Apple iPad review

1. Introduction2. Outward Appearance3. The Insides4. Operation5. Software6. Battery Life7. Conclusion8. View All Pages

In operation, the iPad is stonkingly quick and its noticeable if you are used to the iPhone or iPod Touch. The A4 is a blazing mobile processor and it handled everything I could throw at it. If you play an iPhone game, you get a 1x/2x scaling option to fill the screen although the graphics will be pixelated – HD versions of apps and games are already available on the store. While applications run and open very quickly there is no multitasking support which is a bit of a bummer. That said, Apples applications, such as Safari, iPod and Mail all support multitasking. The iPad would be a perfect tool for instant messaging for instance if it didn't kick you out once you try and do anything else at the same time. One of the systems strongest points (along with the excellent screen) is the battery – which is a 25 watt lithium polymer model – this battery, like the newer Macbooks is non removable (unless you have a tool kit handy). More on this later.

The display is really beautiful and this is the primary talking point – the 9.7 LED backlit IPS display delivers on every level, from being painstakingly bright at top setting to able to deliver pin point precision on fine text. The colours are exceptionally well displayed and the blacks are very rich and have a depth that only the best panels can deliver. I did notice a little backlighting bleed on mine in a specific area however it really wasn't that noticeable.

The capacitive multitouch screen is without a doubt the best in class right now and Apple really have the input technology nailed.

Negatively I already mentioned the lack of webcam and I also feel they could have included a USB port and perhaps even an SD card reader to improve the overall connectivity. The speakers are decent considering the size, however good headphones would be recommended for serious long term use.

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