The original iPad often found itself accused of being uncomfortable to hold for any length of time, and although its successor does not entirely solve the problem (this is still weighty for one handed use) it's a massive step in the right direction.
The reduced thickness of the device.
Apple iPad 2 is just 8.4 mm thick; for people with the iPhone 4, that means that the latest tablet is actually thinner than your phone.
Thickness never really felt like a major problem with the original iPad, but that doesn't mean that this isn't welcome on a thinner, sexier device.
Yes, sexier. That's the overriding impression of the iPad 2.
Another key addition is cameras - front and back - and you'll be pleased to hear that the addition does not mar the looks at all.
In fact the front camera is subtle, as it is on the iPhone 4, and the rear one (which can record in HD) certainly doesn't turn the device into an ugly cyclops.
But, it isn't just in the looks department that Apple has sprinkled its magic; this beauty is also a bit of a tablet beast under the hood.
That's largely due to a new A5 dual-core processor from Apple – an all-in-one offering with heavily beefed up graphics capability and twice as fast as a CPU.
Steve Jobs promised us that the new Apple iPad 2 is nine times more powerful in the graphics department that its predecessor – which should give games app developers something to get their teeth into.
The extra boost of speed is noticeable in the time it takes to open apps. There is still a delay, of course, but it's much reduced – and the already responsive touchscreen seems a little zippier as well.
We tested a couple of programs that gave the new chip a thorough bashing - namely the brand spanking new (and rather lovely) GarageBand and Infinity Blade.
Starting with the latter, Infinity Blade was a real test for the iPad original, but the discernible lag that affected it is definitely much reduced on the iPad 2.
That makes for a completely different feel to the game - it's spritely and impressive. We can't wait to see more graphically intense games of this ilk really pushing the boundaries.
It's impossible to go much further without discussing one of the things that did not make it onto the iPad 2 - namely the Retina display that is found on the iPhone 4.
We're big fans of this hi-res display on Apple's flagship phone, and we were hoping that we would see it arrive on the iPad 2.
But, be it through cost or manufacturing, the display does not appear to be changed much at all. Which frankly is a bit of a shame.
It may be an added extra, but it's also well worth talking about the Smart Cover. The iPad 2 has magnets built in that mean the Cover – at $39 (plastic) or $69 (leather) - will latch on and protect the screen.
It's actually really cool – although maybe not quite as simple as Apple make it look in the video. The cover curls underneath to make a stand and peeling back one corner wakes the device.
Conclusion
Apple iPad 2 feels and acts drastically differently from its predecessor.
The plethora of changes - some cosmetic, some under the hood - have boosted a device that felt like a luxury, to a device that is head and shoulders above its competitors at the moment.
The lighter, thinner iPad 2 is nicer to hold, nicer to use and nicer to look at - and if that's not an important upgrade then maybe we're missing the point.
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