A Review on The iPad 2

North Georgia Chief Information Officer Dr. Bryson Payne was among the lucky few to have received an iPad 2 early.

In an interview with The Saint he provided a review of the device. Some of the comments have been shortened for space considerations.

Q: What were your first impressions of the iPad 2?

A: I didn't think I would be as impressed as I am with the new iPad 2. With the addition of the cameras (front- and rear-facing), plus the increased speed, built-in screen-sharing and the ability to show your iPad's screen on a TV or projector) have won me over pretty quickly. The potential for innovation in both academic and administrative settings is astounding.

Q: Is it really that much better than a first-generation iPad?

A: The front-facing camera really takes the new iPad 2 to a new level. The first time I saw a screen shot of the Cisco WebEx video conferencing app on the iPad 2 I thought it was as close to a "killer app" as I'd ever seen. You can conference with up to 25 people and you can share files and documents... As I saw it, I thought meetings at North Georgia would never be the same.

Q: You mentioned the Cisco WebEx app - what are your other favorite apps on the iPad 2?

A: I love the Citrix Reciever. This Citrix app allows you to access a virtual Windows desktop from your iPad, and it's surprisingly usable. You can edit documents, print, save files, and more right on a virtual desktop. I like the features in iBooks, the Kindle app, USA Today and other news apps for keeping well-read and up-to-date. . . The one app I'm waiting for is a great notes app. There's still no outstanding iPad 2 stylus-type note-taking app. I still carry paper and pens alongside my iPad 2 to jot down quick notes, and that just feels wrong.

Q: Apple has to be holding something back for the iPad 3 - what features are missing, or is there anything that could be better?

A: I have only three complaints about the iPad 2, and none of them are deal-breakers for me. If future iPad versions allow you to set up everything on the device itself without an old-fashioned desktop or laptop in the way, it could truly stand apart as a replacement for those devices.

Second, the speaker is located on the lower back of the iPad 2. You have to cup your hand somewhat awkwardly around the back when listening to video or audio to get the full volume.

Third, while the new magnetic cover definitely has a cool factor, it doesn't feel as sturdy as the "old" iPad case for standing the iPad up on its own, and you have to be careful not to pick the iPad up by the magnetic cover.


Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share about this innovative device?

A: I think it's going to be a great launching pad for innovation in the classroom and on the administrative side of the university alike. It's certainly got the right tools for collaboration, and I can't wait to see how North Georgia takes advantage of technologies like the iPad 2 over the coming year.

Q:  What about recommend us an easy-to-use iPad 2 Converter?

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and  As a powerful converter, iPad 2 Video Converter can easily convert kinds of videos to iPad for playing. The input format includes AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, MTS, M2TS, MOD, H.264/AVC, RMVB, HD TS, HD MOV, WMV HD, etc. Best iPad 2 Converter allows users to enjoy videos with its large and high-resolution screen freely.

Garage Band for iPad: Using the app to show off the device

Garage Band for iPad is, I'm pleased to say, another one of those apps. Software that melds so perfectly with the iPad hardware that when you show it off to someone, their natural inclination is to say "Oh, so that's why I should buy one of these devices."

I love finding those apps.

Follow the jump to find out why Garage Band qualifies.

I'm a little late to the Garage Band party because I didn't think to buy a copy until several of my TUAW colleagues pointed out its utter simplicity for creating rimshots. "It's like having a portable backup band," one blogger swore. Just hop into the app, select Drums, and use the Classic Studio Kit. A couple of taps on the lower-left snare followed by a top-left cymbal? Brilliant.

But there is so much more you can do with Garage Band than to create an imaginary "Tonight Show" experience. The best way to use it is to noodle around; and the best way to noodle around is to put the application into automatic section length mode, select the smart guitar and have at it.

Start by creating a new song. Choose "Smart Guitar" as your instrument. Then tap the jigsaw puzzle piece at the top left of the screen, tap on Section A, and enable Automatic. This allows you to mess with a random creation without having to be limited to 8 bars at a time.

Next, select a key. I played with C minor (Song Settings/Wrench > Key > C, minor) because, well, it's just fun. Choose a major key if you want to be able to perform all the best songs of Peter, Paul, and Mary with just 3 chords. (or add in a 4th chord for the true Axis of Awesome experience.)

You're now ready to create your own masterpiece. Tap record and have at it. When using Smart Guitar, the iPad basically acts like a smart Autoharp. A single tap brings you an entire chord. Tap the top pentagons to play each chord or stroke individual strings to add notes.

What follows is me recording a "song" by tapping the screen pretty much at random. This is how good the app is. My random taps -- and this. Use the record button at the top center of the screen to capture your session as you mess around. As you can tell from this example, it's almost impossible to use Garage Band badly. And yes, I really was touching things without any plan whatsoever.

To share your creation, tap My Songs to return to the library/organizer screen. Tap the share button (bottom-left, looks like a rectangle with an arrow leaving it to the right), choose Email Song, and let Garage Band do the rest. If you'd rather add your song to your onboard iTunes library, there's an option for that as well.

I am in love with Garage Band. For $5 it offers a toy that a two year old can probably use to make things that sound, well, that sound like they weren't made by a two year old.

Start playing with it around friends and you'll discover that your iPad will leave your hands in moments -- and that your friends will be leaving your company with a resolve that this is one device that they need to buy for themselves and for their kids.

Garage Band is awesome. Highly recommended.

DVD to iPad Converter can allows you to play DVD movies on iPad/iPod/iPhone freely

DVD to iPad Mac is the best choice for Mac users to convert DVD to iPad for entertainment.

Google brings check-ins to Google Latitude on iPhone, 30 languages to Places

Unsurprisingly, El Goog gifted the Android versions of Latitude and Places with these updates a few weeks back, but now the iOS loyalists are being brought into a similar circle. The search giant has just added check-ins to the iOS version of Google Latitude, with any iDevice using iOS 4 or higher being deemed compatible. In related news, the Applefied build of Google Places is now available in 30 languages, and there's an added 'Saved Places' feature for keeping tabs on your favorite spots. You can check your phone for updates, or if you haven't dug in yet, have a poke around in the App Store.

I think Apple would welcome Google Navigation, but I think Google Navigation is the one app that Google doesn't want it's biggest competition to have, as it legitimately could be a reason for someone to buy an Android over the iPhone. An app like Places or Latitude isn't going to have that same effect.

With iPad to iTunes Transfer, you can transfer your songs, videos, podcast, from iPad to iTunes library with ease. You can easily copy music, movies, podcast to iTunes with only a few clicks, saving you the hassle of changing the settings on your computer.

With iPad to iPad Transfer, u can easily transfer files like movies, music, playlist, podcast, TV shows from one iPad to another, or transfer iPad to iTunes Library for another transferring.

iPad to Computer Transfer- Backup Music, Movie, Photo, ePub between iPad and PC

With iPad to Computer Transfer, u can easily transfer iPad/iPad 2 files like movies, photos, music, playlist, podcast, TV shows to PC for backup, and transfer iPad content to iTunes Library for another transferring.

Besides, iPad to PC Transfer can not only transfer your favorite Music, Videos, Photo, ePub, PDF, Audiobook, Podcast and TV Show from iPad 2/iPad to Computer, iPad to iPad 2, iPod to iPad, and iPhone to iTunes, but also enables you to use your iPad as a portable hard drive.

Moreover, iPad to Computer Transfer fully supports the newest iPad 2 and iPad, even keep high compatible with iPod nano, iPod nano 6G, iPod classic, iPod touch, iPod touch 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, even the updated iOS 4.3.

Key Features of iPad to PC Transfer

• Search files quickly
  Filter and quick search tools are provided for you to find what you want quickly and easily when you transfer Music, Video, ePub, PDF, Audiobook, Ringtone, Contact, TV Show and Podcast from iPad to PC, iTunes library;
• iPad info shown
  All information about iPad model, capacity, version, format and serial number are shown automatically as connect your iPad to Computer;
• Manage iPad as a portable hard disk
  iPad to Computer Transfer can open your iPad with Windows Explore to make you manage it as a portable hard disk;
• Two view modes
  iPad to PC Transfer supports two modes for viewing music, movies and photos, creating new playlist, adding illustration for video in thumbnail mode;
• Create and edit playlist
  Create playlists for your iPad, edit them as you wish. Playlists are good for the gym, office, travel and others;
• Other features
  iPad to Computer Transfer supports multiple languages including simplified Chinese and English and changeable skins;

Guide: How to transfer iPad to Computer/PC

Preparation: Free download and install iPad to PC Transfer. ready for the process.

Step 1: Run the software, connect iPad to PC, iPad to Computer Transfer will automatically detect iPad, then the iPad icon library and playlists will appear in the left window.

Step 2: Open the playlist, select the audio / video / photo option you want to transfer by clicking a check mark in the check box.

Step 3:Click button to choose a folder for save the transferred files, then click "Save" button to start transferring iPad to Computer.

------------------For Mac Users--------------

iPad to Mac Transfer enables users to fluently transfer iPad files like music, movies, photos, playlist, podcast, ePub, PDF, Audiobook, Camera Roll, TV shows to Mac for backup, and copy iPad content to iTunes Library easily with iOS 4.3.

Blu-ray to iPad 2 Converter- Convert Blu-ray movies to iPad 2

If you happenly want to watch Blu-ray DVD movies on iPad 2, here is the best one- Pavtube Blu-ray to iPad 2 Converter can make convert Blu-ray to iPad like a breeze.

The iPad 2 playable video & movie & audio formats:
* Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p with Apple Digital AV Adapter or Apple VGA Adapter (cables sold separately)
* Video out support at 576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable; 576i and 480i with Apple Composite AV Cable
* Video formats supported: H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format.

Guide: How to rip/convert/copy Blu-ray to iPad 2 easily

Free download and install Blu-ray to iPad 2 Converter, ready for the wonderful conversion.

Add Blu-ray files- Click “BD/DVD Rom” or “BD/DVD Folder” icon to load Blu-ray movies.

You can select the subtitle freely and ajust audio track in the middle setting of main interface.



Edit input Bluray video (optional)- "Trim" allow users to split video into several small segments: "Crop" can remove black bars round the movie; "Effect" can set movie brightness, contrast, saturation and volume; "Watermark" can add text/image as a logo or dicription; and Blu-ray to iPad 2 has the function of replace the audio with your favorite music, even you can flip the video from left to right/upside-down.



Output settings- Select the output format as H.264 or MPEG-4 encoded videos that are compatible with iPad; Under "Output" option, select a folder to save the files from Blu ray to iPad. (Users can customize the output format as 1024*768 resolution in the "Settings" window)
Note: H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats. (Recommend to use)



Furthermore, Blue ray to iPad enable users to join videos by check "Merge into one file" option.

Convert- click "Convert" button to begin the Blu-ray to iPad 2 conversion. After the converison finished, you can transfer/sync the Blu-ray Video to iPad via iTunes. Then you can enjoy the video on iPad 2 with rich sound and vivid pictures!

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For Mac users, here  Blu ray to iPad 2 Mac  is definitely your best choice to convert Blu-ray DVD to iPad 2 for playback with with its large and high-resolution screen.

iPad 2 Video Converter- Convert SD/HD to iPad 2 easily

How could we take advangate of iPad 2? High defination screen enjoyment of course is one of the most highlighted feature of iPad and iPad 2. And to watch any media file on the go is why some people need this devices. Then how to import file stored in other storage media or format. All you need is an iPad 2 video converter software. Here this iPad 2 Video Converter is perfectly compatible with iPad 2.

As a powerful converter, iPad 2 Video Converter can easily convert kinds of videos to iPad for playing. The input format includes AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, MTS, M2TS, MOD, H.264/AVC, RMVB, HD TS, HD MOV, WMV HD, etc. Best iPad 2 Converter allows users to enjoy videos with its large and high-resolution screen freely.

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Besides powerful converting function, Video to iPad 2 Converter has useful editing functions, such as split video to segments, crop movies to proper size, set file effect like Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, add text/image watermark.

Key Features of iPad 2 Video Converter


* Video to iPad 2 software can Convert kinds of video/audio to iPad 2
Easily convert popular HD/SD Video to iPad 2 for playing anytime anywhere ipad 2 video watching
HD Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, AVCHD Video (*.m2ts, *.mts), TOD, MOD, TS, Apple TV h.264 720P, MKV, HD WMV, MPEG2/MPEG-4 TS;
SD Video: AVI, MPEG, MP4, WMV, FLV, RMVB, DivX, MOV, VOB, etc.

* iPad 2 Converter allows user to Customize Video Output
The best software support: Crop video, apply artistic effects (Brightness, Contrast, Saturation), add watermarks, split movie, adjust video file size, add substitle, etc!

* iPad 2 file Converter enables you to Define your own settings
Video Encoder, Resolution, Frame Rate, Video Bitrate.
Audio Encoder, Sample Rate, Channels, Audio Bitrate.

* Easier operation, friendly interface and better quality
With best iPad 2 Video Converter, you can convert any HD/SD Video to iPad 2 as easy as 1 2 3

DVD to iPad 2 is specially designed for Apple users, it can convert DVD to iPad 2, iPad, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV with corresponding resolutions.

DVD to iPad 2 Mac is a wonderful gift for Mac and iPad users