Consumer Reports' first look at the iPad two finds it's an improvement. It has two cameras so you can video chat and take pictures. It also has a sleeker profile, weighs less and processes graphics more quickly. That's an improvement if you play video games.
As for the competition, Consumer Reports says two tablets are giving Apple a run for its money.
The newest is the Motorola Xoom. It has a built-in USB port which the iPad 2 does not. But the Xoom is thicker and heavier.
The Galaxy Tab from Samsung is smaller than the i-iPad, making it easier to carry. Both include a memory card slot, something else the iPad two lacks.
"Both of these tablets run on the Android platform, and unlike the iPad, they support the flash videos used by many websites. But there are fewer apps in the Android market than there are in Apple's iTunes store," said Paul Reynolds, Consumer Reports.
The bottom line, according to Consumer Reports, is that Apple improved the iPad and kept the price relatively low starting at $500, making the iPad 2 the tablet to beat.
All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2008. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not for profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information visit consumerreports.org.
