Apple iPad 2 ultimate buying guide
- — 24 March, 2011 09:30
Apple's iPad 2
What accessories are available for the iPad 2?
A range of third-party accessories will be available for the iPad 2, including cases, stands, docks, cables and screen protectors. Apple has a number of official iPad 2 accessories which will be sold through Apple Stores.
iPad 2 Smart Cover: $45 (polyurethane) or $79 (leather)
Apple has released a new cover for the iPad 2 called the 'Smart Cover'. Described by Steve Jobs as "not a case," the Smart Cover has a magnetic flap that clips onto the side of the iPad 2, and automatically wakes and puts the iPad 2 to sleep depending on whether it is open or closed. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand and comes in 10 colours, including five in Italian leather.
The iPad 2's 'Smart Cover' has a magnetic flap that clips onto the side of the iPad 2. It automatically wakes and puts the iPad 2 to sleep depending on whether it is open or closed.
iPad 2 digital AV adapter: $45
The iPad 2 is capable of 1080p Full HD HDMI output if you purchase an optional Apple Digital AV Adapter that plugs into the standard Apple dock connector. The Apple Digital AV Adapter mirrors what you see on your iPad on your TV or HDMI-equipped monitor, and comes with a second built-in dock connector allowing you to charge the iPad 2 at the same time.
iPad 2 dock: $39
The iPad 2 may be awkward to hold due to its size and if you have limited desk space at home, a dock could be ideal to save some space. The Apple iPad 2 dock has a rear dock connector and an audio line-out port.
iPad 2 camera connection kit: $39
One of the chief criticisms of the iPad 2, like the original iPad, is its lack of a USB port or a memory card reader for uploading photos. Apple's answer is the camera connection kit — it's available in USB or SD card models and means you don't have to connect the iPad 2 to your PC to upload photos. It also works with the original iPad.
iPad 2 USB power adapter: $39
The iPad 2 power adapter lets you charge your iPad through an electrical outlet and comes with a longer cord. It also works with the original iPad.
iPad 2 dock connector to VGA adapter: $39
This cable allows users to connect an iPad to a projector or monitor and display content such as photos, videos and apps on a larger screen. Unfortunately, this accessory only outputs images and video, not sound. It also works with the original iPad.
The iPad 2 is available in Australia from 25 March.
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Comments
Dave
1
The disappointment. I waited and waited hoping it would go further than the pundits were predicting. But with no USB or SD slot I will either buy an original iPad (which are probably cheaper now?) OR go to another unit that allows me the flexibility to move my files on my unit. What a shame...Jobs, you missed a wonderful opportunity to delight your consumer instead of disappoint
Ross Catanzariti
2
Hi Dave,
I tend to agree with you. Never expected the iPad 2 to have a USB port, but an SD card slot should have been included considering this is an ideal device to store and display photos.
lemoon
3
Yeah, the iPad 2 is slimmer, lighter, but except the iMovie and Garageband are great upgrade, think about with iMovie maybe I don't need the iFunia video converter to do my video converting and editing~ It doesn't have any more excitings to me, no SD slot, no Retina display, and no Gorilla glass, no surprise...
I think I would like to stick with the 1gen iPad and wait for iPad 3 ;)
Peter T.
4
Dave and Ross, please do some research. It is not incorrect to say that the iPad does not have built-in SD/USB, but the way you both write implies to any reader that SD/USB is not available for the iPad, which is quite untrue. Both are available by way of a cheap dongle. The SD dongle works perfectly well. The USB dongle is advertised as a camera connection. It might be limited, but I've not tried it yet and so I am unsure. Anyway, the important issue is that SD is most definitely available for the iPad, albeit that you need to buy a cheap dongle.