive without the need for a computer, so please don't throw that at me. The iPad is a bit more luxurious because of the portability factor, but certainly not a need for anyone. You must be confusing priorities for needs.
The whole argument over Mac vs PC was brought up to make a point, and in no way suggested communism. I find it very pathetic that anyone would even interpret it that way. My argument was explaining disposable income. Since I don't really use the iPad that much but still like it, how does it make me any different than someone who does use it a lot and loves it, when we consider the fact that neither one of us needs the device to live and stay healthy, which is the bottom line.
You can argue all you want, but no one needs a computing device to stay alive. Therefore, my needs, vs anyone else's needs, are the exact same.
Eh. I thought it was a fine review, and honest. It is just a bit narrow minded, in that it looks only at their uses which are particular rather than what the broader uses might be for others in other fields (or no fields).
There are some work things I can't do on my iPad. But there are a whole lot of other work and personal things that I CAN do. So I use it a lot, even though I still want a computer with me when I need to do a computer task. The failure to recognize that others have other needs is the problem.
There are some work things I can't do on my iPad. But there are a whole lot of other work and personal things that I CAN do. So I use it a lot, even though I still want a computer with me when I need to do a computer task. The failure to recognize that others have other needs is the problem.
I honestly don't know why anyone would complain about that review just because it doesn't proclaim the iPad to be the end all be all of computing devices. I thought it was a very fair and very thorough review (which is par for the course over at Anandtech). They're absolutely right that we're just at the beginning of the tablet (or "post-PC") movement and that these devices will continue to creep closer and closer to being complete PC replacements. The fact of the matter is that these things can't replace 100% of what we do with PCs because of either hardware or software limitations. Time will eat away at both of those limitations.
AppleScruff1
macrumors G4
What concept is there to grasp? The iPad doesn't suit the writers needs. His opinion is just as valid as yours. An iPad is also useless for encoding 4k video, but it's still good for browsing the net.
Just because they didn't suck up to Apple I'm sure
The potential Apple "could have" if not for their polarizing culture would truly be amazing.
Too bad it will never happen.
Apple is too self absorbed to be truly open minded.
azentropy
macrumors 601
A good review from AnandTech. The iPad and Tablets in general are not for everyone and I too still feel they are a luxury. I've found myself using it MUCH more than I ever thought I would though, although I can see why others have not.
I do disagree with "I believe we'll see second generation Android tablets that rival the iPad 2's thickness but for now you have to keep in mind that we're comparing a second generation iOS tablet to first generation Android tablets. " That is an extremely odd and to me incorrect statement.
The first generation Android tablets were the Samsung Galaxy, Dell Streak etc. The Xoom and other Honeycomb tablets (yet to be released) are the second generation Android tablets. Maybe they meant to say the first generation Honeycomb tablets.... In any case the Xoom was released weeks before the iPad 2, so who cares what generation they are actually labeled as.
I do disagree with "I believe we'll see second generation Android tablets that rival the iPad 2's thickness but for now you have to keep in mind that we're comparing a second generation iOS tablet to first generation Android tablets. " That is an extremely odd and to me incorrect statement.
The first generation Android tablets were the Samsung Galaxy, Dell Streak etc. The Xoom and other Honeycomb tablets (yet to be released) are the second generation Android tablets. Maybe they meant to say the first generation Honeycomb tablets.... In any case the Xoom was released weeks before the iPad 2, so who cares what generation they are actually labeled as.
i like their review
even though they tend to favour one or the other (AMD vs Intel, Mac OS X vs Windows, iOS vs Andriod, Intel SSD vs other SSDs and so on)
but there are lots of technical details in the article(s)
i tend to believe their (Anandtech) battery test (in iPhone or iPad or Macbook ) than any other site ...
even though they tend to favour one or the other (AMD vs Intel, Mac OS X vs Windows, iOS vs Andriod, Intel SSD vs other SSDs and so on)
but there are lots of technical details in the article(s)
i tend to believe their (Anandtech) battery test (in iPhone or iPad or Macbook ) than any other site ...
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hitekalex
macrumors 68000
And that's fine by me.. Every reviewer is entitled to their own perspective. The sense I got from isn't so much that the reviewer thought tablets aren't a useful format - but rather it's the platform that is still in a very early phase and it's got some ways to go before it's "all that it can be".
The conclusions of the review are well articulated and backed up by solid evidence. For instance, the reviewer notes how much of a huge pain it is to work on a document between an iPad and a PC/Mac.. this stems from iOS' utter lack of a coherent file management system. I think anyone who had ever attempted to do any serious document editing work on an iPad can concur with that. The rest of the findings is similarly well backed up, and that's all that one can ask for from a tech review.
What opinion? Your posts (and some others here) seem to be faulting the AT review for (a) its length, and (b) its less than gushing display of enthusiasm about iPad 2. I am just pointing out there are many tech review sources out there who are much more Apple-friendly, and who use a lot more "consumer oriented" format. Hardly an insult 😉
asleep
macrumors 68040
Anand probably sums it up for me, which will result in an iPad2
.
I really like the iPad 2, I feel like it's an awesome device - I just have pretty much no use for it. It complicates my life it doesn't make it any easier. I find that it's far more relaxing to use than a notebook but it's also extremely limited it what it can do for me. I'm giving my first generation iPad to my parents and I'll probably end up doing the same with the iPad 2 eventually.
Again, like Brian, I'm going to give the iPad another try. This time I'm going to try to keep it further away from my desk and use it as the go-to device when I'm elsewhere in the house. I really don't have high expectations for integrating it into my daily life but there's no harm in trying.
I stand by my original assessment of the iPad - it's a luxury device that augments and doesn't replace anything in my computing arsenal. It's yet another device that I have to keep updated, buy software for and keep my data synced across.
We'll see.
I really like the iPad 2, I feel like it's an awesome device - I just have pretty much no use for it. It complicates my life it doesn't make it any easier. I find that it's far more relaxing to use than a notebook but it's also extremely limited it what it can do for me. I'm giving my first generation iPad to my parents and I'll probably end up doing the same with the iPad 2 eventually.
Again, like Brian, I'm going to give the iPad another try. This time I'm going to try to keep it further away from my desk and use it as the go-to device when I'm elsewhere in the house. I really don't have high expectations for integrating it into my daily life but there's no harm in trying.
I stand by my original assessment of the iPad - it's a luxury device that augments and doesn't replace anything in my computing arsenal. It's yet another device that I have to keep updated, buy software for and keep my data synced across.
We'll see.
It's a very narrow-minded review in many ways, despite its thoroughness. Comparing the Xoom to the iPad 2, and saying the way the Xoom does tabs is much better, and the way you multitask is much better - doesn't really look at the bigger picture.
The tabs actually work a lot better on the iPad for ME because then there's no tab bar taking up space, and the same goes for that multitasking bar at the bottom. And heck, with the XCode install for gestures, the iPad 2's superiority (to ME) is even more clear.
FACT (and yes, this is fact), forgetting actual laptops, the iPad provides the smoothest UI, on any portable device, be it phone or tablet, ever.
And just to bump my review of the iPad 2:
www.bighugenerd.com 😀 😀
The tabs actually work a lot better on the iPad for ME because then there's no tab bar taking up space, and the same goes for that multitasking bar at the bottom. And heck, with the XCode install for gestures, the iPad 2's superiority (to ME) is even more clear.
FACT (and yes, this is fact), forgetting actual laptops, the iPad provides the smoothest UI, on any portable device, be it phone or tablet, ever.
And just to bump my review of the iPad 2:
www.bighugenerd.com 😀 😀