The Apple iPad 2 has been unveiled, and TechRadar has spent some time with the hottest piece of kit so far in 2011.
Make no mistake, this is a seriously cool piece of kit, bringing a whole host of improvements that, individually, may not sound like much, but put together take the iPad onto a whole new plane.
First up ? the new chassis is an immediate and clear improvement; and the primary thing of note is that it is much flatter on its backside - and therefore more capable of sitting on a flat surface.
It's a minor improvement, but it makes a big difference to how comfortable the device actually feels in the hand as well as when you have it on a surface.
Of course, another difference is the weight ? and although 0.2 of a pound (90g) sounds infinitesimal, it makes a considerable difference.
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.
Another element of major note is the reduced thickness of the device.
Apple has somehow managed to shave off an extra third of the original iPad's thickness and it certainly shows.
Indeed, the 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. You thought the original iPad was desirable, but its successor makes it look like a dumpy girl next door with its supermodel good looks and a size that suggests a diet of Diet Coke and cigarettes.
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 (whcih can record in HD) certainly doesn't turn the device into an ugly cyclops.
We can't help but question the need for cameras at all; it's rare that you will actually want to take out your tablet to take a picture and we're yet to be convinced by the merits of Facetime.
But, the cameras function as you would expect - and we're sure hours of fun can be had with PhotoBooth and the video calling function.
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.
In fact, 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.
Keen musicians are going to love GarageBand, which gives you the chance to make music to your heart's content.
It's an environment where lag and waiting time would crucify the experience. But fortunately from a speedy loading time right the way through to instant responsiveness to our ham-fisted efforts to drum, this was a pleasurable experience.
iMovie also felt quick and responsive; and although this isn't going to be competing against a quad-core gaming beast, we do think that you will appreciate the stride taken from the iPad original's A4.
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.
In a word, it's neat; and that's not a term you'll find far away from your thoughts when you first pick up an iPad 2.
Conclusion
People who suggest this is an incremental upgrade are simply not looking at the bigger picture; the Apple iPad 2 feels and acts drastically differently from its predecessor.
The plethora 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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