Apple’s second-generation iPad mostly impresses, but Apple still managed to leave some key technologies out.
Apple failed to deliver on a few vital differentiators in iPad2..
No 4G:
The iPad 2 will be sold in three wireless configurations: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + 3G (AT&T), and Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon Wireless). Looking at the spec sheet, it indicates that the AT&T variant of the iPad 2 supports quad-band GSM/EDGE and quad-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA. The Verizon Wireless variant uses EVDO Rev. A. These are 3G technologies. The iPad 2 doesn’t have HSPA+, nor does it have LTE.
No NFC:
Apple failed to add near-field communications (NFC) capabilities to the iPad 2.Google’s Android platform (at least the 2.3 Gingerbread version) supports NFC, though only one phone is properly equipped.Getting the chips into mobile devices of any shape/size will help drive the NFC and mobile payment ecosystem forward. Sadly, not with this generation.
No Accessory Improvements:
Apple didn’t change a darned things about the iPad’s accessory support.That Apple didn’t move (or at least duplicate) the 30-pin connector to the side of the device for better landscape compatibility. The iPad 2 also doesn’t have an SD card slot for expandable memory.
No Display Improvements:
The iPad 2 uses the exact same display as the original iPad. It measures 9.7-inches across the diagonal, and has 1024 x 768 pixels, giving it a disappointing 132 pixels per inch. By way of comparison, the iPhone 4′s Retina Display has a pixel density of 326ppi. Perhaps we’ll see a better display on next year’s model.
