Ars reviews the iPad 2: big performance gains in a slimmer package

The iPad 2 is an iteration on the original iPad in order to optimize the user experience, both inside and outside. Ars put the device through its paces to see how different it really is in our latest review.

<a href='http://meincmagazine.com/apple/reviews/2011/03/ipad-2-the-ars-review.ars'>Read the whole story</a>

 

[Sulis]

They already have a jailbreak for it. So, yes, you can.

Jailbreaking is not an option. We've been over this dozens of times on this forum. Voiding your warranty with third party hacks is not an acceptable solution. Apple needs to provide a supported opt-in for folks who want to install apps from outside the App Store. You know, like Android. It isn't hard.

Don't be silly - of course it's an option. It's just one you don't particularly like.

Having said that, Apple does seem to be making life a bit harder for jailbreakers - iBooks now doesn't work properly with JB'd devices, and I've encountered a few other instances of the same behaviour in other Apps.

Me, I haven't bothered JBing my iPad. I couldn't imagine using my iPhone without LockInfo and Activator, but the way I use my iPad means I don't miss 'em at all.

 

[Sulis]

Which is precisely why it's not an option. A company that will actively goes out of its way to restrict what I can do with my device doesn't deserve my business. I'm just glad Apple has not extended this Orwellian behavior to OSX. Hopefully they never will.

OK, I get that you're making a principled stand here, supporting the beleagured rebel forces of freedom and democracy against the evil dictator keeping his people in the walled garden of tyranny. I don't particularly relish the lack of an approved alternative to the app store, but neither do I find I care that much in practice. Count me in with the "I know he's a dictator, but he's our dictator" section of the populace, I suppose.